MATCH REPORT | World Cup winners ready to conquer Europe (3-1)

This Friday’s relentless sun shining at the Butarque stadium forced the internationals to shield their eyes upon arrival at the Leganés stadium. Such an image served as a perfect metaphor for the current position the Spain team are in: focused, eyes fixed on the horizon, and determined to fight bravely for the much desired brightly shining continental trophy this summer.

The opening scene in Spain’s summer drama was in Leganés abd came to life on the pitch in the squad’s final test before heading to the Euros.

It was a tough test, against one of the best teams in the world and the only one that managed to defeat Spain in the unforgettable World Cup held in Oceania. Nils Nielsen’s Japan, despite missing several players, presented a stern test that Montse Tomé’s internationals passed with flying colors.

Even more so after their promising start was interrupted half an hour into the game when the Japanese won the ball high up the pitch and the talented Mina Tanaka—the same player who capped off the World Cup win in Wellington—turned deftly and scored a beautiful goal.

The national team managed to respond to Japan’s goal and ended up overwhelming them with their quality in the second half.

The Spanish national team, unable to call on Aitana Bonmatí due to sickness, quickly absorbed the setback and got to work to turn things around, eventually finding their reward shortly before half-time. The move began with Alexia, continued with a penetrating run from Ona Batlle, who looked up and delivered a precise cross that the relentless Claudia Pina slotted home.

The match went into the half-time break level, and after the restart, a refreshed Spain—bolstered by the additions of Jana and Esther off the bench—dominated the Japanese, who could not respond to the Spanish pressure.

After several warnings shots were fired from Alexia and Claudia. Vicky López’ effort culminated in a goal by the young player from Madrid, who took advantage of a mistake by the Japanese goalkeeper to turn the scoreline around. The Cantabria born Athenea del Castillo sealed the match with a spectacular left-footed strike late on in the match, shortly after stepping onto the pitch herself.

This all made for a 3-1 final score and a feeling of invincibility as, with the sun setting of Madrid, this Spain team overcame the best the land of the rising sun has to offer. On Sunday, they travel to Switzerland hoping to add to their World Cup winners’ star in a European Championships where this prodigious generation of footballers aims to complete their trophy cabinet.