If Spain shone for its first match in this Women’s World Cup on Friday, the Canadian Olympic champions were more struggling.
The contenders for the final victory definitely do not have it easy in these first two days of the World Cup. After Norway’s surprise loss to New Zealand and Australia’s narrow win over Ireland on Thursday, Canada dropped some potentially valuable points on Friday (July 21) in their first game in the competition. No problem, however, for Switzerland and even less for Spain, which is particularly attractive.
Spain out of category for Costa Rica
La Roja imposes. The Spanish selection made short work of Costa Rica (3-0) for the last match of the day, and delivered the most successful collective performance of these first two days of the World Cup. The modest Costa Ricans, present for the second time at this level, tried to defend very low to block access to their goal. But Spain made their offensive strike force speak (45 strikes) and the talent of players like Aitana Bonmati or Salma Paralluelo, sparkling. The case was over in six minutes flat with three goals between the 21st and 27th minute of play.
The score could have been much heavier without a great performance from goalkeeper Daniela Solera in the Costa Rican goal. Spain ideally launches group C before the match Zambia – Japan on Saturday, to follow on France 3 and France.tv.
Successful debut for Switzerland
In a similar match, Switzerland also enforced logic. Against a team from the Philippines who above all sought not to concede too many goals, the Nati won 2-0. Checked for the first 45 minutes despite numerous opportunities, the Swiss selection forced the decision with the help of VAR and a penalty converted by PSG player Ramona Bachmann. Seraina Piubel concretized the Swiss domination and put hers away in the second period (64th). With New Zealand’s unexpected victory over Norway on Thursday, the Swiss have not missed the opportunity to retake the top of Group A in the race for the round of 16.
The frustrated Canadian Olympic champion
Canada missed such an opportunity. Reigning Olympic champions after their coronation in Tokyo, the Canadians could not do better than a draw against Nigeria (0-0) in Melbourne. If they were almost never put in danger, they were hardly more convincing in front of the opposing goal. And Christine Sinclair, top scorer in the history of the national team, missed the opportunity to sign a 191st achievement, seeing her penalty rejected by the goalkeeper of the Super Falcons and Paris FC, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Team Canada has grilled a joker for the first two qualifying places for the round of 16, after the victory of Australia against Ireland (1-0) Thursday. The Olympic champions may have to secure their qualification in a “final” in the third group match against the Australians, who should recover their leader Sam Kerr for this meeting.