MILTON KEYNES: Spain bounced back from the loss of star midfielder Alexia Putellas with a 4-1 win over Finland, while Germany also got off to a flying start to the Euros with a 4-0 win over Denmark on Friday (July 8). 2022 season.
La Roja had been a favorite in training until reigning Ballon d’Or winner Putellas suffered a cruciate ligament injury on Tuesday.
However, Jorge Vilda’s side showed why they are still contenders for victory in a first major women’s tournament despite falling within a minute after Linda Sallström’s goal.
Goals from Irene Paredes, Aitana Bonmati, Lucia Garcia and Mariona Caldentey extended Spain’s unbeaten streak into March 2020.
Putellas walked on crutches and decked out in a Spanish jersey and was present to encourage her team-mates.
But the shock of losing her star wife rolled over into the slow start.
Anna Westerlund’s long ball forward was cleared by Sallström and the Paris FC striker made a cool finish at the far post.
Spain found themselves in their passing rhythm as they had 70 percent possession.
But with Jennifer Hermoso, all-time top scorer, also withdrawing from the tournament through injury, they had to rely on unusual crosses into the box to turn the game.
Captain Paredes started the comeback when she headed home from Caldentey’s corner.
Little Aitana Bonmati then delivered a stunning header into the top corner to calm Spain’s nerves before half-time.
Garcia made the point with 15 minutes remaining when she deflected a Maria Leon free-kick into the bottom corner before Caldentey converted a penalty with the final shot of the game.
GERMANY DESTROYS DENMARK
Germany put on a stunning show to dismantle Euro 2017 finalists Denmark in London.
The eight-time winner dominated from the start and could have slipped out of sight before half-time when Felicitas Rauch hit the crossbar twice.
Lina Magull finally let the pressure from the Germans count. The Bayern Munich striker shot into the net after smashing a clearance attempt from Stine Pedersen.
Lea Schuller headed in after a corner to double Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s lead just before the hour mark.
Svenja Huth was robbed of her deserved goal by the offside flag.
But Germany rounded off an excellent performance with two more goals in the last 12 minutes.
Lena Lattwein hammered a loose ball into the goal from close range before Alexandra Popp completed a beautiful team effort with a header at the far post.
Denmark had been traded as contenders for the title but their miserable night was summed up when Kathrine Möller Kuhl was sent off for a second bookable offense in injury time.
Germany meets Spain in a blockbuster clash at Brentford Community Stadium on Tuesday.