Seleccion Espanola Femenina de Futbol Report vs Ukraine

Amaiur, Alexia Irene, Redondo Ona and Nerea after scoring Spain’s 5th goal

Jorge Vilda’s 75th match, Alexia’s record breaking 91st match for Spain got the job done at Stadion, Ukraine. Statistics will say the match looks easy but it’s far from that. The match started with Ukraine sat in 5–4–1 low blocks and Spain in their typical 3–5–2 formation with Nerea and Jenni Hermoso upfront. Spain did Started the match with lots of ball dominance. While off the ball Spain’s build up turned into 3–1–4–2 with Patri dropping deep receiving the ball and breaking the line of Ukraine. Spain got their first chance of the game in the 5th minute with brilliant passage of play by Aitana, Jenni and Amaiur as Alexia just send it wide. Alexia send it home and gave Spain the deserved lead in the 9th minute when Barbara Latorre cross from right lead by mistake of Ukraine Captain Apanaschenko who failed to clear the ball. Spain continued to grip the possession but Ukraine low block made it difficult for Spain to progress in final third. Patience build up from back, creating 1 v 1 in both flanks. In the 23rd minute there was passage of play between Alexia, Patri and Athenea del Castillo and Aitana slots it Just wide. Alexia had great chance to score her 2nd of the night but her long ranger shot just gone wide.

Amaiur Sarriegi after scoring Spain’s 2nd goal

Amaiur Sarriegi doubled Spain’s lead after excellent wing play by Athenea from left. Spain continued to search for their 3rd goal but Ukraine stood strong in their half. In 2nd half Jorge Vilda made some changes as Nerea, Ona and Leila came in . Inclusion of Ona Battle increased the speed, penetration in final 3rd, passing. Ona and Aitana continued to link up on the right as Amaiur occupied the defenders in Ukraine box. While Nerea and Leila continued to float through the left side and their link up play Open up more spaces in Ukraine Box. Nerea gave Spain 3–0 lead after good play by Ona and Aitana on the right. Amaiur Sarriegi extended the lead to 4–0 after a peach of a cross by Ona Battle from the right. While a Own goal by Ukraine captain Apanashchenko add to the further more Owes to Ukraine. Alba Redondo sealed the deal in the injury time after a perfect ball by Leila Ouahabi.

Alexia Putellas with most Cap for Spain National team

The night ended with Spain’s 6–0 win. Jorge Vilda’s 75th game in charge, 208 goals scored and 51 wins under his belt. While Alexia is the most capped player of Spain National team with 91 broke Marta Torrejon’s record. While Amaiur Sarriegi now scored 9 goals in 5 matches for National team i.e she needs only 4 goals to break into Spain’s top 10 all time goal scorers.

TACTICAL TALK:

During the time of build up on the ball Spain was in 3–1–3–3 with Patri dropping deep for extra passing option while Del Castillo and Barbara stretching the width. Meanwhile Aitana and Alexia Occupying the 2nd line of Ukraine while 3 attackers of Spain mainly up for the Shoulder runs in between the Ukraine defenders. The aim was to stretch the width and create 1 v 1 advantage to open up space. Alexia dropped deep to form a double Pivot with Patri, while Andrea Pereira looks to find Barbara in 1 v 1 situation .

Mapi Leon and Ona Battle’s role:

Mapi Leon’s movement and protecting the central Area as well pulling out the player. While Alexia dragging out the Ukranian player to make Space along with Aitana. Mapi Leon during the time of build up play a key role in pulling the passes out from back and create overload.

Alexia and Aitana dragging out the defense to open up Space for Mapi who can release the ball in Space for Athenea who can create 1 v 1 situation on the vacated space. The aim was to play through the flank and create numerical advantages. Spain always had the upper hand of creating 3 v 2 situations.

The Solidity which Ona gives is absolutely surreal. In the 2nd half there was lots of Space, Penetration open up with Ona making late runs into the box and Leila creating 2 v 1 with Nerea on the far side made it difficult for Ukraine to cope . While Amaiur was always up for occupying the defenders with Alba Redondo.

There was always a 3 v 1 in midfield with Ona Battle, Irene and Alexia was easily creating triangles while Nerea occupying the left half space . While Redondo and Amaiur always on for the Shoulder runs to create Chaos in Ukraine defense. Ona’s off the ball movement to make space for Aitana and creating overloads was huge as she could easily pulling out the defense with her pace and allowed Amaiur to get on to her crosses into the box.

CONCLUSION:

Nonetheless Spain’s Campaign so far:

3 World cup Qualifying matches:

23 Goals

0 Conceded.

Top Scorer:

Amaiur : 8 goals

Top Assist Maker:

Ona Battle: 4 Assists