Spain’s Women’s World Cup Journey: From Defeat to Redemption
“We weren’t that good before and we’re not that bad now,” said Oihane Hernandez after Spain’s 4-0 defeat to Japan, a sentiment echoed by her teammates. The loss to Japan was a wake-up call for the Spanish team, but it also served as a catalyst for their growth and evolution.
The game against Japan was a disaster for Spain. They were poorly positioned in defense, struggled to stop the Japanese counter-attack, and lacked ideas in both attack and possession. Even with star players like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati on the field, Spain failed to deliver. The criticism was harsh but necessary.
In the aftermath of the defeat, the players and coach were defensive in front of the media, but internally, they were determined to use their anger and frustration to transform their performance on the pitch. They took a day off to clear their minds and then analyzed what went wrong against Japan. The pressure to perform was mounting, especially since Spain had never won a knockout match at a Women’s World Cup.
Manager Jorge Vilda decided to shake up the team for their next match against Switzerland. He made surprising changes, including swapping goalkeepers and omitting Putellas from the starting lineup. The changes paid off, as Spain showed a remarkable improvement in their performance.
Against Switzerland, Spain played with speed and directness, finding spaces and widening the pitch. Irene Paredes was solid in defense, and Laia Codina, despite an own goal, proved to be a valuable addition to the team. However, the standout player was Aitana Bonmati, who scored twice, provided two assists, and led the team with her creativity. It is worth noting that Bonmati’s best performances came when Putellas did not start.
The victory against Switzerland marked a historic moment for Spain, as it was their first Women’s World Cup knockout win. Vilda’s risky lineup changes and the team’s improved mentality played a crucial role in their success. Despite having less possession than in the previous match, Spain had a cutting edge and managed to create more scoring opportunities.
Mentality has been a key factor in Spain’s journey. The team has sometimes struggled to recover from setbacks, which can be attributed to the influence of their Barcelona players. Barcelona rarely loses, and this mentality has affected the national team. However, the defeat against Japan served as a wake-up call for the players, reminding them that success doesn’t come easy.
The team’s training sessions have become more intense, and the players have embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Their hard work and dedication paid off, as they made history with their victory over Switzerland. The win has given them confidence and motivation to continue pushing forward.
Now, Spain has the opportunity to take another step into unfamiliar territory with a quarter-final match against either the Netherlands or South Africa. The team is determined to continue their journey and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in women’s football.
In conclusion, Spain’s Women’s World Cup journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. From a devastating defeat to a redemptive victory, the team has shown resilience and determination. With a renewed mentality and improved performance, Spain is ready to face any challenge that comes their way.