Kolkata: Spain advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating Portugal 2–0 in Arena Katowice, Poland.
Spain had topped the group as they defeated Nigeria 2–0, New Caledonia 11–0 and China PR 3–1. Portugal had qualified to the knockout phase for the first time as they finished as runners-up in Group E.
Spain started the game strong and took the lead after a goal by Marisa García. They had the majority of the possession and also created a number of chances as Rosalía Domínguez and Elene Gurtubay both had great opportunities to score.
The game became even more one-sided when, after a review from the Video Assistant Referee, Neide Guedes was shown a red card for a challenge on Gurtubay. This meant that Portugal had ten players on the pitch and Spain could increase the pressure for the remainder of the game.
Spain continued to have the upper hand after the break, while Portugal struggled to make any attacks as they tried to keep the ball away from their opponents. They had made history by qualifying for the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time, but they struggled against the experience of Spain.
Spain looking to continue their remarkable run after a 16 goal, one-conceded group phase. Portugal had arrived after a 3–0 win against Costa Rica, following a 2–0 defeat against DPR Korea and a goalless draw with Colombia.
The goal from Spain and the sending-off of a defender for Portugal were the two major incidents of the game, as Spain looked to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Spain will face Brazil in the quarter-finals. Brazil qualified for the last eight after beating the United States on penalties following a 1-1 draw. The quarter-final therefore features two unbeaten teams vying for a place in the semi-finals.
