On the return home, the first match on Spanish territory since becoming world champion in Sydney 37 days ago (August 20), the women’s team took another step forward towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a solid victory over Switzerland (5-0). Without forgetting the demands, and with a record of public attendance – which should not take long to be surpassed – the players led by Montse Tomé for the second game imposed their status to lead the group and get on track to access the semifinals of the Nations League.
The New Arcángel of Córdoba, with 14,194 spectators (of the 21,822 seats), welcomed the champions with love and color in the stands, who needed popular affection after a month of continuous controversies with the Rubiales case. Too much acrimony, controversy and tension that have left little room for the game. During this time, it is true, the soccer players only played one match, the first of the Nations League on Friday against Sweden in Gothenburg (2-3), in the midst of a climate of “anxiety and stress,” as Aitana Bonmatí described. “We are tired, but focused on football, which is what we do best,” said Ona Batlle, a substitute yesterday, relieved by Oihane at right back.
There was a desire to be an elite soccer player, although, before starting to exhibit their skills on the Arcángel green, the Spanish team reissued their protest ritual that they debuted in Sweden: fists in the air in the photo of the starting eleven, showing their wrists with the hashtag bracelet
From the demand for dignity as women, for respect and equality, the Spanish team went without pause to the demand for its football quality against Switzerland. The opponent, the 21st team in the FIFA ranking, was not a big threat. After the 5-1 of the round of 16 of the World Cup, and with the losses of its stars, the former Blaugrana Ana Maria Crnogorcevic – due to a technical decision, facing the coach, Inka Grings -, and Ramona Bachmann, injured, Switzerland caused little concern.
Montse Tomé only introduced two changes compared to Goteborg (the aforementioned Oihane for Ona and Eva Navarro for Athenea del Castillo on the far right) and the team displayed its usual game of combinative touch, possession, speed and quality. No matter how much basic pieces are missing (Jenni Hermoso, Salma Paralluelo, Laia Codina or the two who left, Patri Guijarro and Mapi León), the pantry of Spanish football continues to provide excellent products. Led by Alexia Putellas, new captain, and Aitana Bonmatí, Spain was always superior to the rival and played a brilliant game.
Lucía García opened the account (m. 15) after a recovery by Mariona Caldentey in high pressure on the goalkeeper and the last Swiss defender; The Blaugrana gave up the goal scored to the Manchester United forward.
Before the break (m. 46 ), Bonmatí ended the duel with an acrobatic finish by jumping into the race to finish a cross from Olga Carmona from the left side.
After the restart, the one from Sant Pere de Ribes made it 3-0 (m. 49) assisted by Alexia Putellas in a back pass. Inma Gabarro made her debut by scoring 4-0 (m. 57) by finishing off a rebound from the goalkeeper after Athenea’s shot, after an excellent pass from Alexia changing the direction of the game. Maite Oroz closed the account with a great goal (m. 87) by sending a powerful shot from outside the area into the top corner.
With the resounding victory over Switzerland, Spain is the sole leader of group A4, taking advantage of Italy’s defeat against Sweden (0-1), and takes a giant step towards reaching the semi-finals (the first in each group qualify). It is the essential requirement to qualify for one of the two tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (only the two finalists go).
Spain: Cata Coll, Oihane, Irene Paredes, Laia Aleixandri, Olga Carmona, Tere Abelleira (Oroz 69), Aitana Bonmatí (Rosa Márquez 81), Alexia Putellas, Eva Navarro (Athenea del Castillo 46), Mariona Caldentey (Amaiur Sarriegi 61) and Lucía García (Gabarro 46).
Switzerland: Herzog, Marti, Maritz (Ivelj 78), Riesen, Sow, Walti, Vallotto (Reuter 60), Bühler, Piubel (Pilgrim 60), Aigbogun (Terchoun 46) and Lehmann (Csillag 78).
Referee: Mularczyk (Poland). Yellow cards to Maritz and Söw.
Goals: 1-0 Lucía García (15), 2-0 Aitana Bonmatí (46), 3-0 Aitana Bonmatí (49), 4-0 Gabarro (57), 5-0 Oroz (87).
Field: New Archangel of Córdoba. 14,194 spectators.
