Reigning world champions Spain kept their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification hopes alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over Ukraine on Saturday at the Nuevo Archangel Stadium in Cordoba, Spain, Xinhua reports.
The result came after Spain’s midweek defeat away to England, and the win ensured that their home clash against England on June 5 is likely to decide who tops the qualifying group and who must go through the playoffs.
Spain, who had earlier beaten Ukraine 3-1 in the reverse fixture, took the lead after just 90 seconds when Lucia Corrales delivered a precise cross from the left for Edna Imade to head home.
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Despite dominating possession with over 70 percent and earning 10 first-half corners, Spain struggled initially to break down Ukraine’s disciplined defence. Ukrainian goalkeeper made a single notable save in the first half, denying Alexia Putellas. In the final minute before the break, Olha Ovdiychuk nearly equalised with a powerful strike that hit the post and almost deflected in off Spanish goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares.
Two minutes after the restart, Corrales and Imade combined again, with Imade scoring another header to double Spain’s lead.
As temperatures rose above 30 degrees Celsius, Ukraine began to fade, and Spain added more goals. Vicky Lopez assisted Maria Mendez for the third in the 61st minute, while Eva Navarro’s shot deflected in for the fourth in the 70th minute.
Lopez then sealed the emphatic win in the 75th minute, finishing after rounding the goalkeeper to complete the 5-0 scoreline.