Milton Keynes July 9 (BUS): Spain made a successful start to its European Women’s Championship campaign after coming back from behind to beat Finland 4-1 at Milton Keynes.
Linda Saleström gave Finland a surprising lead in the first minute but Spain bounced back with headers from captain Irene Paredes, midfielder Itana Ponmatti and striker Lucia Garcia. They concluded the scoring with a penalty kick from Mariona Caldente, according to Reuters.
Striker Saleström fired a low shot into the lower left corner after a superb pass from defender Anna Westerlund as Finland took an early lead in the Group B encounter.
But Spain, who played without the injured Jennifer Hermoso and Alexia Putillas, quickly overcame the early tensions and found the equalizer in the 26th minute when the unmarked Paredes scored a towering header from Caldente’s corner.
Jorge Vilda’s team took the lead in the 41st minute, after Mabe Leon crossed a fine cross from the left and Ponmate’s shot into the top corner.
Garcia then scored a free kick for Lyon in the 75th minute to make it 3-1 before Caldente scored a penalty in stoppage time.
Caldente found the top corner from the penalty spot in the 95th minute after Ile Becojamasa brought down Marta Cardona in the penalty area.
The victory put Spain at the top of Group B, which also includes Denmark and Germany.