The world champion also speaks on the field

The world champion also speaks on the field

Despite a tough week mentally and physically, Spain debuts its star with a great and agonizing victory (2-3) against Sweden

MADRID, 22 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Spanish team started its journey in the 2023-2024 Women's Nations League in the best possible way, a key competition to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games, after beating its theoretical most direct rival in the group, Sweden, 2-3, the one who took the measure again and fell in agony.

After the powerful speech of both Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes in the preview, the world champion also did what she does best, playing football in the premiere of a star that she showed off in Gothenburg, especially in a great second part. Spain 'forgot' the physical and mental fatigue and was able to come back to take three vital points with a penalty from Mariona Caldentey in the 96th minute, which rewarded her attitude.

Montse Tomé's first eleven, captained by Irene Paredes, had new features on the offensive side with the entry of Lucía García as a reference at the top and Athenea del Castillo on the right wing, while Laia Aleixandri was the Basque's partner in the center of the defense.

Sweden gave an offensive touch to their eleven and was somewhat more aggressive, but their formula was much more similar to that of the World Cup semifinals, almost always taking refuge in their own field and very careful to prevent the Bonmatí-Abelleira-Putellas trio from being able impose its quality. She achieved it on many occasions, although she was not as strong against the always dangerous Mariona Caldentey.

In any case, it was the one from Sant Pere de Ribes who was the first to warn with a shot outside the area, which was the most testing for the world champion, who was repelled by Musovic. This woke up the locals, who responded with a quick action from the left with a powerful final volley from Angeldal that went over the crossbar. Sweden was improving and found the advantage on the scoreboard in one of its specialties, the set piece. Magdalena Eriksson, unmarked, headed and put it behind for the first time since the Japan match.

The 1-0 score hurt the Spanish team, who were slow to react, but also knew how to remain calm and conceded little, except for a header from Asllani. Spain managed to get back into the game and had help to equalize before the break, with Musovic failing to clear a shot from Athenea del Castillo, which was a joy in what were also difficult days. The world champion was even superior, but before the break, Cata Coll got a good hand in a brilliant counter from Angeldal.

After the reflection time, Montse Tomé's team came out much better and could have turned the game around. The Spanish midfielders finally began to assert themselves and the visitors had a good carousel of chances with Athenea del Castillo, Lucía García, and above all, Aitana Bonmatí, who saw her shot from point-blank range taken by a quick and brave Musovic.

Sweden demonstrated its competitive capacity once again and tried to respond with its weapons and physique, but each time it left more space. Athenea del Castillo, after a moment of local stress in the Cata Coll area, had a good one-on-one, without good definition, and Mariona Caldentey could not take advantage of the rebound. Peter Gerhadsson noticed his team's decline and made a triple substitution to regain energy.

Eva Navarro for Athenea del Castillo was the first change and the Murcian ended up being key for a brave and confident Spain. The Murcian received alone on the right side, cut back with quality and placed the ball far from Musovic's reach to make it 1-2, a joy that, however, did not last long. Sweden caught Spain off balance for the first time in the second half and Hurtig did not forgive the loose ball in the area after Blackstenius' fight.

The world champion was not daunted and still had the strength to try in the final stretch, taking more risks than her rival. Once again, her daring and her character rewarded her with a penalty from Ilestedt to Amaiur Sarriegi in the last breath that Mariona Caldentey did not forgive to once again execute the Swedes in extremis and lay the first stone towards Paris.

--RESULT: SWEDEN, 2 - SPAIN, 3 (1-1, at halftime).

SUECIA: Musovic, Bjorn (Sembrant, min.65), Eriksson, Ilestedt, Andersson; Angeldal (Benisson, min.65), Asllani (Janegy, min.78), Rubensson; Kaneryd (Jakobsson, min.65), Blackstenius y Hurtig.

SPAIN: Cata Coll; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Laia Aleixandri, Olga Carmona; Aitana Bonmatí, Tere Abelleira, Alexia Putellas; Athenea del Castillo (Eva Navarro, min.71), Lucía García (Amaiur Sarriegi, min.79) and Mariona Caldentey.

1-0, minute 23. Eriksson.

1-1, minute 37. Athenea del Castillo.

1-2, minute 77. Eva Navarro.

2-2, minute 82. Fast.

2-3, minute 96. Mariona Caldentey, penalty.

--REFEREE: Rebecca Welch (ENG). She cautioned Kaneryd (min.59), for Sweden, and Lucía García (min.60), for Spain. She sent off Ilestedt for a direct red card (min.95).

-- STADIUM: Gamla Ullevi.