Marta Cardona Assists Opener In Spain’s 3-0 Win Over Poland

Spain defeated Poland 3-0 in EURO 2022 Women’s Qualifying after having already secured progression to the tournament with their 13-0 demolition of Azerbaijan.

Spain lined up in a nominal 4-3-3 formation that often warped into a 4-4-2 thanks to Jenni Hermoso’s classically aggressive positioning against the last line. Jenni’s forward runs were more necessary than her presence in midfield thanks to Poland’s deep block, which looked far more capable of repelling the opposition than Azerbajian’s.

Spain initially struggled to get much going but eventually began to wear Poland down with a number of clever, lofted balls from central areas and crosses from either the wingers or fullbacks.

Spain notched the opener through Esther González in the 24th minute before the Levante striker doubled her tally in the 69th minute following a wonderful piece of control.

Spain sealed the deal at the death through a powerful header from Barcelona center-back Mapi León.

Here is how Group D looks after this result:

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Player Ratings

Marta Cardona

Rating: 9/10

Another dazzling performance from one of the greatest 1v1 threats on planet earth. She played out on the right wing for 86 minutes and repeatedly embarrassed the fullback across from her while creating numerous dangerous chances. She also was instrumental in the first goal, winning the ball near the halfway line, moving out to the left to keep the play flowing, and heading in an assist at the back post.

Marta Corredera

Rating: 6/10

Not that much to do for her in a game where Spain dominated possession and Cardona largely kept the width on the right. Rotated possession well enough and didn’t make any major mistakes. Was substituted at the half for Ona Batlle.