In Pennsylvania, Spain arrive for a second meeting with the United States carrying the assurance of a 2-0 win in Washington and the status that comes with being world champions and Nations League holders. The return friendly, scheduled for the early hours between Tuesday and Wednesday, offers Sonia Bermúdez’s side another chance to measure itself against the Olympic champions on American soil.
The news from the club
Spain’s first victory was achieved without several established names. Aitana Bonmatí, Mapi León, Claudia Pina, Mariona Caldentey and goalkeeper Cata Coll remain unavailable, while Athenea del Castillo will also miss the second match.
Athenea’s dismissal for pulling an opponent’s hair brings a suspension despite the exhibition status of the fixture. Bermúdez will instead look again to a younger, highly motivated group that impressed in Washington, with Adriana Nanclares in strong form and Patri Guijarro playing with authority.
There is considerable belief within the Spanish camp, even while recognising that the opening encounter exposed areas to improve. Spain want to regain more control of possession and produce a sharper press than they managed in the first game. Their finishing was ruthless in Washington, but the performance also revealed weaknesses which the United States will have had time to study.
The result was especially notable in the context of American home matches. Since July 2017, Germany had been the only visiting side to defeat the United States in their own country. Spain have now added their name to that short list and, in doing so, shifted attention away from the reigning Olympic champions.
A second examination in Pennsylvania
Emma Hayes is continuing to build a new United States cycle. Her squad combines experienced players with a large young core, and the English coach accepted that defeat can come against the leading team in the world while expressing frustration at defensive errors and missed attacking opportunities in the first contest.
Hayes expects a different kind of match in Pennsylvania. Spain, despite their perfect conversion of the chances that mattered in Washington, know they cannot rely on the same efficiency alone. The side that has made the better corrections between the two friendlies will take a meaningful step forward in a rare transatlantic duel between major title holders.
