The contenders for the final victory certainly don’t have it easy in the first two days of the World Cup. After Norway’s surprise defeat by New Zealand and Australia’s narrow victory over Ireland on Thursday, Canada lost some potentially valuable points in the first game of the competition on Friday (21 July). However, this is not a problem for Switzerland, and even less so for the particularly attractive Spain.

Spain falls out of the category for Costa Rica

La Roja imposes. The Spanish side made short work of Costa Rica (3-0) in the final game of the day, delivering their best overall performance of the first two days of the World Cup. The humble Costa Ricans, making their second appearance at this level, tried to defend very deep to block access to their goal. But Spain let their offensive power do the talking (45 goals) and the talent of players like Aitana Bonmati and Salma Paralluelo shone. The fall was over in six minutes, with three goals scored between the 21st and 27th minutes of the game.

The result could have been much higher had it not been for the amazing performance of goalkeeper Daniela Solera in Costa Rica’s goal. Spain ideally opens Group C ahead of Saturday’s Zambia-Japan game, followed by France 3 and France.tv.

Successful debut for Switzerland

In a similar game, Switzerland has also enforced logic. The Nati won 2-0 against a team from the Philippines, who were particularly concerned not to concede too many goals. Checked despite numerous chances in the first 45 minutes, the Swiss selection forced the decision with the help of VAR and a penalty converted by PSG player Ramona Bachmann. Seraina Piubel substantiated the dominance of the Swiss and put it down in the second third (64th). With New Zealand’s unexpected win over Norway on Thursday, the Swiss didn’t pass up an opportunity to reclaim the top spot in Group A in the race for the last 16.

The frustrated Canadian Olympic champion

Canada missed such an opportunity. The Canadians, reigning Olympic champions after their coronation in Tokyo, could do no better than draw with Nigeria (0-0) in Melbourne. Although they almost never came into danger, they were hardly able to convince in front of the opposing goal. And Christine Sinclair, the top scorer in national team history, missed the opportunity to score her 191st goal after her penalty was rebuffed by Super Falcons and Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

After Australia’s 1-0 win against Ireland on Thursday, Team Canada secured a wild card for their first two qualifying spots for the round of 16. The Olympic champions may need to secure their qualification in a ‘final’ in the third group game against Australia, who should bring back their leaders Sam Kerr for this meeting.