The Spanish national team has qualified for the next phase of the ongoing FIFAWWC in Australia and New Zealand. The qualification of “La Roja” was sealed after a 5-0 victory over Zambia in their second group stage match.
The opening game of the Spanish national team ended in a 3-0 win against Costa Rica with Barcelona players, Aitana Bonmati and Ona Batlle contributing to the side’s victory with a goal and assist respectively. Aitana Bonmati was at her brilliant best in the match as her performance saw her awarded the Player of the Match.
Their second game, a 5-0 win over Zambia, helped Spain qualify for the knockout stage and placed them on top of the table, above fellow qualifiers, Japan. Goals from Teresa Abelleira, Jennifer Hermoso (2), and Alba Redondo (2) helped propel Spain past Zambia.
Barcelona captain, Alexia Putellas contributed to the team’s victory with an assist. Alexia was given her first start in a game since her return from an ACL injury that kept her out of action for almost 10 months. The women’s World Player of the Year delivered an amazing performance before she was subbed off at half-time.
With a spot in the knockout stages already secured, Spain’s only objective in their last group stage game against Japan is to come out top of their group prior to the round of 16 games. Spain who have now secured 6 points will have to face the winners or runner-up of group A depending on their position on the table after their game against Japan. Depending on proceedings in group A, Spain might have to face off against either Switzerland, New Zealand, Philippines, or Norway.
Barcelona players who have represented the Spanish national team thus far include Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Salma Paralluelo, Mariona Caldentey, Irene Paredes, and Ona Batlle. However, players like Laia Codina, Maria Perez and Cata Coll remain unused reserves.
