Source: FEDEFUTBOL CR

The National Women’s Football Teams of Costa Rica and Spain played an exciting match that marked history for both nations as they both debuted in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. For the Costa Rica players, affectionately known as Las Ticas, the match proved fruitful as they are considered underdogs in a “group of death,” which includes the powerhouse Brazilian and South Korean teams.

Although FIFA has officially recognized the stellar Raquel Rodriguez of Costa Rica as the player of the match, the coach from Spain and fans who followed the action both agreed that the spectacular goalkeeper Dinnia Diaz was crucial for Las Ticas thanks to her many, crucial saves. At this point, the young Miss Diaz is on par with Keylor Navas as one of the best goalkeepers in our country’s football history.

Following is part of narrative in the official match report, courtesy of FIFA.

Vicky Losada scored Spain’s first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ goal but Raquel Rodriguez Cedeno equalised moments later. A succession of chances followed for Spain in the second half, but Las Ticas stood firm.

 

 

Spanish celebrations were short-lived though, as Costa Rica grabbed a historic goal of their own almost immediately. Direct from the restart, Wendy Acosta sent a long ball down the left flank. Lixy Rodriguez burst onto the excellent control from Carolina Venegas, and jinked past Irene Paredes in the Spanish penalty area. Her cross found Rodriguez Cedeno free, who tapped home with ease.

 

 

Costa Rica held out for the remainder, and will go into their second game against Korea Republic on Saturday full of confidence, while Spain will surely have to be more clinical to get anything from Marta’s Brazil in their second game.