After a shock 4-0 defeat in their final group stage fixture, Spain have bounced back in spectacular style to progress to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
La Roja took on Switzerland in their last 16 tie at Auckland’s Eden Park on a record-breaking occasion, and they made a flying start, taking the lead after only five minutes, courtesy of Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati.
HISTORY IN NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿
Switzerland v Spain breaks the record for the biggest football attendance – men’s or women’s – in New Zealand history.
Another record tumbles at this FIFA Women's World Cup™ 👏#FIFAWWC #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/vqBR9sq7XU
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 5, 2023
However, the Swiss equalised soon after when Laia Codina turned the ball into her own net. Fortunately for Spain, they re-took the lead just a few minutes later, with Alba Redondo scoring from a cross from Bonmati.
Bonmati scored her second on 36 minutes to make it 3-1, before Codina scored in the right end to ensure Spain led by four goals to one at the half time interval.
Jennifer Hermoso added a fifth late in the second period, again assisted by Bonmati, to ensure a comfortable and emphatic victory for Spain. They will face either the Netherlands or South Africa, who play on Sunday, in their quarter-final tie.
