The Spanish National Women’s Football Team got off to a good start in their first Olympic Games. Their debut was a face off against one of the toughest opponents in the competition, Japan, but the Spanish team managed to secure a comeback win (2-1).
Spain have taken a weight off their shoulders by beating Japan. Montse Tomé’s team have learnt from their past mistakes and, despite not starting the game on the right track, the Spaniards showed maturity and personality to overcome the Japanese in the Olympic opener held in Nantes.
A frenetic debut in the Olympic Games:
The first-ever Spanish starting eleven of the Olympic Games had the return of Patri Guijarro to the lineup as its main novelty. Players such as Jenni Hermoso and Tere Abelleira began the match on the bench, but came on in the second half.
‘La Roja’ began the match hesitantly on defense, in a similar manner to the 4-0 defeat they suffered against Japan in the World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.
The Japanese were certain that their game plan would be centered around stealing the ball in the opponent’s half after the Spanish brought it up the pitch and take advantage of their attackers’ speed to create chances. Not even two minutes later, Cata Coll had to make an impressive save to keep her team afloat.
Spain were not comfortable and struggled to connect with their forward line. Another defensive mistake would lead to the free kick that allowed Japan to pull ahead. Fujino scored an unstoppable goal from the edge of the box with a shot that landed in the top corner of the goal defended by Cata Coll, who could not do anything to stop the strike.
The goal had an eye-opening effect, which made Spain wake up and react with several tactical changes. The key to their improvement was the creation of superiority with the movement of the midfielders and the support provided by Mariona Caldentey. The action of the match shifted to the right flank with Athenea opening up the field and breaking lines with her runs.
Spain have the best player in the world in their roster and, when the team neededs her the most, she shows up. This time would be no exception, as Aitana Bonmatí scored an quality goal that is clear proof of her quality. Alexia Putellas found Athenea on a run, who then played it perfectly to Aitana. The Ballon d’Or then got past Yamashita (Japan’s goalkeeper) with a cold-blooded dribble and, with barely any space, fired a perfect shot to score the first-ever goal of the Spanish Women’s National Team in the Olympic Games.
The goal brought calmness and control to a match that reached halftime with a draw. The second half started the same way as the first ended. Spain struggled to find space through the center of the pitch and to link up with Salma Paralluelo, who was nowhere to be found. However, the changes in the bench and the patience of the Spanish side helped achieve the awaited and deserved comeback.
Mariona Caldentey, another ‘stealthy’ player that always shows up, would score Spain’s second goal. The Balearic player performed a one-two with Aitana Bonmatí inside the box and took a curved shot to the far post that secured the comeback in the 74th minute of the match.
The Spaniards dominated the final 15 minutes of play. Lucía García, who came on in the final stretch, provided a lot of pace on offense and had the chance to increase her team’s lead. Consequently, Spain managed an exciting win against one of the toughest opponents in these Olympic Games. The revenge against the Japanese could be a turning point for the Spanish side to gain more confidence in their path towards the gold medal.
The next opponents on the way to reach the quarterfinals will be Nigeria and Brazil.
Translated by Nuño Alonso.
Main image: @SEFutbolFem.
At ELXIIDEAL we have a great opportunity to advertise your business via our website and social media network.
