Vicky Losada on scoresheet as Spain cruise to victory over Portugal
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Updated 19/07/2017 at 20:14 GMT
Stadion De Vijverberg, UEFA Women’s Championship Group D – Spain 2 (Losada 23, Sampedro 42) Portugal 0.
Team of Spain celebrates after scoring second goal during the Group D match between Spain and Portugal during the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 at Stadion De Vijverberg on July 19, 2017 in Doetinchem, Netherlands.
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal player Vicky Losada scored the opener as Spain started their tournament with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Portugal.
The Spanish, who are the favourites along with England to go through, dominated the first half and created a string of chances.
Their dominance was rewarded when Barcelona midfielder Losada did well to control a long ball and score.
Jorge Vilda’s side continued to carve out chances and doubled their lead through Amanda Sampedro’s header.
Their Iberian rivals, who are the lowest ranked team in the tournament at 38th in the world, improved in the second half but the Spanish cruised to victory.
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: Leila Ouahabi of Spain and Diana Silva of Portugal battle for the ball during the Group D match between Spain and Portugal during the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 at Stadion De Vijverberg on July 19, 2017 in Doetinchem, Netherlands.
Image credit: Getty Images
TALKING POINT
Should England be worried about facing the Spanish? The two favourites to qualify face off on Sunday. The Lionesses’ have to be wary of the overlapping full-backs and the movement of the three in midfield. Spain were in control throughout against Portugal without getting out of second gear so their best could be yet come.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Amanda Sampedro (Spain): The pint-sized midfielder’s link-up play with Mariona Caldenty and Silvia Meseguer was impressive. And she capped off her display by ghosting into the box and scoring a fine header.
PLAYER RATINGS
SPAIN: Panos 5, Torrejon 6, Paredes 5, Pereira 5, Sampedro 8, Hermoso 5, Putellas 5, Losada 7, Meseguer 7, Ouahabi 5, Caldentey 7. Subs: Paz 6, Latorre 5, Leon n/a
PORTUGAL: Morais 7, Rebelo 6, Neto 6, Borges 6, Leite 6, Pinto 5, Silva 5, Costa 4, D. Silva 5, Marques 5, Pires 4. Subs: Mendes 5, Luis n/a
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Team of Spain celebrates after scoring second goal during the Group D match between Spain and Portugal during the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 at Stadion De Vijverberg on July 19, 2017 in Doetinchem, Netherlands.
Image credit: Getty Images
KEY MOMENTS:
15’ – WHAT A CHANCE! Hermoso fires over from six yards out after some pinball in the area, she was leaning back as she struck the ball but really should have scored!
21’ - CHANCE! Caldentey lays the ball off to Meseguer who has space on the edge of the box and fires in a shot which is well saved by Morais.
23’ - GOAL FOR SPAIN! Losada does well to control a diagonal ball in the box and slots the ball into the net with her right foot.
27’ - GOOD OPPORTUNITY! From a corner, the cross finds Hermoso who heads it down but its straight at the keeper. She should have done better from there.
42’ - GOAL FOR SPAIN! A fine cross from Caldentey who finds Sampedro seven yards out and she heads it down and into the net to make it 2-0.
72’ - GOOD SAVE: Morais does well to tip the ball over the bar from Losada's shot on the turn.
78’ - WHAT A CHANCE! Neto puts in a cross, Silva nods it down for Mendes who chests it down and then does an air kick under pressure from Paredes.
KEY STAT
Spain have won six games on the spin, scoring 34 goals.
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