The Spain women’s national team suffered a historic defeat as the United States, the reigning world champions, edged ahead with a 2-0 victory. This result marked the first loss for Spain in its most prominent international match to date and underscored the strength of the American side while highlighting the leadership of coach Jorge Vilda amid a notable internal challenge from a group of 15 players who sparked a rare rebellion within Spanish football.
In this friendly, Barça forward Laia Codina opened the scoring in her first appearance with the national team, and Real Madrid forward Esther Gonzalez added a memorable goal. Their efforts helped Spain to claim a place in the headlines and contributed to a new attendance record at a national team match, drawing 11,209 spectators who witnessed a spirited display from the Spaniards despite the absence of several star players. The atmosphere was tense yet hopeful as the home side showed real potential and received a positive response from fans who rallied behind the team and its coach.
Fans greeted Vilda with a mix of skepticism and support as the squad lined up. A wave of nerves accompanied the early moments, particularly as the Americans pressed high with intensity. The American coach, a renowned strategist, favored possession and tempo, seeking to control the game’s rhythm from the outset. Spain began cautiously but gradually found its footing, relying on disciplined defense and quick transitions to minimize danger and build confidence across the field, with Claudia Zornoza and Olga Carmona playing pivotal roles in the early phase.
In the 20th minute, Spain built its first meaningful attack after a precise long free kick. The ball was stubborn and difficult to touch in a crowded box, but the Spanish side showed resilience as they regained possession near the opposite end. The match began to settle, with Spain finding a balance between defensive solidity and patient build-up play. As the game progressed, Spain began to seize initiative, competing with the United States on equal terms in key moments and creating opportunities with measured aggression.
By the half-hour mark, Spain demonstrated a growing control of the tempo. A long-range shot from Zornoza tested the keeper, signaling a shift in momentum. Shortly after, a well-executed corner kick produced a decisive moment: Laia Codina redirected the ball into the net, giving Spain a surprise lead just before the break. The goal energized the team and their supporters, sparking a confident mood as the interval approached.
The second period opened with greater intensity from the visitors, who increased their pressure and sought to restore parity. Spain remained compact and disciplined, repelling danger and maintaining structure as the United States pressed relentlessly. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams exchanging bursts of pressure and periods of controlled possession, yet clear scoring chances remained scarce as both defenses held firm and midfields endured through well-timed tackles and smart interceptions.
As the match moved into the later stages, Esther Gonzalez delivered a technically superb finish to extend the advantage for Spain, demonstrating poise and accuracy in front of goal. The second goal sealed the result and underscored the quality present in Spain’s final third. The performance offered encouraging signs for coach Vilda and his team as they prepare for future fixtures, including the world stage of the upcoming World Cup, where the squad will be tested against the best teams in the world.
Data sheet
Spain: Rodriguez; Andres, Codina, Galvez, Hernandez; Zornoza, Oroz, Lopez; Carmona, Gonzalez, Redondo.
Changes: Athena (d. 56). Cardona (d. 81). Azkona (d. 89)
United States of America: Murphy, Cook, Sauerbrunn, Mace, Rodman; Horan, Smith, Rapinoe; Lavelle, Sullivan, Pickett
Changes: Warehouse (art. 46); Dunn, Coffey, Huerta (d. 62); Sanchez (64) Thomson (d. 72)
Goals: 1-0 Codina (d. 38); 2-0 Esther Gonzalez (d. 72)