SYDNEY, July 21 (Xinhua) — Group C favourite Spain made a powerful exhibiting of their Women’s World Cup opener, blanking Costa Rica 3-0 in Wellington on Friday. However, Group B favourite Canada was left at a 0-0 standstill by Nigeria in Melbourne.
In a riveting first half, Spain displayed their famed possession recreation and bought on the scoreboard by means of an personal purpose from Valeria del Campo within the twentieth minute. This kickstarted a scoring spree from Spain as Aitana Bonmati and Jennifer Hermoso netted targets virtually instantly after the primary.
Despite firing off a formidable 46 pictures, Spain could not add one other as Costa Rica fought tenaciously in opposition to the chances to reduce the deficit.
Earlier, Christine Sinclair missed a penalty, leading to Tokyo Olympic champion Canada settling for a 0-0 draw with Nigeria at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. While Canada entered as agency favourite, the scoreless final result has left Group B up within the air.
Both groups walked away with a degree every whereas co-hosts Australia assumed the highest spot with three factors following a 1-0 win over Ireland on Thursday.
“Of course, the team and I are devastated,” confessed Canada coach Bev Priestman, whose staff’s subsequent match is in opposition to Ireland in Perth on July 26.
Sinclair, the 40-year-old captain and record-setting purpose scorer for Canada, aspired to develop into the primary participant to attain at six World Cups. Yet, Sinclair missed her shot on the document books when her Fiftieth-minute penalty was deflected by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who made a number of essential saves within the match.
Nnadozie additionally skillfully blocked a close-range shot from Evelyne Viens within the sixty fifth minute.
“I’m probably going to embarrass her, but I think she’s one of the best young goalkeepers in the world today,” praised Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum of the 22-year-old Nnadozie.
Nigeria’s powerful protection pissed off world No. 7 Canada, who entered the match with excessive aspirations of clinching their first-ever World Cup title.
In stoppage time, Deborah Abiodun acquired the primary crimson card of the match after an faulty deal with and can sit out Nigeria’s subsequent recreation in opposition to Australia on July 27.
As the ultimate whistle blew, Nigeria celebrated the sudden end result with jubilation, as Nnadozie dropped to her knees and roared in triumph.
In Group A, Switzerland notched a cushty 2-0 victory over newcomer the Philippines in Dunedin, who put up a spirited struggle however was overwhelmed within the second half. Switzerland dominated with 74 p.c possession and eight pictures on the right track in comparison with the Philippines’ zero.
However, Switzerland had a tough time penetrating the protection till simply earlier than half-time when Ramona Bachmann was fouled within the field, resulting in her profitable penalty kick conversion. Switzerland secured their lead when Seraina Piubel scored within the sixty fourth minute and comfortably sailed to victory from there.
“It was a tough game. We knew that we had to be patient,” admitted Switzerland defender Luana Bhler.
World No. 20 Switzerland joined New Zealand, who had a notable win over Norway on Thursday, in holding three factors in Group A.
Saturday will characteristic the two-time defending champion, the United States, who will start their title protection in opposition to Vietnam in a slate of 4 video games.