Women’s World Cup: Spain beat Switzerland 5-1 to reach last 8

Women’s World Cup: Spain beat Switzerland 5-1 to reach last 8

Spain beat Switzerland 5-1 on Saturday to secure the nation’s place in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the second time Spain have hit five goals at Australia and New Zealand 2023, having defeated Zambia 5-0 in the group stage.

The team’s  midfield maestro and Player of the Match, Aitana Bonmati scored twice, with Alba Redondo, Laia Codina and Jennifer Hermoso also on target in a dominant display.

Spain hit the front early on when Bonmati superbly cut the ball back onto her left foot before slotting home with a clever finish.

Switzerland  soon equalised, though in a bizarre fashion.

Spain defender Codina misplaced a pass back to goalkeeper Cata Coll, with the ball rolling into the net to the amazement of the Eden Park crowd.

Jorge Vilda’s side responded defiantly to that shock blow and they were back ahead.

This was when Redondo – starting her first game of the tournament – expertly placed an opportunistic header beyond Swiss stopper, Gaelle Thalmann.

Spain were relentless at this point and forged 3-1 ahead through the brilliant Bonmati.

If her first goal was good, then this one was exceptional.

With one stunning turn inside the penalty box, she dribbled three Swiss defenders and their goalkeeper, then calmly finished to double her team’s advantage.

Spain put the result beyond doubt just before half-time when Codina atoned for her own goal by prodding in from close range following a goal-mouth scramble.

The second half was a more competitive affair, with Switzerland substitute Meriame Terchoun’s snapshot forcing a smart save from Coll.

Spain were to have the last word though, with Hermoso completing the scoring with a clinical strike.

Spain will face the winner of Sunday’s tie between the Netherlands and South Africa in the quarter-final.