The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continued Friday (on FS1 and the FOX Sports app) with Spain making a statement win over Costa Rica, 3-0, in a Group C matchup at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
Spain was captained by veteran Ivana Andrés and boasted a host of offensive weapons. But one of them, superstar midfielder Alexia Putellas, was on the bench for the start of this contest. The development was a surprise given that Putellas is a back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner, FOX Sports’ No. 1-ranked player in this year’s tournament, and also considered one of the biggest X-factors in the World Cup.
La Roja still had a host of talent on the field, however, including star forward Jennifer Hermoso, a 2023 Golden Boot contender and FC Barcelona‘s all-time leading scorer. Spain dominated time of possession with 80% and took 46 total shots (12 on goal) compared to Costa Rica’s one en route to the win.
Highlights: Spain blanks Costa Rica
On the other side, Costa Rica wasn’t lacking star power but simply was unable to find a rhythm. Las Ticas were led by standout midfielders Raquel Rodriguez — the national team’s record scorer with 55 goals — and Katherine Alvarado.
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83′: Seeing it through
Spain was this close to connecting on its fourth goal of the match, but there wasn’t enough to make it happen, and things ended there.
77′: Putellas comes on
Putellas finally entered the match late in the second half, subbing in for Paralluelo.
Spain’s Alexia Putellas comes on as sub in 77th minute
57′: Star of the show
Despite not having any points on the board, Costa Rica had a glimmer of hope in Friday’s matchup thanks in large part to goalie Daniela Solera, who came up with crucial saves in the second half to keep Spain from adding to its lead.
50′: All gas, no brakes
Spain defender Olga Carmona made a strong play for the net early in the second half but just missed.
44′: What could have been
Spain’s Esther Gonzalez nearly made it a four-goal lead with a header late in the first half, but she wasn’t able to connect, and La Roja carried a commanding 3-0 edge into halftime.
34′: Staying sharp
Solera kept things within arm’s reach, denying Hermoso’s shot after Spain drew a first-half penalty.
27′: GOAL! Spain is on a roll, 3-0
Gonzalez made it 3-0, collecting a loose ball and shoving it into the net.
Spain’s Esther Gonzalez scores goal vs. Costa Rica in 27′
23′: GOAL! Spain pushes lead to 2-0
Spain pushed its lead to 2-0 on a left-footed blast from Aitana Bonmati.
Spain’s Aitana Bonmati Conca scores goal vs. Costa Rica in 23′
21′: GOAL! Spain leads 1-0
Spain’s pressure paid off, as a cross bounced off a Costa Rica defender’s boot and into the net for an own goal.
Costa Rica’s Valeria Del Campo scores an own goal in 21′
11′: Costa Rica standing tall
Under the threat of constant Spain pressure, Solera did her best to keep the ball out of her net, tipping the ball aside on this close call.
9′: Playing the heel
Gonzalez nearly pulled off a backheel goal, slipping it just wide of the goal.
7′: Breaking ankles already
Spain forward Salma Paralluelo made easy work of her defender with some quick footwork on this play.
PREGAME
Setting the stage
The “World Cup NOW” crew previewed the match live on Twitter ahead of kickoff.
The Bear weighs in
Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica stopped by to preview Spain-Costa Rica, advising bettors to go for “overs,” early in the World Cup as teams play cautiously in order to avoid mistakes.
Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica previews Spain vs. Costa Rica
Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.
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