Spain took an early lead as the front line made a decisive push. The Spanish side defeated a determined Mexican squad this Saturday to book a spot in the semi finals of the 2022 Costa Rica Women’s Under-20 World Cup, underscoring their dominance in the tournament and setting up a likely clash in the next round.
The victory confirmed Spain’s strong bid for the title and left them waiting for the winner of the clash between the teams in the other half of the bracket. Nigeria and the Netherlands were set to face off on Sunday, with the semi final lineup slowly taking shape.
Gabarro, the young striker for Spain, contributed to the scoreline with five points being noted in the match notes. Salma Paralluelo found the back of the net as the narrow goal sealed the win, delivering a crucial moment in the midfield collision that closed the area and sealed the result for Spain.
Spain continued to press and control the tempo, pushing for more goals. Fiamma Benítez struck the woodwork after receiving a fine pass in the penalty area, keeping the Mexican defense on its heels and maintaining Spain’s hold on the proceedings.
The Spanish squad, coached by Pedro Lopez, led Group A with seven points, eight goals scored, and a clean ledger against the group rivals. Brazil trailed closely in the group standings, both teams finishing with similar points but Brazil with one fewer goal, which placed Spain at the head of the group as the stage shifted toward the knockout rounds.
On the field this Saturday, the Spanish team extended its unbeaten run, facing a Mexican side that fought hard to find a goal that would push the match into extra time. The defensive line for Spain stood tall, proving difficult to breach and keeping the Mexican offense from creating meaningful chances as the clock wore on and the European side maintained control of the ball and positions.
The quarterfinal schedule moved forward with another match on Saturday featuring Brazil and Colombia. The Nigeria versus Netherlands and Japan versus France fixtures were slated for Sunday, with the series of knockout ties shaping what would become a dramatic conclusion to the tournament in Costa Rica.
Data sheet
Spain: Txell Font, Ana Tejada, Andrea Medina, Izarne Sarasola (m.80), Silvia Lloris, Esther Laborde; Ariadna Mingueza, Fiamma Benítez, Clara Pinedo (Maite Zubiedo, m.64); Inma Gabarro (Mirari Uría, m.80), Salma Paralluelo (Asun Martínez, m.64) and Ane Elexpuru. Coach: Pedro López.
Mexico: Celeste Espino, Daniela Monroy, Kinberly Guzmán, Alexxandra Ramírez, Samantha López; Jana Gutiérrez, Daniela Delgado, Anette Vázquez (Alice Soto, m.61); Natalia Mauleón, Alexia Villanueva (Andrea Frías, m.61) and Bridgette Marín (Blanky Serrano, m.46). Coach: Ana Galindo.
Referee: Kim Jugeong from South Korea. Mauleón received a caution during the match.
Aim: 1-0, goal by Inma Gabarro at minute 25.
Event: The quarterfinals of the 2022 Women’s World Cup Under-20, hosted in Costa Rica, were played at the National Stadium in San José.
Note: The match reflected the high level of competition in the tournament and the rising standard of young players across the participating nations.