This week, the Spanish women’s national team prepared for a historic clash at the Palladium Can Misses stadium in Ibiza, facing Norway in their first international match on the island, with kickoff less than a day away.
Jorge Vilda and Ivana Andrés, the head coach and captain, spoke with the press in the Ibiza stadium press room ahead of their initial practice after landing on the island on Tuesday.
Regarding Norway, Vilda noted that the opponents were a far more advanced side than seen in the Euro Cup, with impressive results and performances even without the full squad. He emphasized that Spain must prepare to face one of the world’s strongest teams, a test that promises to be highly informative as the squad readies for a high-level challenge.
Jorge Vilda in Ibiza: “Norway is among the strongest teams in the world”
Vilda also commented on Irene Paredes and Jennifer Hermoso, players who rejoined the group after a controversial departure of teammates but who did not retain the captaincy at that time. He explained that captaincy is held for a period and should be used sparingly, noting that Hermoso and Paredes bring significant experience and leadership, both on and off the field.
Real Madrid’s Ivana Andrés, a captain in Ibiza, added that Hermoso and Paredes are outstanding leaders who set a strong example for the squad; their presence is felt regardless of armbands, guiding the group with confidence.
Heightened focus ahead of Hansen and Hegerberg’s Norway
The Spanish side will face a stern test against Norway, a permanent World Cup competitor, in one of their final two friendly matches before the World Cup squad is announced. After facing Costa Rica earlier in the year, Spain aims to refine their setup against Norway and China as part of their World Cup preparations, aiming to improve their standing among the top 15 in FIFA rankings.
Vilda described the match as excellent preparation against a formidable foe, noting that Norway’s play includes dangerous passing, strong set-piece defense, and the potential to surprise. The coach highlighted that several players have either familiar connections or direct competition within the Spanish league, making the game rich in tactical nuance and a strong motivational driver as they look toward the World Cup.
He spoke of choosing the best possible lineup while remaining flexible, acknowledging that a broader pool of players can raise the team’s overall performance. The squad’s mindset is to give their best in two training days, maintaining motivation and enthusiasm as they approach the match.
Regarding potential adjustments for the World Cup call, he stressed that the team is focused on Norway and China in the near term, with two months left to prepare for the tournament. The emphasis remains day by day and match by match, ensuring the squad trains and competes at the highest level possible.
On concentration and residence in Ibiza, Vilda said everything is proceeding smoothly and that the team is enjoying the Ibiza experience. He described the Can Misses pitch as in excellent condition and encouraged fans to support the players at the stadium.
Andrés expressed happiness with the city welcome and the opportunity to implement the game plan while acknowledging the difficulty of stopping Norway’s top attackers. She stressed the importance of focus, teamwork, and confidence in every action, both on the field and in preparation for the World Cup, as the group continues to gel and grow stronger together.
This Spanish women’s team faces a landmark moment in Ibiza, preparing for a high-stakes match against Norway at Can Misses and signaling a clear intent to push for peak form ahead of the World Cup cycle.
Jorge Vilda and Ivana Andrés led the session in Ibiza, addressing reporters before their first practice on the island following their arrival on Tuesday.
Vilda described Norway as a more advanced team, with strong results and performances even without the full lineup, underscoring the need to prepare for a world-class opponent and the value of the challenge ahead.
He also highlighted Irene Paredes and Jennifer Hermoso, two players who rejoined the squad after a contested departure but who continue to contribute leadership and experience. The captaincy remains a temporary role, and their presence provides stability and influence both on and off the pitch.
Ivana Andrés supported this view, noting that Hermoso and Paredes are exemplary leaders whose influence extends beyond the scoreboard and through the team’s daily training and routines.
As the match against Norway looms, the team gears up for one of their final World Cup warmups before the world stage event. Spain will face two additional challenges, with the aim of consolidating their approach and elevating performance against top-tier competition.
In Ibiza, the team’s focus is sharp, the squad is energized, and the collective effort remains geared toward success in the upcoming World Cup cycle. The players are dedicated to maximizing every training session, trusting the process and each other to deliver strong outcomes against Norway and beyond.