Wellington: Spain began their Women's World Cup campaign in scintillating fashion by beating Costa Rica 3-0 in their Group C opener on Friday thanks to an own goal and first-half strikes from Aitana Bonmati and Esther Gonzalez.

The teams had played out a draw when they faced each other on their World Cup debuts in 2015 but Spain are now sixth in the women's rankings and it showed in their technical dominance as they scored three times in a six-minute blitz.

Spain's twice Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas was named among the substitutes as she makes her way back to full fitness, but their most-capped player was not needed in the first half as Bonmati and Esther ran riot in Costa Rica's box.

Costa Rica goalkeeper Daniela Solera saved a first-half penalty and made several timely interventions, but Spain were never threatened at the other end and went top of their group ahead of Japan's game against Zambia on Saturday.

Switzerland made a winning start to their campaign with a 2-0 victory over debutants Philippines at Dunedin Stadium, thanks to Ramona Bachmann's first-half penalty and a close-range effort from Seraina Piubel.

Switzerland's Ramona Bachmann, centre, celebrates scoring their first goal with Coumba Sow and Seraina Piubel. Photo: Reuters/Molly Darlington
Switzerland's Ramona Bachmann, centre, celebrates scoring their first goal with Coumba Sow and Seraina Piubel. Photo: Reuters/Molly Darlington

Inka Grings' side were awarded a penalty by VAR after midfielder Coumba Sow was caught by a stray boot from Jessika Cowart in the box late in the first half, with forward Bachmann coolly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nigeria hold Canada    

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved a penalty to help Nigeria secure a valuable 0-0 draw against Olympic champions Canada in their opener in a result that threw the group wide open.

Nnadozie denied Christine Sinclair from the spot in the 50th minute with a low dive to her left as the Canada skipper missed out on becoming the first player to score in six World Cups in front of 21,000 fans at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

At the end of a scrappy, bruising contest, Nigeria were down to 10 via a late red card and both teams earned a point to trail Group B leaders Australia by two following the co-hosts' 1-0 win over Ireland on Thursday.

TAGS