FIFA World Cup 2023 Spain shows its limits in Costa Rica – German coach wins with Switzerland
Spain’s Esther Gonzalez (left) and Costa Rica’s Mariana Benavides battle for the ball
© John Cowpland/AP/DPA
On day two of the Women’s World Cup, Spain, Olympic champions Canada and Switzerland kicked off the tournament. While the Europeans won, Canada suffered a false start.
German coach Inka Grings started the Women’s World Cup well with Switzerland. The 44-year-old former national team player signed a deserved 2-0 (1-0) victory against the Philippines with her selection on Friday in Dunedin. Ex-Wolfsburg player Ramona Bachmann (45th minute / penalty) and Seraina Piubel (64th) scored early in the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Spain lived up to their role as favorites from the start. Initially deprived of world footballer Alexia Putellas, who arrived late after a torn cruciate ligament, the European Championship quarter-finalist left Costa Rica no chance in a 3-0 (3-0) victory in Wellington. Goals from Valeria del Campo (21’/csc), Aitana Bonmati (23′) and Esther Gonzalez (27′) decided the match in six minutes. The Spaniards missed new opportunities, Jennifer Hermoso failed with a penalty on goalkeeper Daniela Solera (34th).
For the former Duisburg player Grings, it was the first victory as a Swiss coach after six good months in office. “There was a lot of tension in the dressing room. We were still very determined from the first minute,” Grings said on ZDF. “It’s just good, a game like that. You can sleep well with the 2-0 win.”
FIFA World Cup 2023
The 96-time national player was the first woman in Germany to form a regional men’s league with SV Straelen. Switzerland had to endure a moment of shock early in the game when the Philippines’ supposed 1-0 lead was canceled due to an offside position (16th). Switzerland’s next opponent on Tuesday is Norway, who are already under pressure after losing 1-0 to New Zealand.
Previously, the Canadian Olympic champion had made a false start in the tournament. The favorites were held 0-0 by eleven-time African champions Nigeria in Melbourne. Canadian record holder Christine Sinclair failed with a penalty on goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (50th). For the 40-year-old offense, it would be the 191st goal of their sixth World Cup appearance in their 324th international match. In Group B, Canada are now joined by Nigeria behind hosts Australia, who beat Ireland 1-0.
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2023 Women’s World Cup: Spain and Switzerland win, Canada disappoints
Grings wins with Switzerland
Canada loses to Nigeria
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Ash Larson#Topics