Home News Women’s World Cup 2023: Spain Decimates Costa Rica 3-0 – Spanish Display Unrivaled Dominance

Women’s World Cup 2023: Spain Decimates Costa Rica 3-0 – Spanish Display Unrivaled Dominance

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Women's World Cup 2023 Spain vs Costa Rica

Despite this being only their third World Cup appearance, with their past endeavors ending in the group stage in 2015 and the last 16 in 2019, Spain demonstrated exceptional performance by soundly defeating Costa Rica in their initial Women’s World Cup match held in Wellington.

The opening goal arrived courtesy of an own goal from Costa Rica’s Valeria del Campo, which was swiftly followed by a second goal from Spain’s Aitana Bonmati just two minutes later. Esther Gonzalez supplemented the lead by scoring a third goal, after Jennifer Hermoso’s header ricocheted off the crossbar. Hermoso, however, missed a subsequent penalty that was deftly saved by Costa Rica’s Daniela Solera.

Despite Olga Carmona hitting the crossbar and Solera’s impressive saves, Spain remained dominantly in control. This was clearly reflected in the match statistics, with Spain recording 46 attempts at goal, 12 of which were on target. In stark contrast, Costa Rica, ranking 36th worldwide, could only muster a single off-target attempt.

Spain’s control over the game was also evident in their 80% possession and their commanding tally of 22 corners, compared to Costa Rica’s solitary corner.

Despite previous disruptions in their preparations, Spain was off to a perfect start in their Group C campaign. In a recent dispute, 15 national team members threatened to resign due to disagreements over training methods and match preparations, unless manager Jorge Vilda stepped down. However, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) backed Vilda, who consequently included only three of the dissenting 15 players – Mariona Caldentey, Bonmati, and Ona Batlle – in the World Cup squad.

Costa Rica, despite their history of never winning a match in a Women’s World Cup and only managing a 1-1 draw against Spain in their 2015 opener, could not replicate their past success, as Spain clearly dominated this match.

Promising opportunities were missed by Bonmati, Gonzalez, Ivana Andres, and Salma Paralluelo before Del Campo inadvertently scored on her own team from a cross by Gonzalez. In a flurry of action, Spain netted three times within a seven-minute span, and despite Hermoso’s failed penalty attempt, Spain kept their lead.

Costa Rica’s Solera should be credited for her commendable efforts, denying a greater margin of defeat with her superb saves against Paralluelo, Carmona, and Andres.

Spain’s substitute midfielder, Alexia Putellas, who secured the Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022, made a brief appearance in the final 13 minutes of the match. Putellas has been recovering from a severe knee injury incurred just before the last year’s Women’s European Championship and has not played a full match since.

As they march forward, Spain is seeking another commanding victory against Zambia, the tournament’s lowest-ranked team, on July 26, while Costa Rica will next face the formidable challenge of Japan, the 2011 champions and 2015 finalists.

Match Summary:

  • Possession: Spain 80%, Costa Rica 20%
  • Shots: Spain 46, Costa Rica 1
  • Shots on Target: Spain 12, Costa Rica 0
  • Corners: Spain 22, Costa Rica 1
  • Fouls: Spain 9, Costa Rica 10

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s World Cup 2023 Spain vs Costa Rica

What was the score in the Spain vs Costa Rica match in the Women’s World Cup 2023?

Spain defeated Costa Rica with a score of 3-0.

How did Spain score their goals in the match?

The first goal was an own goal from Valeria del Campo of Costa Rica. The second was scored by Aitana Bonmati, and the third was added by Esther Gonzalez.

What significant statistics were recorded during the match?

Spain showed significant dominance with 80% ball possession, 46 attempts on goal, 12 of which were on target, and 22 corners. In contrast, Costa Rica had just one off-target shot and one corner.

Who was the goalie for Costa Rica and how did she perform?

The goalkeeper for Costa Rica was Daniela Solera. She delivered a remarkable performance by saving a penalty and making a number of excellent saves that kept the scoreline respectable.

What was the controversy surrounding the Spanish team before the tournament?

There was a dispute wherein 15 members of the national team threatened to resign due to disagreements over training methods and match preparations, demanding the resignation of manager Jorge Vilda. The Spanish Football Federation backed Vilda and only three of the dissenting players were included in the World Cup squad.

Who is Alexia Putellas?

Alexia Putellas is a Spanish footballer who won the Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022. She played the last 13 minutes of the match against Costa Rica, as she has been recovering from a severe knee injury.

Who are Spain and Costa Rica’s next opponents in the tournament?

Spain is set to face Zambia, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, while Costa Rica will be up against Japan, the 2011 champions and 2015 finalists.

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6 comments

RositaCR7 July 21, 2023 - 11:26 am

Agh, tough day for us Costa Rica fans 🙁 But hey, our goalie Solera was on fire, she’s still a hero in my book!

Reply
SambaLaLiga July 21, 2023 - 12:18 pm

Bit of a drama before the World Cup with those Spanish players threatening to resign, eh? Worked out fine for them in the end, looks like Vilda’s doing something right.

Reply
LadiesFootie4ever July 21, 2023 - 2:59 pm

Bonmati’s goal was superb, such precision! But Hermoso missing that penalty…really unexpected! They still got a sweet 3-0 win though.

Reply
SoccerFan21 July 21, 2023 - 3:50 pm

Man, Spain really owned the field this time huh? That’s what I call domination, 46 attempts, 12 on target! Costa Rica didn’t stand a chance…

Reply
PenaltyStopper July 21, 2023 - 9:03 pm

Credit where it’s due, Solera was incredible! Kept the score from going through the roof, did you see those saves? Top class!!

Reply
GoldenBallWatcher July 21, 2023 - 10:38 pm

Good to see Putellas back in action, even if it was just for 13 minutes. Hope her injury recovery’s going well, she’s a real gem for Spain!

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