The first attack by Spain on the Women’s European Championship was a test for maturity. In the days leading up to the tournament, there were several blows: first, Jennifer Hermoso’s injury, then the starting forward, then the start of Salma Paralluelo. Finally, it was time to say goodbye to the tournament, and to Alexia Putellas, who is the best player in the world. It’s normal for a team to experience setbacks. Then, the team ran into a goal against just as the duel began against Finland, the most expensive enemy in their group.
Although they looked tough, this is where the spirit of triumph emerged from a group soccer players who traveled to England to achieve their goals and elevate Spanish women’s soccer. Mapi Leon’s left-footed strike, a blessing for Spain, and the headers by Irene Paredes and Aitana Bonnemati consolidated the strength of the group. They gave their goals and confidence to get the European Championship off on the right track and achieve great feats.
His intentions were reflected in the beginning of Spain. All-round quality Aitana filtered a ball for Esther’s run. Esther arrived two seconds later than the Finnish goalkeeper. This promising start was quickly cut short by a long Westerlund pass that Sallstrom correctly interpreted. The Spanish defense was not well organized and Sandra Panos was not able to close the gap.
Cloths, Ona Batlle, Paredes, Mapi Leon, Leila (Sheila Garcia, min. 61), Patri Guijarro, Aitana (Athenea, min. 79), Irene Guerrero (Aleixandri, min. 61), Lucia Garcia (Claudia Pina, min. 86), Esther, Cardona, min. 79), and Mariona.
Korpela, Hyyrynen (Kuikka, min. 67), Westerlund, Pikkujamsa, Koivisto, Engman (Sainio, min. 46), Alanen, Summanen (Ahtinen, min. 85), Oling (Rantanen, min. 87), Sallstrom y Franssi ( Danielsson, min. 85).
Goals: 0-1: min. 1, Sallstrom. 1-1: min. 26, Paredes. 2-1: min. 41, Aitana. 3-1: min. 75, Lucia Garcia. 4-1: min. 95, Mariona, de penalti.
Referee: Kateryna Monzul (Ukraine). She booked Paredes for Spain and Alanen for Finland.
Incidents: Match of Day 1 in Group B at the Women’s European Championship was played at the Stadium MK, Milton Keynes in front of 16,819 spectators.
Jorge Vilda’s team did not suffer any setbacks in trying to stop the rival from obtaining the ball. Spain reached the Finnish border after being confronted by the Nordic space power. After a crossing to the far post from Mapi Leon, an ace in hitting, he was very close to finding the equalizer. Lucia searched her brain but could not find a partner to complete the auction. In the final pass against the populated and orderly opponent’s retreat, the success was not there.
Esther, always fierce, was the first person to test Korpela’s reflexes. She breathed a sigh again after Leila’s long shot, and licked the crossbar. La Roja was sped up and she made more merits than necessary for the draw. Mariona was already harried and knocked at Finland’s door. Esther saved a ball from the baseline to help her. Soon after, a draw was made. Irene Paredes, from a set piece in the x-th Spanish corner kick, entered the header unstoppable. Korpela remained in the middle of play, and the captain calmed the nerves of a team that had been punished for their misfortunes up until that point.
Spain was affected by the balm of match. Only the Finnish team was present in another against. Mapi Leon, who had already been established as the leader of Spanish defense, stopped them. Vilda’s team didn’t give up despite all the difficulties and received a stunning cross from Mapi Leon. Another school left-handed shot, Aitana was right to place her on her head in the same team and take over La Roja just before the break.
After the break, Ona Batlle was able put the win on track; Korpela denied it. Esther also shot high after a great blackboard play. Vilda took to the bench to rest her legs, and Laia Aleixandri (one of her favorite ones) also took her head. They had too much to forgive Mapi Leon and his blessed right leg, which became a national disaster in Finland and Lucia Garcia’s head. Mariona converted a penalty and gave the team the satisfaction of doing their duty. The injection of morale to a team that had suffered so many injuries on the green, made Alexia smile in support. They are waiting for Germany and Denmark, to keep dreaming.