The Spanish women’s national team secured a win over England this Friday in a qualifying match for the 2023 World Cup held at the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas, with Hungary also visiting for a 3-0 result. The encounter, fought out in front of a determined atmosphere, served as the backdrop to a broader discussion surrounding the team’s leadership and the ongoing tensions between the coaching staff and players that have colored the training camp from the start.
The mood around the game carried more significance than the scoreboard would suggest. While Spain already had a guaranteed ticket to the international tournament, the context of leadership and squad unity remained a central talking point, casting a shadow over the pitch as the players prepared for the match. The party line from the staff and team captains did little to quell the persistent chatter about the head coach and his authority, a dynamic that continued to echo inside the squad long after the whistle had blown.
What stood out on the field was the resilience of the eleven players, despite injuries and a strategic change in goalkeeping. The decision to replace the starting goalkeeper with Paños echoed a similar lineup shuffle seen in previous important fixtures, including a European Championship quarterfinal clash against England. The continuity of the team’s approach remained clear: Spain aimed to control possession, dictate tempo, and create chances through precise buildup play.
From the opening minutes, Spain circulated the ball with confidence, taking charge of the rhythm against an opponent who opted to defend deeply and absorb pressure. The buildup was patient, but it didn’t lack ambition. Carmona became a focal point on the flank, delivering dangerous runs and service into the box that stretched the Hungarian defense and opened up spaces for teammates to exploit.
Then came a decisive moment when a well-worked sequence on the left found Irene Paredes near the corner. Her precise cross allowed an early goal that was finished with composure, setting a tone for the rest of the half. The home side capitalized on their momentum, and a second goal arrived soon after, driven by a determined push from the attackers and the precision of the set-piece execution that Spain has honed in recent campaigns.
The crowd reacted with growing enthusiasm as the players pressed forward, cheering the team’s persistence and resilience. Reactions to the performance were varied, but the prevailing sentiment celebrated a unit that had shown the capacity to stay organized under pressure and to convert opportunities when they presented themselves. The match also highlighted the depth of the squad, with several players contributing to both phases of play and maintaining focus while dealing with the emotional weight surrounding the sport’s leadership questions.
As the second half unfolded, Spain continued to press in search of a third goal. A long-range attempt found its mark in the upper reaches of the goal, extending the lead and further lifting the spirits of the home supporters. Jenni Hermoso returned to the lineup after missing a recent tournament through injury, and while her impact was felt in the team’s attacking fluidity, her finish did not yield another goal in this particular game. The tactical setup remained solid, with Morocco-like discipline in defense and a willingness to push numbers forward when the moment allowed.
With the match comfortably in Spain’s favor, the coaching staff emphasized control over tempo and minimized risks, keeping the ball in safe areas of the field and avoiding unnecessary front-foot pressure that could invite counterattacks. The defense stayed compact, denying Hungary meaningful chances and easing the burden on the goalkeeper as the clock ticked down. The result solidified Spain’s status as a force in qualification, while also underscoring the importance of maintaining focus amid the broader conversations surrounding leadership and team unity.
Ultimately, Spain sealed the victory with a clean sheet and a performance that showcased both technical quality and collective resolve. The result offered a moment for reflection as the team prepared to regroup ahead of the next international window, where even more challenges lie in wait. The program will now focus on further development and preparation for upcoming fixtures, with the same eyes toward continuity and success on the international stage.
— Data sheet —
3 – Spain: Stack; Batlle, Paredes (Aleixandri, min.46), Andrés, Carmona (Oihane, min.76); Abelleira (Beautiful, min.65), Zornoza, Pebble; Athenea, Caldentey (Lucía García, min.46) and Esther (Amaiur, min.46).
0 – Hungary: biro; Németh (Csányi, min.81), Kovács, Turányi, Csigi, Szabó (Pusztai, min.89); Zágor, Papp (Nagy, min. 69), Fenyvesi (Zeller, min.46), Csiki; Vago.
Goals: 1-0, min.23: Ester. 2-0, min.26: Walls. 3-0, min.74: Gravel.
Referee: Ivana Projkovska. She cautioned Athenea for Spain (min.70).
Attendance: The World Cup qualifying match was played in front of 1,100 spectators at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas.