Today at the Women’s World Cup: Aitana Bonmati dazzles as Spain make strong start
The Women’s World Cup continued with three games on the second day of the tournament.
Spain and Switzerland got off to a winning start against Costa Rica and the Philippines respectively.
However, Canada had to share the spoils with Nigeria after Christine Sinclair’s penalty was saved.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at Friday’s action.
Dominant Spain
Spain started the season with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica.
Valeria del Campo’s own goal was followed by goals from Aitana Bonmati and Esther Gonzalez in the next six minutes.
Jenni Hermoso also saved a Daniela Solera penalty before half-time, meaning that a penalty has been awarded in all five games of the tournament so far.
The game also marked the return of two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who played the final 13 minutes of the game after returning from a cruciate ligament injury.
Missed chances for Canada
It wasn’t the start to the tournament that Canada had hoped for after drawing 0-0 with Nigeria in Group B.
In a thrilling encounter, veteran Sinclair had a chance to give Canada the lead from the penalty spot, but Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie failed with a brilliant save.
With the Super Eagles, Deborah Abiodun was sent off in the closing stages of the game.
Nnadozie’s outstanding performance was praised by Nigerian coach Randy Waldrum.
He said: “Chiamaka has done that before and I’ll say that and I’ll embarrass her in front of you all but I think she’s one of the best young goalkeepers in the world right now.”
Swiss leaders Group A
Switzerland go into the next round as leaders in Group A with a 2-0 win over the Philippines.
It was a difficult start for the Filipinas on their World Cup debut after Katrina Guillou was ruled invalid for offside in the 16th minute.
Ramona Bachmann then gave the Swiss the lead with a penalty before the break and Seraina Piubel’s goal in the 64th minute ensured the win.
Switzerland are level with co-hosts New Zealand on three points and meet Norway next Tuesday.
image of the day
quote of the Day
It may be that this is our first time here, but it doesn’t feel like it. We have much more to give. We look forward to the next one and make it as difficult as possible.
Filipino goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel
post of the day
Next
Group E: USA-Vietnam (2pm, Eden Park, Auckland)Group C: Zambia-Japan (8am, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton)Group D: England-Haiti (10.30am, Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane)Group D: Denmark- China (1pm, Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth)all times BST
