Spain rout Ukraine to boost Women's World Cup qualifying hopes / Photo: JORGE GUERRERO - AFP
Spain rout Ukraine to boost Women's World Cup qualifying hopes
Edna Imade netted two headers as Spain crushed Ukraine 5-0 to pull provisionally level with England at the top of Women's World Cup 2027 qualifying group A3 on Saturday.
Only the top team progresses automatically to the tournament in Brazil next year and European champions England defeated Spain 1-0 win at Wembley on Tuesday to claim an early advantage.
Boasting a perfect record of three wins from three England face Iceland in Reykjavik later Saturday, looking to move back clear of Spain.
Spain, who lifted the last World Cup in 2023, made light work of Ukraine in sunny Cordoba to boost their goal difference.
Sonia Bermudez's side roared into an immediate lead through Bayern Munich striker Imade. She powered home a fine header from Lucia Corrales's cross before 90 seconds had passed.
Spain were without injured three-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, but her Barcelona team-mate Alexia Putellas ran the show from midfield.
The visitors almost levelled before the break when Olha Ovdiychuk fired against the post.
Spain's second goal was a carbon copy of the first, with Corrales crossing from the left and Imade nodding home just over a minute into the second half.
Salma Paralluelo hit the post before Maria Mendez headed home the third from Barcelona teenager Vicky Lopez's cross.
Eva Navarro notched Spain's fourth with a deflected effort from the edge of the area and Lopez showed neat footwork before tapping home the fifth.
Spain host England in Mallorca on June 5, a game they likely have to win if they want to qualify directly and avoid the play-offs.
L.Scott--EWJ
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