22nd March 2023
Spanish Women's Football team
Sport

Spain off to winning start in Women’s World Cup

Two penalties scored in the second-half by Jenni Hemoso – who was also player of the match – enabled Spain to recover from a goal down to beat South Africa 3-1 in their opening game on Saturday at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Thembi Kgatlana put South Africa ahead after 25 minutes, but Hermoso – who plays for Atletico Madrid – scored twice from the spot as Spain fought back.

ALSO READ: FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off

Nothando Vilakazi was sent off for the foul that provoked the second penalty, with Spain’s Lucia Garcia then sealing the 3-1 victory a minute from time.

Spain finally secured their first Women’s World Cup win after suffering a lot against South Africa. In the first half the team had the possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances. But substitutes Bonmati, Garcia and Nahikari changed the game after the break.

Spanish Women's Football team
The Spanish Women’s Football team celebrating their 3-1 victory (Photo courtesy of @SeFutbolFem / Twitter)

After the game, Jorge Vilda, Spain’s coach, said: ‘There are things that can be improved. I think the players felt the pressure of the World Cup, and trying to get the first win, in the first half. But you will see that from a lot of teams here. We made some tactical changes that made the difference, and the players’ mentality changed – that was key today.’

Spain are now level on points at the top of Group B with two-time former champions Germany, who launched their campaign with a 1-0 victory over 1999 finalists China.

Spain’s next match is against Germany on 12 June. They then play China on 17 June.

FIFA Women’s World Cup Groups:

  • Group A: France, South Korea, Norway, Nigeria
  • Group B: Germany, China, Spain, South Africa
  • Group C: Australia, Italy, Brazil, Jamaica
  • Group D: England, Scotland, Argentina, Japan
  • Group E: Canada, Cameroon, New Zealand, Netherlands
  • Group F: USA, Thailand, Chile, Sweden

Key dates for the FIFA Women’s World Cup:

  • 20 June: final group fixtures
  • 22-25 June: round of 16
  • 27-29 June: quarter-finals
  • 2-3 July: semi-finals
  • 7 July: Final at the Stade de Lyon
  • For the full fixture list see fifa.com

Recent Posts

Vilanova i la Geltrú to be host venue for 1st preliminary regatta of America’s Cup

News Desk

Spain and Portugal welcome Morocco’s move to join forces for World Cup bid

News Desk

Spanish government to side against Barça over ‘referee payments’ case

News Desk

Fine and year’s ban proposed for fan who racially insulted Vinícius Júnior

News Desk

Barça threaten legal action against ‘insinuations’ after paying for referee reports

News Desk

Judge investigating Dani Alves alleged sexual assault case hears from witnesses

News Desk

Leave a Comment