The first day of the knockout rounds started with Spain facing off against Switzerland in a very one-sided competition. Day one will finish with Japan taking on Norway.
Couldn’t watch and need to know what the big story is? This is what happened on the first day of the World Cup Round of 16.
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Spain 5, Switzerland 1
The Big Story: Spain had a decisive win against a Switzerland side whose game plan did not prepare for Spain to play Spanish possession-based soccer, and couldn’t adjust either.
The Big Moment: The gamewinning goal from Spain was another early one as Alba Redondo centrally placed a glancing header in the netting near the far post past an outstretched Gaėlle Thalmann.
THAT'S TWO!
SPAIN RETAKES THE LEAD AT EDEN PARK
pic.twitter.com/TEZcMVGCM9
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 5, 2023
SPAIN RETAKES THE LEAD AT EDEN PARK
pic.twitter.com/TEZcMVGCM9— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 5, 2023
What it means: The Swiss defense looked shaky from the start, with the Spanish attack looking dangerous and penetrating the box with ease . Spain got on the board early when in the 5th minute, a goal line clearance didn’t make it out of the box and Aitiana Bonmati made Switzerland pay with a left-footed shot into the lower right 90 as she fell backwards. In an impressive offensive showing, Spain ended the half with 19 shots, 6 on target, and 4 goals.
Although the offensive side of things wasn’t an issue for the Spanish, there was a pretty big defensive miscue that they’ll want to clean up in future rounds, the communication between the backline and goalkeeper. Spain started goalkeeper Cata Coll in this match for her international debut and there was a huge misplay in the 11th minute that allowed Switzerland to–temporarily–come even.
OH NO, IT'S AN OWN GOAL FROM SPAIN 
pic.twitter.com/eTfLdXfB1d
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 5, 2023
pic.twitter.com/eTfLdXfB1d— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 5, 2023
The second half started with three sub changes for Switzerland as they hoped to get back in the match but they were only able to keep Spain from adding goals until halfway through the half. All-in-all, the Swiss can’t help but leave this game disappointed that their exit from the World Cup was in a 5-1 rout where they only had two shots and barely spent any time in the Spanish half.
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