CHRONICLE | Strong debut in the Cup of Nations (3-0)
The national team could not have had a better start to the Australian tournament. The first of the three finals to reach the Cup of Nations title was won with efficiency, superiority and goals. Jamaica was the first opponents of the 2023 season who suffered from a Spanish victory on Thursday 16 February.
The Spanish team took possession of the ball and had the best chances of the game. After a couple of shots that missed the target, Maite Oroz showed her magic. The Real Madrid midfielder took advantage of a shot against the crossbar by Claudia Zornoza to score the first goal. The second one came just minutes before half-time. Esther González controlled a ball from Marta Cardona to beat Spencer and extend the lead.
In the second half, Jorge Vilda's team kept up their dominance by creating chances against the Jamaican side. Fiamma made it 3-0 with a magnificent right-footed shot into the top corner. The Valencia CF international withdrew minutes after scoring her first goal for La Roja due to a blow to her knee. , The game came to an end with 10 players on the pitch.
The next challenge for the Spanish internationals will be on Sunday 19 February against Australia at Commbank Stadium in Sydney.
DATA SHEET
Starting Line-up: Enith Salon; Sheila García, Ivana Andrés (Fiamma, 60'), María Méndez, Paula Tomás, Teresa Abelleira, Claudia Zornoza (Pujadas, 60'), Athenea del Castillo (Salma, 46'), Marta Cardona (Eva Navarro, 46'), Maite Oroz (Carro, 72’) y Esther González (Alba Redondo, 46').
Coach: Jorge Vilda
Starting Line-up: Becky Spencer (Sampsons, 62'), Chantel Swaby, Victoria Williams (Jones, 46'), Kayla Mckenna, Drew Spence (Sampsons, 62'), Chenya Matthews (Simmonds, 62'), Deneisha Blackwood, Paige Bailey (Cameron, 73'), Allyson Swaby, Tierny Wiltshire y Atlanta Primus.
Coach: Lorne Donaldson
1-0: Maite Oroz (min 18)
2-0: Esther González (min 47)
3-0: Fiamma Benítez (min 80)
Referee: Lara Lee (AUS)
Assistant 1: Sarah Ho (AUS)
Assistant 2: Lauren Hargrave (AUS)
Fourth official: Rebecca Durcau (AUS)
First Round Cup of Nations in Australia
Industree Group Stadium (Gosford)