Two World Cup newcomers Spain and Costa Rica played out a 1-1 draw in the opening game in Group E in the Montreal Olympic Stadium.
Both goals came in two first-half minutes, Arsenal Ladies forward Vicky Losada gave Spain the lead but just 60 seconds later Raquel Rodriguez levelled the scores for Costa Rica.
With both teams looking to reach the knockout stages, presumably behind World Cup veterans Brazil, the result gives both teams hope but also leaves them in need of a win against the other trickier teams in the group.
The Spaniard’s took the lead in the 13th minute, when they worked the ball well down the right hand side to Sonia Bermudez who’s pin-point cross found Losada on the edge of the box.
After controlling the ball perfectly, the Gunners girl fired the ball in to the back of the net on the turn to put her side ahead.
But Costa Rica were not disheartened by going behind and replied instantly in similar fashion; Lixy Rodriguez making a great run down the left hand side and carrying the ball all the way to the by-line, before crossing in to Rodriquez to slot home.
The Central Americans then nearly took the lead, after a mix up in the box following a long free kick which nearly caught out Spanish goalkeeper Ainhoa Tirapu, before Losada had an excellent chance to get her second of the game after being set up by Captain Veronica Boquete. The goalscorer’s shot looked set to be heading in to the top corner but Costa Rican keeper Dinnia Diaz made a magnificent save to keep her side in the game.
Late in to the second half another Arsenal player, Natalia, also had a fine chance to win it for Spain but could only watch as her curling shot went agonisingly wide of the post after a great run in to the box and a check back inside.
After a hard-fought battle, Costa Rica managed to hold out for the draw and pick up their first ever World Cup point – a prospect that thrilled coach Amalia Valverde.
“It was an extremely intense match. Spain controlled the game but that was to be expected. Our defensive work saved us – we knew that our opponents were dangerous down the flanks and in the air, and the girls did a great job in those areas. Due to some great saves from Dinnia Diaz and our ability to take the one chance that we did get, it almost feels like a victory,” she said.
Spain’s next game is against 2007 runner ups Brazil on Saturday while Costa Rica take on Chelsea forward Ji So-Jun’s South Korea on the same day.
