Spain began their 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign in fine fashion as they cruised past Costa Rica 3-0 in Wellington.
In control throughout, it took them 21 minutes before they broke the deadlock through an own-goal by the unfortunate Valeria del Campo.
An excellent goal from Aitana Bonmati and a further strike by Esther Gonzalez had them 3-0 up just six minutes later, before Spain’s all-time top scorer Jennifer Hermoso missed a penalty.
It could and should have been more, but goalkeeper Daniela Solera made a string of top saves.
Elsewhere on Friday, Switzerland leapt above co-hosts New Zealand to the top of Group A after beating the Philippines 2-0.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Ramona Bachmann put the Swiss ahead from the spot just before half-time following a VAR check, before they doubled their lead in the 64th minute through Seraina Piubel.
And Nigeria drew 0-0 with Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne.
Christine Sinclair, 40, could not add to her world-record 190 international goals as she missed a penalty. Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun was later sent off.
