Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro scored in the first 14 minutes as Spain defeated the United States 2-0 on Saturday in Washington, extending their unbeaten run against the U.S. since 2020. The victory marked the first meeting between reigning World Cup champion Spain and Olympic champion USA, with both teams fielding key absentees including Aitana Bonmatí, Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett.
Guijarro opened scoring with a stunning strike from outside the penalty area in the third minute, followed by Navarro's volley after Salma Paralluelo's cross in the 14th minute. The U.S. created several chances, including a disallowed goal for offside and a penalty that Lily Yohnes converted, but goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares made crucial saves to preserve Spain's clean sheet.
The result previewed next year's World Cup, with both teams showcasing elite talent despite missing stars. Spain will face the U.S. again Tuesday near Philadelphia in what promises to be another tactical battle between the world's top-ranked sides.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing