Spain’s Women Deliver a Confident 3-0 Win Over China in Final Friendly Before the World Cup
In a match built to test readiness ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Spain dispatched China with a clear sign of intent. The late spring friendly showcased Spain’s ability to control the rhythm, press with purpose, and finish opportunities at key moments, sending a message to contenders across the globe. The performance reflected a team that has grown cohesive under its current leadership and was keen to demonstrate depth beyond its brightest stars.
China showed resilience and organization, pushing back at times and creating moments that demanded disciplined defending. Yet Spain answered with a steady, purposeful display, breaking the deadlock through a precise finish at the 44th minute and then widening the gap with two more goals in the second half. The result underscored Spain’s growing strength as they prepare for the demanding schedule ahead, including the World Cup group stage battles. (Source: SEFutbolFem)
Spain opened the scoring when a well-timed move culminated in a finish in the first half, and the breakthrough came as a reward for persistent pressure in the final third. The team then intensified its attacking game after the break, with quick transitions and accurate finishing punctuating a successful day at Palladium Can Misses Stadium, in front of a supportive crowd of over three thousand spectators. The tempo remained high as players rotated through the forward lines, keeping China’s defense under continuous strain. (Source: SEFutbolFem)
Jenni Hermoso’s influence stood out as a defining element of the afternoon. The midfielder produced a masterclass in spatial awareness, constantly moving between the lines to destabilize China’s shape, and setting up teammates with well-timed runs and clever distribution. Her performances helped the team maintain pressure and unlock different phases of the game. A identifying moment came when Athenea del Castillo created space and forced a multi-player exit from the Chinese defense, allowing Alba Redondo to finish decisively and seal the result. (Source: SEFutbolFem)
In goal, Misa nailed two important saves that preserved Spain’s clean sheet and kept the pressure on China’s attackers at the start of the second half. The saves demonstrated the goalkeeper’s focus and reflexes, contributing to an important demonstration of the side’s defensive backbone. The backline, anchored by Irene Paredes, and the midfield trio that included Teresa Abelleira and María Pérez in the later stages, kept the ship steady as Spain navigated the second period’s pace and intensity. (Source: SEFutbolFem)
Beyond the scorers, Spain’s late substitutions highlighted the breadth of talent at the disposal of the coach and the depth that could become crucial during the World Cup run. Irene Paredes, back in the squad after a recent return, played the full ninety minutes and demonstrated leadership in organizing the defense from the center. The young María Pérez, stepping into a defensive midfield role later in the match, showed poise and readiness that bodes well for the tournament’s long grind. Xu Huan’s sharp reflexes prevented a larger scoreline from China’s perspective, underlining why the Spaniards must stay sharp against top-tier opponents. (Source: SEFutbolFem)
Several players who had started the season with strong club performances were unavailable for selection in this particular friendly. Salma Paralluelo, Jana Fernández, and Laia Codina watched from the sidelines as the squad navigated minutes across a broad roster, ensuring that the tactical plan could be tested with a broader set of personnel. The day still yielded a clear sense of the team’s current trajectory and the pace at which they are building this squad for future challenges. (Source: SEFutbolFem)
Jenni’s Masterclass
The afternoon belonged to Jenni Hermoso, whose performance illustrated exactly how a midfielder should operate to influence a match. The Pachuca player’s movement off the ball created constant headaches for the Chinese defense, while her ability to connect play through clever positioning helped unlock spaces for teammates. Her collaboration with Athenea Del Castillo produced several opportunities, including a sequence that culminated in the opening goal and set the tone for the second-half push. (Source: SEFutbolFem)
Defensively, the team relied on a compact shape and disciplined tracking, with Misa’s goalkeeping ensuring the team remained in control. The collective effort underlined the balance Spain seeks between attack and defense as the World Cup approaches. La Roja’s defense, marshaled by Irene Paredes, performed with confidence, while the midfield offered coverage and depth that allowed Spain to press high and win the ball back quickly after losing possession. (Source: SEFutbolFem)
The match served as a valuable rehearsal for the World Cup, giving supporters a glimpse of the cohesion, tactical flexibility, and fearless attacking approach that have defined this generation of players. It also provided coaches with meaningful data on player performances, the balance between youth and experience, and how the squad adapts to sustained pressure from formidable opponents. The performances suggested a team ready for the world stage and capable of competing with the best in a tournament that will demand resilience and technical excellence. (Source: SEFutbolFem)
Data sheet:
3; Spain: Stack; Irene Paredes, Ivana, Olga, M. Oroz (Irene Guerrero, min. 57); Teresa Abelleira (María Pérez, min. 57); Asun Martínez (Eva Navarro, min. 57), Jenni Hermoso (Fiamma Benitez, min. 87), Athenea and Esther (Alba Redondo, min. 73).
0; China: Xu Huan; Chen Qiaozhu, Yao Wei, Dou Jiaxing (Wu Haiyan, min. 89); Li Mengwen, Zhang Rui (Fang Jie, min. 46), Yao Lingwen (Gao Chen, min. 89), Zhang Linyan, Lou Jiahui (Jin Kun, min. 71); Wurigumula (Liu Yanquiu, min. 63), Wang Shuang (Tang Jiali, min. 71).
targets: 1-0 M.44: Teresa Abelleira; 2-0 M.61: Athenea; 3-0 M.81: Alba Redondo
Judge: Jana Adamkova (Czech Federation) warns Ivana Andrés (min. 72) Friendly match played in front of 3,211 spectators at Palladium Can Misses Stadium