It was not looking good for Spain.
Coming off a poor showing in the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, Spain got off to a rough start in its 2019 WWC opener against South Africa. Trailing 1-0 midway the second half, It looked like another poor start to another World Cup for Spain.
However, two key mistakes by South Africa inside its own penalty area gave Spain two golden opportunities, which they cashed in. Two penalty spot goals from Jennifer Hermoso and a late strike by Lucia Garcia enabled Spain to avert disaster with a 3-1 win over South Africa.
South Africa shocked Spain with a wonder goal in the 25th minute. Thembi Kgatlana fired a right-footed volley from about 20 yards out, the shot sailed over the outstretched right hand of keeper Sandra Panos and tucked in at the far post net for the first goal of the match, and earning Ktgatlana an ovation from the crowd.
Spain came within inches of an equalizer in the 47th minute. María Pilar León sent a long ball into the penalty area, the ball bounced in the box before Hermoso fired a left-footed volley, but keeper Andile Dlamini got enough of the ball with her right hand to send the ball off the crossbar.
Spain’s moment however finally came starting in the 67th minute. Hermoso had the ball just inside the penalty area, played a ball forward, South Africa captain Janine Van Wyk tried to block the ball, but it went off her elbow, and referee Maria Carvajal blew the whistle and signaled for the penalty spot. A minute later, Hermoso buried the penalty to level the match.
Spain was gifted another penalty later in the half, though this one took a little longer to confirm and the conditions were a little more harsh. Nahikari Garcia played a ball to Lucia Garcia, South Africa’s Nothando Vilakazi came in and attempted to clear the ball out of the box. Vilakazi’s clearance went off Garcia, but Vilakazi’s left cleat caught Garcia in her left thigh. Video Review was initiated for the second straight day in the World Cup, Carvajal saw enough to award Spain another penalty, which Hermoso converted to put Spain in front. Making matters worse for South Africa, Vilakazi, already carrying a yellow card, picked up her second yellow and South Africa was force to play a player down the remainder of the match. Spain sealed the three points on the run of play, as Virginia Torrecilla sprung Lucia Garcia for the penalty area and once in, Garcia round the keeper and slotted home the open net shot to conclude matters.
Women's World Cup
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