This Spanish squad, fresh from a 0-2 victory in Denmark, continues to build momentum this midweek as it gears up for the World Cup. The plan includes two more friendlies in Australia and New Zealand before the big event, with a July 21 match set against Costa Rica in Wellington as part of the final preparation schedule.
Coach Jorge Vilda’s group enjoyed a comfortable win, showing clear intent and physical strength while keeping the focus steady. Spain controlled possession, created a steady flow of attacks, and delivered a performance marked by sharper positioning and cohesive team play that left the Danish side seeking answers. The overall display reflected a commitment to a technical, well-structured approach that translated into a deserved result.
Ona Batlle, who joined FC Barcelona for the 2023-24 season, opened the scoring with a precise low right-footed shot in the seventh minute after a setup from Jenni Hermoso, a former Barça teammate now involved with Mexican football. The early goal set a confident tone for the visitors and underscored Batlle’s ability to convert in dangerous moments.
Alexia, lauded widely as one of the world’s top players, added to the tally in the 31st minute. A powerful left-footed strike struck the post, keeping the Danish goalkeeper on alert. The Catalan star, who faced a serious injury last year, demonstrated renewed vigor both in defense and in the attacking buildup, contributing to a display that balanced bite and poise throughout the first half.
Salma Paralluelo by Diana
In the second half, Salma Paralluelo extended the lead in the 53rd minute with a clinical finish after a precise pass from Jenni Hermoso, beating the Danish keeper. It was a goal that reflected the team’s fluid movement and clinical finishing, even as the match carried on with intensity and competitive edge.
Spain still demonstrated a strong attacking threat, registering 20 attempts on goal, eight shots on target, and holding possession around two-thirds of the ball. The pattern of play indicated a squad intent on pressing high and exploiting spaces behind the defense, even while sustaining the discipline required to protect their own goal.
The match lined up as part of the team’s broader plan ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. A final friendly against Vietnam, a participant in the upcoming World Cup on July 14, was scheduled as the last tune-up before the tournament’s opening stages.
Data sheet
Denmark: Christensen; Sevecke, Ballisager, Gevitz, Svava; Hasbo, Holmgaard, Kühl; Thomsen, Harder (captain), Sorensen. Substitutes included Madsen, Veje, Snerle, Pedersen, Bruun, Gejl, and others as noted in the fixture report.
Spain: Stack; Ona Batlle, Laia Codina, Ivana (captain), Olga; Aitana, Teresa, Alexia; Salma, Jenni, Mariona. Substitutes included Rocío, Esther, Redondo, Athenea, and Oihane in various phases of the match.
Goals: 0-1 Batlle (7th minute); 0-2 Keane? (53rd minute). The official match report credits Batlle with the opener and Paralluelo with the second as the sequence of goals that sealed the win.
Referee: Maral Mirzai (Sweden). The contest ended with no penalties awarded. Location: Gladsaxe, Copenhagen, Denmark.