In Sosnowiec, Spain’s Under-20 women have moved within one match of another world final. A 1-0 quarter-final victory over Brazil at Arena Sosnowiec in Poland sent David Aznar’s side into the last four, four years after Spain lifted the title in Costa Rica.
A Brazilian test in Poland
Spain had swept through the group stage, including an 11-0 win over New Caledonia, before being made to work by Portugal in the round of 16. Brazil brought a different examination altogether, pressing high from the opening minutes and making Spain’s attempts to build from defence far more uncomfortable.
The Spanish side gradually found routes beyond that first wave of pressure, with the wide areas becoming their most productive territory. Rosalía Domínguez provided the acceleration on one flank, while Pau Comendador supplied power and presence from the other side.
- Spain took the lead in the 27th minute.
- Rosalía reached the byline and delivered for Comendador arriving in the area.
- Comendador’s effort was deflected into the Brazilian net by defender Thaynara for an own goal.
The breakthrough changed the rhythm of the match. Spain controlled possession for long spells, although they did not turn that command into the volume of clear chances expected from a team that had been averaging more than four goals per game in the tournament.
Posts deny Spain a calmer finish
Brazil returned after the interval with greater urgency, pushing forward largely through determination rather than sustained attacking fluency. Their approach brought them around Spain’s penalty area, but goalkeeper Laia López was not seriously tested.
Spain, meanwhile, twice came close to removing the tension from the closing stages. Celia Segura struck the post with a partially blocked attempt in the 66th minute, and substitute Daniela Agote also hit the woodwork in stoppage time.
Those missed opportunities left Brazil with hope of forcing extra time, but Spain held their line until the final whistle. The result was secured under Mexican referee Lizzet García, who booked Spain’s Rosalía, Librán and Gurtubay.
Italy await in the semi-finals
Spain will face Italy on Wednesday at 15:00 in the semi-final. Italy reached that stage by defeating South Korea 3-1, with Karen Appiah scoring twice.
The quarter-final line-ups in Sosnowiec were:
- Brazil: Thais Lima; Sofia Couto, Ana Beatriz, Thaynara, Aninha, Kaylane, Emily Lucas, Evelyn, Dudinha, Vitorinha and Gisele. Substitutes used: Clarinha, Brendha, Dulce, Nogueira and Gio Canali.
- Spain: Laia López; Noe Bejarano, Silvia Cristóbal, Aïcha, Noa Jiménez; Librán, Peñalvo; Pau Comendador, Celia Segura, Rosalía Domínguez and Alba Cerrato. Substitutes used: Carla Julià, Marisa, Gurtubay, Agote and Ainoa.
For Spain, the path now leads from the industrial south of Poland to a meeting with Italy and the possibility of returning to the tournament’s biggest night.
