In the opener of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, Group B, Spain presented Canada, a taste of European Football, with a 5 – Nil defeat.
Prior to the match, a seemingly confident Canada Coach, Daniel Worthington, said his team will bring their best football to the field.
Though a calculating Spain Coach, Pedro Lopez, was not going to let that sway his team, which comprises a good mix of talent.
Worthington’s hopes of seeing his team off to a winning start yesterday did not turn out as expected, as his team were thrashed 5 – 0 by an on-song Spanish side.
Right from the start, defense and possession were in favor of Spain, which saw them secure 3 points before the 45th minute.
Canada on the other hand, moved in with counter attacks that were continuously brought under control by Spain’s defensive third.
Two smooth attempts from Canada’s Deannne Rose came under strain in the second half, when Forward and Utility Maite Oroz was injected to support Spain’s defense.
Eventually, Canada’s attacks buckled under pressure in the dying minutes of the match, which saw Spain bag to more goals to add on to the first half’s three.
After the match, Canada Captain, Bianca St. Georges said, the Spanish team brought on their European style of football, but the five 5 – nil defeat will not sway their confidence to take Nigeria.
Happy with the outcome of the opener match but still calculating, Spain Coach, Pedro Lopez, said, it’s a good start, but it’s not over yet, their meet with Japan on Wednesday will be tough, as Japan is quite a tactful team and their athleticism , no doubt will be challenging.
Canada will take on Nigeria in the 7 pm match on Wednesday, while Spain will face Japan in the 4pm match.
