Spain secured their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals in a dominant manner, overpowering Switzerland with a resounding 5-1 victory in Auckland.
Jorge Vilda’s team rebounded with vigor from their previous 4-0 defeat by Japan in the group stage. Their first-half onslaught proved decisive, with Aitana Bonmati netting twice, alongside strikes from Alba Redondo and Laia Codina (who also inadvertently scored an own goal). Spain’s firm control at halftime ensured their progress.
While Spain scaled down their intensity in the second half, they maintained their dominance on the pitch. Jenny Hermoso contributed the fifth goal, setting up a quarter-final confrontation against either the Netherlands or South Africa.
Switzerland, who had yet to concede in the tournament, had their streak shattered within the first five minutes. Alba Redondo’s initial shot was thwarted by Gaelle Thalmann, only for Redondo to capitalize on the rebound and pass it to Bonmati, who expertly finished from within the box.
Switzerland briefly equalized after six minutes, as Laia Codina mistakenly directed a heavy back pass beyond Cata Coll in the Spanish goal.
Nevertheless, Spain swiftly regained control. Within six minutes, Ona Battle’s cross was deftly redirected by Bonmati, leading to Redondo using her head to put Spain back in the lead.
Spain, determined to distance themselves from the Japan loss, continued to press forward. Bonmati almost extended their lead, but her powerful volley from outside the box was parried away by Thalmann.
Spain’s relentless attack overwhelmed Switzerland, culminating in their third goal in the 36th minute. Redondo supplied the ball to Bonmati, who adeptly maneuvered past two defenders before securing her second goal of the match.
Codina redeemed herself just before halftime by capitalizing on a corner kick scramble, slotting the ball home from close range amidst defensive confusion.
Switzerland made alterations during halftime, but even substitute Meriame Terchoun’s close-range volley was effortlessly caught by Coll.
With 20 minutes left, Spain solidified their lead with a fifth goal. Switzerland’s defensive error was exploited by Hermoso, who raced forward and elegantly curled the ball into the far corner.
Spain nearly added a sixth goal, but Eva Navarro’s long-range attempt was thwarted by Thallmann. This victory marked Spain’s inaugural entrance into the tournament’s quarter-finals.