Spain’s Women’s Team Prepares for Norway Friendly in Ibiza
At the Palladium Can Misses stadium in Ibiza, the Spain women’s national team faced the press as they geared up for a friendly against Norway, scheduled for Thursday at 18:00 and broadcast on Teledeporte. The session featured the head coach, Jorge Vilda, and captain Ivana Andres as they outlined the team’s approach and expectations for the match.
On Norway, Vilda noted that this opponent presents a much more advanced challenge than what was observed in recent European competitions. He highlighted the strong results and solid performances Norway showed even without some of their best players, stressing that they would field a formidable lineup and be fully prepared for the clash in Ibiza. The coach stressed the need to test the team against one of the world’s top sides as part of the buildup to major tournaments.
During the briefing, questions also touched on the recent return of Irene Paredes and Jenni Hermoso to the squad after a controversial period that included the temporary loss of captaincy for certain players during the concentration. Vilda clarified that leadership responsibilities would be exercised with care, noting that both Irene and Jenni bring extensive experience, charisma, and influence. The armband would be used to support leadership within the group, ensuring a steady presence on and off the field.
One Madrid captain among the Spain side commented on the leadership dynamic, affirming that Irene and Jenni are exemplary players whose leadership is valued. Regardless of who wears the bracelet, the team and management aim to model consistent behavior, both in training and matches.
“Knockout Stage”
Vilda underscored the value of this Friday’s session in Can Misses, calling it an excellent preparation. He described Norway as being on par with World Cup qualifying teams, praising their dangerous passing game, robust defending on set pieces, and ability to surprise opponents. The coach noted that some Norwegian players are either teammates or opponents from the Spanish League, making the encounter rich in tactical nuance. He stressed the importance of the test ahead as the team looks toward the World Cup, emphasizing focus on Norway and a clear-eyed view of future opponents like China, who would feature in the subsequent fixture window.
Vilda also indicated that the squad would aim to select the best eleven for the Norway match, while recognizing that a broader pool of 12 players could influence the result and add depth to the performance. He observed that during the two training days, the players have shown motivation, energy, and a strong desire to win against Norway.
Looking ahead, he mentioned the likelihood of adjustments to the World Cup plans as they refine the squad ahead of the tournament. The team continues to prepare day by day, concentrating on the immediate matches while keeping an eye on the longer schedule and the preparation timeline for the World Cup that follows.
Concerning concentration and morale, Vilda remarked that everything feels smooth and that the players are excited to be in Ibiza. He expressed confidence in his side’s condition and called on fans to attend the Can Misses stadium and tune in to Teledeporte for the live coverage, signaling a positive, forward-looking mindset for the camp and the upcoming game.
“I am happy to be in this city”
Ivana Andres shared the sense of happiness about being in Ibiza, praising the warm reception extended to the team. She described the team’s preparation strategy as disciplined, with a clear game plan and a focus on tomorrow’s match. She highlighted the presence of Norwegian players and noted their strengths, but emphasized that the squad is prepared to handle the challenge. Andres spoke about the ongoing work to build a cohesive unit ahead of the World Cup, acknowledging the difficulty of stopping top players but expressing confidence in the collective effort and the trust placed in the team’s training approach.
As the sessions continue, the group remains committed to improving through rigorous practice and strategic focus. The message from the leadership group, including Andres, centers on staying united, executing the game plan, and approaching each training session with purpose as the World Cup draws closer. The team’s worldwide ambitions are clear, and the Ibiza camp is presented as a critical stage in their preparation for the demanding schedule ahead.
Overall, the Spain women’s team enters the Norway friendly with a sense of balance—eager to confirm tactical ideas and keep the squad cohesive while embracing the challenges posed by a high-caliber opponent. The pair of upcoming fixtures, including the match against China, will test the depth of the roster and help refine the approach as the World Cup approaches, with the coaching staff focused on delivering a polished, ready-to-compete unit on match day. [citation: Official team briefings and post-session remarks, Spain Women’s National Team.]