Spain Overpower Ukraine to Keep World Cup Dreams Alive

By Eppe Franklyne

Spain delivered a masterclass on Saturday, securing a 5-0 victory over Ukraine to stay in the hunt for World Cup qualification. After a narrow defeat to England earlier in the week, the world champions needed a big response to boost their goal difference. They certainly delivered in sunny Cordoba, moving level on points with the Lionesses at the top of Group A3, ahead of England’s match against Iceland.

The hosts wasted no time, taking the lead within 90 seconds. Edna Imade powered home a fantastic header following a precise cross from Lucia Corrales. Although the team played without the injured Aitana Bonmati, her Barcelona colleague Alexia Putellas dictated the tempo from the middle of the park. The visitors nearly equalised before the break, but a strike from Olha Ovdiychuk rattled the woodwork, keeping Spain’s lead intact.

The second half mirrored the first, as Edna Imade netted her second goal via another Corrales cross just moments after the restart. This strike effectively secured the win and allowed Spain to play with total freedom. Maria Mendez added a third with a well-placed header, before Eva Navarro and the talented teenager Vicky Lopez rounded off the scoring. This clinical display ensures that World Cup qualification remains firmly within their reach as they look toward the summer.

Despite this big win, Spain still faces a tough path to the tournament in Brazil. Only the top team in the group earns an automatic spot. The squad knows they must likely defeat England in Mallorca on June 5 to stay on track for World Cup qualification. Failure to win that match could see the European champions forced into the unpredictable play-off route.

Do you think Spain’s current form is enough to overcome England in their next crucial qualifying match?