Historic victory to start (2-1)
A historic day for the Spanish Women's National Team. Making an Olympic debut is not an everyday occurrence, and Montse Tomé's team knew the stature of the match from the very first whistle. The national team went out looking to win against a strong opponent that didn’t make anything easy, achieving victory thanks to stunning goals from Aitana and Mariona.
The match did not start as expected. Japan took an early lead with a direct free-kick from Fujino. A great strike from the Japanese player that Cata Coll managed to get a fingertip to but couldn't stop. However, this early goal did not dampen the hopes of Montse Tomé’s team, a mature side that continues to work hard even in difficult moments.
Spain’s response came just ten minutes after conceding. An excellent pass from Athenea left Aitana alone in the box, where the Ballon d'Or winner was lethal. The talented Catalan player outwitted the Japanese goalkeeper with a sublime dribble and finished perfectly.
Spain kept up the pressure, but Japan proved to be a tough opponent, only slowing their pace with the fatigue that came as the minutes passed. In the final stretch, the Olympic team scored again with a brilliant team move finished off by Mariona with an unstoppable shot. Another great goal from our team in a match that will be remembered in Spanish football history. Spain debutantes in the Paris Olympics won with a well-deserved victory.
The national team play their second group stage match against Nigeria next Sunday, 28th July at 7:00 PM, again in Nantes. The match can be watched live on La 1.
DATA SHEET
Cata Coll (P), Olga Carmona (Oihane, 60'), Aleixandri, Irene Paredes (C), Ona Batlle, Patri Guijarro (Teresa, 82'), Alexia (Jenni Hermoso, 68'), Aitana, Mariona, Athenea (Lucía García, 82'), Salma Paralluelo.
Coach: Montse Tomé
Yamashita (P), Koga (Moriya, 90'), Kumagai (C), Minami, Seike (Hamano, 46'), Fujino, Miyazawa, Shimizu (Takahashi, 68'), Nagano, Hasegawa, Tanaka (Chiba, 80').
Coach: Futoshi Ikeda
0-1 | Fujino | 13'
1-1 | Aitana | 22'
2-1 | Mariona | 74'
Referee:
Bouchra Karboubi
Assistant referees:
Fatiha Jermoumi
Diana Chikotesha
Fourth officia:
Odette Hamilton
Women’s Football Tournament (Paris Olympic Games)
Stade de la Beaujoire (Nantes)
Yellow cards: Patri Guijarro (11') e Irene Paredes (42')