England have got revenge on Spain for their FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat by beating them 1-0 in a UEFA Women’s Nations League match at Wembley this evening.
Jess Park netted the game’s only goal in the first half as the Lionesses erased memories of that painful FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat in Australia 18 months’ ago.
Spain started strongly and they were unlucky not to break the deadlock in the 12th minute when Lucía García rattled the crossbar. Clàudia Pina also went close in the early stages but she was unable to test home keeper Hannah Hampton.
England grew into the game and created chances of their own. Lauren James forced a good save from Cata Coll with a free-kick before the same player failed to beat the Spanish keeper from a tight angle after being played in on goal. The Lionesses should then have had a penalty when Leah Williamson was pulled back by Laia Aleixandri in the box but nothing was given.
The hosts broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark. Alessia Russo’s initial shot was blocked but the ball fell the way of Park who converted from six yards.
Spain responded and Salma Paralluelo fired over before Aitana Bonmatí brought a brilliant save out of Hampton with an effort from 12 yards.
The visitors were keen to make their mark early in the second half but Mariona Caldentey fired wide before Hampton superbly denied Lucía García at full stretch. Bonmatí also tried her luck again without success.
Cata Coll then pushed a James effort to safety before Spain applied further pressure to the England back-line. The Lionesses defended bravely while Hampton came to their rescue as she impressively denied substitute Leila Ouahabi from levelling matters.
England almost doubled their lead late in the game as Cata Coll fumbled a James shot but she recovered to prevent the Lionesses’ margin of victory from being greater.
England return to UEFA Women’s Nations League action in April when they face Belgium in back-to-back home and away fixtures.
About The Author
