Spain and Brazil finished first and second in Group A this Tuesday, with Costa Rica, the host nation in this cohort, ending in a difficult position after three straight losses. As the group nears its conclusion, Spain and Brazil are set to meet different opponents in the knockout rounds, while Costa Rica watches from the sidelines as the group stage wraps up. This progression shapes the quarterfinal lineup for the next weekend, featuring Spain against an emerging foe and Brazil facing Colombia, the Group B leader, in what promises to be a compelling set of clashes.
Spain confirmed top position with seven points after defeating Australia 3-0. In a game dominated by efficient finishing, Inma Gabarro extended her remarkable scoring run to four goals, cementing her status as the tournament’s leading marksman. Spain, who began cautiously, found their rhythm as the match unfolded. By the 19th, 24th, and 61st minutes, they crafted chances that culminated in well-taken finishes, lifting the team to the summit of the group and signaling their strength as favorites for the knockout stages.
From the outset, Australia pressed to gain a foothold but were unable to convert their early pressure into a scoreboard impact. Spain steadied themselves, dictated the tempo, and gradually constructed openings that fed Gabarro’s tally. The opening and closing phases demonstrated Spain’s balance between disciplined defense and clinical attack, a combination that carried them to the group crown and a favorable path forward in the tournament.
Brazil also finished with seven points, matching Spain on the table but not on goal difference, as they accumulated seven goals while conceding none. The Brazilians closed their group campaign with a commanding performance against the hosts in a 5-0 victory, a result that underscored their offensive prowess and organizational strength. Costa Rica, the host nation, finished the tournament with three losses, unable to breach Brazil’s defense and hampered by a relentless Brazilian attack that overwhelmed them as the game progressed.
In that match, Brazil’s goal scorers were well spread across the runtime. Levis opened the scoring in the 27th minute, followed by another for Levis in the 53rd. Pati Maldaner contributed a goal in the 63rd, Mileninha added one in the 88th, and Aline was on target in the 75th after a sequence of rapid, ruthless attacks. Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Génesis Pérez made a key save to deny a penalty and kept the scoreline from widening even further, though Brazil’s control eventually proved too much for the hosts to withstand.
Three penalties were awarded in the Costa Rica match, two converted by Levis and Mileninha, with the third saved by Pérez. These results set the stage for a Saturday showdown where Spain would meet Mexico, the second-place team from Group B, while Brazil prepared to face Colombia, the group leader from the other group. The outcomes emphasize a Spain-Brazil potential clash in the later knockout rounds, alongside the dramatic paths of both Mexico and Colombia as they navigate their own quarterfinal challenges, and Costa Rica’s hopes for a late burst of form fading as the group phase concludes. (Source: FIFA tournament records and official match reports)