Spain delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, crushing Ukraine 5-0 to keep their World Cup qualifying hopes alive. Striker Edna Imade was the star of the show in sunny Cordoba, netting two powerful headers to secure the points. The win moves the current world champions level with England at the top of Group A3, though the Lionesses play later this evening.
The home side took the lead in under 90 seconds when Imade headed home a brilliant cross from Lucia Corrales. Despite missing the injured Aitana Bonmati, Spain controlled the game through the creative brilliance of Alexia Putellas. Although Ukraine nearly equalised before half-time when Olha Ovdiychuk hit the post, the Spanish side remained composed. Just after the break, Imade scored a second goal that was almost identical to her first.
As the match progressed, the goals continued to flow. Maria Mendez added a third with a header before Eva Navarro found the net with a deflected strike. Barcelona teenager Vicky Lopez finished the scoring with a composed tap-in after some excellent footwork. This high-scoring victory significantly boosts Spain’s goal difference as they chase the top spot in World Cup qualifying.
Only the group winners will gain automatic entry to the 2027 tournament in Brazil. Following their narrow defeat at Wembley last Tuesday, Spain likely need to beat England in Mallorca on June 5 to avoid the tension of the play-offs. For now, the pressure is back on the European champions to respond in their match against Iceland. This World Cup qualifying battle looks set to go down to the wire.
Do you think Spain’s attacking depth is enough to overcome England in their upcoming must-win rematch?
