The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 resumes on Friday (on FS1 and the FOX Sports App) with Spain taking on Costa Rica in a Group C match at New Zealand’s Wellington Regional Stadium and La Roja already leading by 3-0.
Spain is led by veteran Ivana Andrés and has a variety of offensive weapons. But one of them, superstar midfielder Alexia Putellas, was at the beginning on the bench this competition. The development came as a surprise considering Putellas has won the Ballon d’Or twice in a row, is FOX Sports’ top-ranked player in this year’s tournament and is also considered one of the biggest X-Factors of the World Cup.
However, Spain will still have plenty of talent on the field, including star striker Jennifer Hermoso, 2023 Golden Boot contender and FC Barcelona’s all-time top scorer.
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On the other hand, Costa Rica is not short of star power. Las Ticas are led by outstanding midfielders Raquel Rodriguez – the national team’s all-time leading scorer with 55 goals – and Katherine Alvarado.
Follow our live coverage below!
Spain vs Costa Rica
77 minutes: Putellas comes
Putellas finally came on late in the second half and came on for Paralluelo.
57′: Star of the show
Despite being without points, Costa Rica had a glimmer of hope in Friday’s game, largely thanks to goalkeeper Daniela Solera, who made a crucial save in the second half to prevent Spain from extending their lead.
50′: full throttle, no brakes
Spain defender Olga Carmona put in a good net early in the second half but just missed the goal.
44 minutes: What could have been
Spain’s Esther Gonzalez nearly increased the lead to four goals with a header late in the first half, but she failed to find the equalizer and La Roja were 3-0 at half-time.
34 minutes: Stay tuned
Solera kept things within reach and saved Hermoso’s shot after Spain converted a first-half penalty.
27′: GOAL! Spain is 3-0
Gonzalez made it 3-0 by catching a loose ball and putting it in the net.
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23′: GOAL! Spain extends the lead to 2-0
Spain extended their lead to 2-0 with a shot from the left by Aitana Bonmati.
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21′: GOAL! Spain leads 1-0
The pressure from Spain paid off as a cross bounced off the boot of a Costa Rica defender and resulted in an own goal.
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11′: Costa Rica stays great
Under constant pressure from Spain, Solera did her best to keep the ball out of her net and flipped the ball sideways on that close pass.
9′: Play with the heel
Gonzalez almost scored a goal with his heel when he shot just wide.
7′: I’m already breaking my ankles
Spanish striker Salma Paralluelo made easy work of her defender with quick footwork in the game.
FOREPLAY
Prepare the stage
The World Cup NOW team followed the game live on Twitter before kick-off.
The bear weighs
Chris “The Bear” Fallica stopped by to watch a preview between Spain and Costa Rica and advised bettors to bet on overs early in the World Cup as teams play cautiously to avoid making mistakes.
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Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule here and find out how to watch every game live. The latest results can be found here.