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Spain XI
France XI
Substitutes
Three Real Madrid players started for Spain. María Méndez was in a CB duo with Codina, and Olga as the left back, while Ona took the right back position and benched Shei, who started against South Korea. Teresa Abelleira was the pivot and played alongside Patri and Aitana, like in the last match. On the other side, all 3 French Madridistas were benched - Maëlle Lakrar, Naomie Feller, and Sandie Toletti.
Both teams started strong by attacking, but Spain ultimately got an early lead in 6' when Mariona assisted Aitana for 0-1.
Spain's defensive weakness was exposed a few times in this encounter, the first prominent one being in 14' when the Spaniards had problems tracking back and left the wide areas open and let Matéo send in a side pass. Nanclares had to make two saves in the first 20 minutes from two identical situations. The Spanish defense had many problems with answering France's transitions, and they would always leave a hole on the fullbacks while the centerbacks were closed in.
Claudia Pina doubled Spain's lead in 23' where Aitana carried out a transition after a kick pass by Mariona. Aitana then carried and sent the ball to Pina who took a shot from outside the box which Picaud wasn't able to save.
Eight minutes before the end of the first half, Méndez sent the ball into own net and gave France the confidence to keep going for Spain's net for the rest of the first half.
Spain started off the second half on a strong note. They didn't let France create any noticeable danger while La Roja was in full attack mode. Their best chance at the start of the second half was Tere Abelleira's rocket which was saved by Picaud under the crossbar.
Lucía García made it 1-3 in 60' after a brilliant pass by Mariona to Ona who carried it into the box and served it for the striker.
Toletti got on for France in 65' while Olga was subbed off in 67' for Ouahabi. Four minutes after this substitution, France's second goal came from Spain's left side. Becho sent the cross toward Diani inside the box who was in an offside position. However, Codina pushed the ball changing its trajectory and Diani's goal was given by VAR.
Spain won a penalty in the last 10 minutes of the encounter. Mariona converted it from the spot to make it 2-4.
Maëlle Lakrar came on for the last 3 minutes for the injured Estelle Cascarino. Sheila García got on for Spain in the added time.