The Spanish women started the European Championship in England on Friday with a big victory over Finland. The team of national coach Jorge Vilda faced a 0-1 deficit in Milton Keynes within a minute, but won 4-1.
It was Linda Sällström who scored within a minute and thus signed for the first Finnish European Championship goal since 2013. At halftime, Spain already led 2-1 through goals from Irene Paredes (26th minute) and Aitana Bonmati (41st minute) and in it was decided in the 75th minute. Lucía García made it 3-1. In extra time it also became 4-1, via a good penalty from Mariona Caldentey.
Due to the big win, Spain leads the group with three points, but at 9 p.m. the cracker between Germany and Denmark is still on the program in the Brentford Community Stadium in London.
The victory is a boost for Spain, after star player Alèxia Putellas dropped out shortly before the tournament due to a cruciate ligament injury. At the end of last month, top scorer Jennifer Hermoso was already injured and she also misses the European Championship.
The Spanish players show the shirt of Alèxia Putellas.
The Spanish players show the shirt of Alèxia Putellas. Photo: Getty Images
Spanish players support Putellas with shirt
Alèxia Putellas was a spectator in Milton Keys on crutches. Just before kick-off, she saw that the Spanish players showed a shirt with her name as support. Then things quickly went wrong with Spain, which is counted among the favorites for the overall victory.
The Spanish defense took a shot, leaving Sällström face to face with keeper Sandra Paños after 48 seconds. The Finnish attacker shot through the inside of the post and caused a big surprise (0-1). It was tied again in the 26th minute. Captain Irene Paredes headed in a corner (1-1), after which it became 2-1 just before half time. Again the goal was with the head, this time from Bonmatí.
In the second half, Spain didn’t really run into problems against the much weaker Finland. García headed in the 3-1 fifteen minutes before the end. In the fifth minute of the final phase, the ball went on the penalty spot and Caldentey knew what to do with it. The Spanish attacker shot the ball into the top corner, ending the game 4-1.
Mariona Caldentey determines the final score at 4-1.
Mariona Caldentey determines the final score at 4-1. Photo: Getty Images