Women’s World Cup roundup: Spain, Switzerland coast to wins

SPAIN sprinted ahead of Costa Rica with an own goal in the 21st minute and never looked back in a suffocating start to its Women’s World Cup bid on Friday (Jul 21) in Wellington, New Zealand.

Spain outshot Costa Rica 45-1 in the 3-0 win, netting all three goals in a rapid-fire six-minute stretch during its Group C clash.

Aitana Bonmati scored two minutes after the own goal, and a deflected goal that hit that crossbar from Esther Gonzalez put Spain ahead 3-0 before the break.

Valeria Del Campo put the ball in her own net attempting to block a cross from Gonzalez, putting Costa Rica behind. Spain scored two more goals by the 27th minute.

Spain next faces Zambia on Wednesday in the group stage while Costa Rica will take on Japan.

Switzerland 2, Philippines 0

Ramona Bachmann converted a penalty in the 45th minute and Seraina Piubel scored from close range in the 64th to lead Switzerland past Philippines in a Group A match in Dunedin, New Zealand.

The Swiss dominated play against the World Cup debutants. Switzerland recorded a 17-3 advantage in shots and 8-0 in attempts that landed on goal.

Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel finished with six saves in a losing effort.

Katrina Guillou nearly put the underdogs on the scoreboard in the 15th minute, however she was ruled offside.

Switzerland will face a Norway side on Tuesday that is coming off a loss to New Zealand. The Philippines will tangle with New Zealand. REUTERS