2024 Olympics: Spain snatch three points through Alexia Putellas wonder goal

Thanks to an Alexia Putellas wonder goal in the 85th minute, Spain take their tally to six points and keep their Group C leadership. The world champions are now a step closer to the 2024 Olympics quarter-finals.

Nigeria stood strong for a goalless 85 minutes. Their speed and power intimidated Cata Coll’s goal a few times but the Super Falcons couldn’t find the final product in front of goal.

Starting XIs

Spain

Coll; Batlle, Aleixandri, Paredes, Hernández, Abelleira, Bonmatí, Putellas, Paralluelo, Mariona, García.

Nigeria

Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Okeke, Ucheibe, Abiodun, Ajibade, Oshoala, Payne, Okoronkwo.

Spain win despite Olympic imperfections

The match showcased two different styles of playing football — from the Spanish ball possession to the fast-paced Nigeria. The Africans had to travel from Bordeaux to Nantes, while Spain stayed at the same village, where they were based.

During the first half, some Esther Okoronkwo efforts assisted by Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade made Cata Coll work and alert of their presence. Down the other end, an Irene Paredes header and multiple Alexia Putellas attempts challenged Nnadozie Chiamaka, but the Nigerian goalkeeper performed perfectly to despair the world champions.

At the start of the second half, Salma Paralluelo broke the deadlock but it was eventually was disallowed by VAR. The Barcelona star and former sprinter was ruled was offside as Putellas touched the ball lightly after a crossing.

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Ajibade had another clear cut chance just a few minutes later. Oshoala ran by herself until the endline and, having seen the defenders who had arrived, made a heel pass to her teammate. The Atlético de Madrid player shot slightly over the goal.

After that, Montse Tomé made some substitutions and Spain became more aggressive in attack. Olga Carmona, Alexia, Paredes and Mariona tried a few times on goal within five minutes. The Nigerian defenders were performing at a high level, doing the most to avoid a Spanish goal.

Alexia Putellas wonder goal

There was nothing the Super Falcons could do to stop Putellas’ goal in the last minutes. A free-kick from the side went directly into the net — it marked her 31st goal for the national team and put Spain a step closer to the quarter-finals.

There wasn’t time for much more, and the match ended 1-0 for the Spaniards, despite them not playing their best football. Spain’s next challenge at the Olympics will be in Bordeaux next Wednesday against Brazil. Meanwhile, Nigeria, who are yet to pick up any points, will face Japan in Nantes.

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