La Roja got their Women’s World Cup campaign off to a flying start on Friday, crushing Costa Rica 3-0 in their Group B opener at a wet Wellington Regional Stadium.
Spain Unleash Dominant Display to Crush Costa Rica
Spain dominated the match from start to finish, with their superior passing and movement creating numerous scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Esther Gonzalez’s cross from the left was turned into her own net by Valeria del Campo.
Aitana Bonmati doubled Spain’s lead just two minutes later, curling a superb strike into the top corner. Gonzalez got her goal in the 27th minute, and Spain had a glorious chance to make it four when they won a penalty, but Daniela Solera saved Jennifer Hermoso’s spot-kick.
A dominant first-half display from #ESP as they hold a three goal advantage at the break. 🇪🇸🇨🇷#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 21, 2023
Birthday girl Daniela Solera made a number of fine saves to restrict Spain to three goals only.
At the 2019 World Cup, Guro Reitien created nine chances against Australia – the most in a single game at the tournament…
Teresa Abelleira created 10 chances against Costa Rica in Spain’s opening game of the 2023 tournament.
The win was a perfect start for Spain, who are one of the favorites to win the tournament. They will be looking to build on this performance when they face Germany in their next Group B match on Tuesday.
Spain vs Costa Rica Final Score
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final Score |
| Spain | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Costa Rica | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goal Scorers
Del Campo (OG) 21′
Bonmati 23′
Gonzalez 27′
And it’s THREE! 🤯
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 21, 2023
Esther Gonzalez nets on the rebound and #ESP are putting on a show. 👏
Final Lineups
Spain (4-2-3-1, right to left): Rodriguez (GK) — Batlle (Hernandez 87′), Andres, Parades, Carmona — Bonmati, Abelleira (Putellas 77′) — Del Castillo (Caldentey 62′), Hermoso, Parralluelo (Zornozo 77′)— Gonzalez (Redondo 62′)
Costa Rica (5-4-1, right to left): Solera (GK) — Coto, Benavides, F. Villalobos, Del Campo, Elizondo (Granados 58′)— Herrera, Alvarado, G. Villalobos (Pinell 73′), Chinchila — Salas (Scott 73′)
Here are some of the key takeaways from the match:
- Spain were dominant in all areas of the pitch, with their passing, movement, and finishing all impressive.
- Esther Gonzalez was the star of the show, scoring goal and setting up the other. She is one of the most in-form strikers in the world and will be a key player for Spain if they are to win the tournament.
- Aitana Bonmati was also excellent, scoring a goal and creating several chances. She is a talented midfielder who will be an important part of Spain’s midfield.
- Costa Rica were disappointing on the day, but they will be hoping to bounce back when they face Vietnam in their next Group B match. Costa Rica had some chances in the first half, but they were unable to convert them.
Overall, it was a convincing win for Spain, who will be feeling confident ahead of their next match.