Despite dominating for the majority of the 90 minutes in their first ever World Cup game, Spain could only muster a draw against Costa Rica, proving that they must improve if they are to progress.
A disappointing start for Spain, despite domination
It was a two-minute spell in the first half that produced both goals. Spain’s Vicky Losada opened the scoring but a quick counter attack and close range side foot from Raquel Rodriguez saw Costa Rica equalise just a minute later.
Although going forward, Spain look dangerous, their lack of concentration and perhaps experience cost them the three points; something that cannot be replicated against Brazil on Saturday.
Spain’s head coach Ignacio Quereda is determined to quality for the round of 16 and he admitted in his post match press conference that something has to change.
“We are disappointed because we believe we should have scored three times. But we know what we have to do, we have a commitment and we will try to qualify for the second phase.
Evidentially we have to make adjustments to play Brazil. We have to penetrate from the sides and close down players and we have failed to do that so far. We have to improve.”
Spain will meet an experienced Brazil side on Saturday in Montreal in what will be a vital game for both sides.
Brazil currently sit top of group E after a convincing 2-0 win over South Korea in their first group game.
A prolific and experienced forward line up causes obvious problems for an unsure Spanish defence.
Thirty-seven year old Formiga opened the scoring to become the oldest goal scorer in the tournament's history while a second half penalty from Marta made her the all-time leading goal scorer at the women’s World Cup.
Can Vadão lead Brazil to victory?
Winning the game’s biggest prize will already be in the Brazilian's minds after a confident start to the campaign. The closest they have come to lifting the trophy was in 2007 when they lost to Germany.
“I think we played very well. In your first game there’s always some degree of anxiety but it was a very balanced team. When we needed to pass the ball we did, when we needed speed we gave it.
The previous game [Spain - Costa Rica] was a tie so it was important to win because we are leading the group now. The competition does not allow lack of concentration but I think we played very well.”
Ranked 7th in the world, Brazil will be the favourites to put the game away and stay top of the group, but with no previous meetings this is going to be both an exciting and unpredictable encounter.