Aitana shines as Spain see off Switzerland
Questions were asked of the Spanish squad after the 4-0 defeat to Japan in the last game of the group stage, and the answers were provided on Saturday as they crushed Ana Crnogorcevic's Switzerland 5-1 to march confidently onwards in the World Cup that's happening in Australia and New Zealand.
Eden Park, Auckland is most famed for being the venue of so many amazing performances by rugby union's All Blacks over the years, but today all eyes were on Aitana Bonmati, who stood head and shoulders over all the rest in a stunning personal display. She took just five minutes to open the scoring with a delightful show of skill. And after the Swiss pulled back level thanks to a Laia Codina own goal, it was Aitana's cross that led to Alba Redondo re--establishing the Spanish lead.
Goal number three also came from the feet of Aitana and was as splendid to behold as her first. And there was more to come as she provided her second assist of the night, this time for Jenni Hermoso to score the fifth and final goal of a tremendous performance that has put Spain right back back among the favourites to win the trophy.
Cata Coll, Laia Codina (both playing their first ever games for Spain), Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle and Salma Paralluelo also started for Spain, and Alexia and Maria PĂ©rez both came on later. That's more FC Barcelona players than in any game at the World Cup so far.
Next up is the winner of the Netherlands v South Africa match that's being played tomorrow.
More news here