Midfielder Aitana Bonmati of Spain (C) received the recognition of being named the Player of the Match after Spain’s impressive 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in the opening game of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The match took place in Wellington, New Zealand, and was captured in a memorable photograph by Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA-EFE.
July 21 (UPI) — Spain, one of the top contenders in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, showcased their dominance by recording an astounding 45 shots against Costa Rica. The match, held in Wellington, New Zealand, ended in a resounding 3-0 victory for Spain.
“We are extremely pleased with this result,” said Spain midfielder Teresa Abelleira. “A strong start to the tournament was something we truly desired.”
Spain’s goals came courtesy of forward Aitana Bonmati and midfielder Esther Gonzalez. Spain took an early lead in the 21st minute when Costa Rica’s Valeria del Campo inadvertently scored an own goal. Bonmati’s exceptional performance earned her the well-deserved title of Player of the Match.
Ranked sixth in the world, Spain showcased their dominance by controlling 61% of the possession and registering a dozen shots on target. Conversely, Costa Rica managed just one attempt on Spain’s net.
An astonishing 34 of Spain’s 45 shot attempts were made within the penalty area. The Spanish players made 587 passes compared to Costa Rica’s 140, and they also took 22 corner kicks.
In the 21st minute, Abelleira’s well-placed pass set up Gonzalez for the opening goal of the match. Gonzalez skillfully dribbled towards the left end line and delivered a precise ground cross in front of the goal. Although Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Daniela Solera made a touch on the cross, it ultimately deflected off del Campo and found its way into the net.
In the 23rd minute, forward Athenea del Castillo showcased her skills by expertly maneuvering through the Costa Rica box. Despite losing control of the ball, it was quickly recovered by right back Ona Batlle. Batlle’s pass found Bonmati, who outmaneuvered the Costa Rica defense and scored with a left-footed shot just inside the left post.
Less than five minutes later, Gonzalez sealed the victory for Spain with the final goal of the game.
In the 27th minute, Abelleira delivered a curling cross from the right flank, resulting in a header by center midfielder Jenni Hermoso that hit the crossbar. The rebound fell to Gonzalez, who confidently struck the ball into the net with her left foot from just a few yards out.
Solera further showcased her skills by denying Hermoso’s penalty kick in the 34th minute. Neither team managed to score for the remainder of the Group C opener.
In their next Group C match, Spain will face Zambia, ranked 77th in the world, at 3:30 a.m. EDT on Wednesday at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Costa Rica will compete against Japan, ranked 11th, at 1 a.m. on Wednesday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.
