Heavyweights Spain hammer Costa Rica 3-0
Sports Desk, Jul 21 (EFE).- Aitana Bonmati was the star of the show as Spain thrashed Costa Rica 3-0 in their opening World Cup Group C match.
On a wild, wet night in Wellington, Spain completely dominated the match, playing their opponents off the pitch with their typically accurate and incisive passing and peppering Costa Rica’s goal with 46 attempts, 12 of which were on target.
The one-sided contest was all-but wrapped up after a flurry of three strikes in under 10 first half minutes, starting with an own goal by Valeria del Campo who sliced in Real Madrid striker Esther Gonzalez’s low cross at the end of a flowing, one-touch move from the Iberians.
Barcelona star Bonmati, who had played a key role in the opening goal, swept in a left-footed shot moments later.
Gonzalez added a third from close range, firing in after Jennifer Hermoso’s header came back off the crossbar.
Hermoso also failed to convert from the penalty spot, with Daniela Solera, who performed admirably to keep the score line respectable, making the save.
Spain, who have never gone beyond the round of 16, have one of the most talented squads in the competition and are one of the favorites to make a deep run.
In the day’s other matches, Canada were held to a goalless draw against Nigeria in Group B, while Switzerland dismissed World Cup debutants Philippines 2-0 to leapfrog co-hosts New Zealand to top Group A on goal difference.EFE
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