Spain secured its spot in the Women's Euro quarterfinals and has a date with England after defeating Denmark 1-0 on Saturday.
The final group stage game of Group B saw Spain and Denmark enter the match level on three points. Spain had the goal difference advantage therefore only needing a draw to advance. The stats might show that Spain dominated in possession with 75%, but the victory was anything but straight-forward.
Denmark had its chances tallying 10 shots and had the Spaniards on the ropes at several points throughout the game.
Chelsea star Pernille Harder found herself in on Spain’s goal early in the first half but her attempted chip shot sailed over Sandra Paños’ goal.
Paños came up big in the second half to deny Denmark when she quickly put a palm in the air to tip over Nadia Nadim’s shot that proved to be the Dane’s best chance of the game.
Sandra Paños ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Lnilr4AOKS
— 11 (@M_0hma) July 16, 2022
Paños should feel good about her save and have a confidence boost after her major error against Germany that cost her team the game.
Marta Cardona provided the dagger in the 90th minute with a perfectly placed header to send her country to the knockout stages.
Spain scores in the final moments and ends Denmark's knockout stage hopes pic.twitter.com/UHrRejLcyP
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 16, 2022
Spain, ranked seventh in the world a spot ahead of England, entered the Women’s Euro as favorites. Injuries to the team’s two stars Jenni Hermoso and Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas put the favorite idea in doubt.
The moment of truth of how good this Spanish side is will come on Wednesday, July 20, when Spain has to go up against England. Sure, Spain can keep all the possession in the world, but this team hasn’t been clinical enough. Spain had 70% possession during the team’s 2-0 defeat to Germany.
This England side that takes no prisoners, just ask Norway, will be looking at Spain like a Spanish appetizer.
