A superb goal from a free kick by Alexia Putellas with five minutes remaining to break the Nigerian wall and put Spain in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games. Montse Tomé’s team tried everything to open the lock created by the Nigerians and finally a genius of the two-time Ballon d’Or winner responded to the insistence and good work of a Spain that was close to fighting for the medal.
Spain removed some of the doubts they had planned on debut against Japan and offered an improved version in their clash against Nigeria. The lack of punch, yes, punished a team that could not decipher the wall caused by the Africans Montse Tomé made three changes in the lineup and the entry of Teresa Abelleira suited his team, especially in an early hour of clear Spanish dominance.
The entire game of the Spanish team revolves around the Real Madrid midfielder. The Galician, a life insurance in the coverage to neutralize the Nigerian transitions, gave meaning and order to the circulation but the Red did not have the point of finesse and clairvoyance to dismantle the brave African defense, very solidly protecting the goalkeeper who Nnadozie.
Nigeria’s plan is to give the ball to Spain and take advantage of turnovers to find space behind Aleixandre and Irene Paredes. So come the best opportunities in Africa. First, Okoronkwuo warned with a shot that forced Cata Coll to make an excellent intervention (22′) and later Ajibade with a very clear one-on-one that the Atlético de Madrid player did not know if how to solve properly, fortunately for Montse players.
Spain’s clearest chance came on the stroke of half-time, when Alexia met a good cross from the left that looked to be a goal or a goal. However, Nnadozie dominated with a brutal save on the line.
La Roja went from more to less and after the restart Tomé brought on Olga and Athenea to strike on the wings, practically unusable during the first half. Spain put another gear in the rhythm of possessions and started to do damage on the left bank. Salma’s goal was born there because of Alexia’s offside in the 55th minute.
From there La Roja took control of the match and began to threaten from the flanks more often with Mariona and Athenea. Spain showed patience while the Nigerians did not lose their composure in the middle of the siege, the defenses and the goalkeeper were always helpful to close all the doors to the goal. Alexia made it 0-1 in the 80th minute but Ohale took the ball over the line. The Barça player pulled his flags, put the team on his back and in the 85th minute wiped the lamp. A direct free kick from the sideline found Nnadozie in front and he slotted the ball into the corner to ease a Spain into the quarterfinals.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Jason Root, a professional writer working with Today Times Live, the premier news website. I specialize in sports writing, covering the biggest stories in the world of athletics. With an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, I provide engaging and informative articles that capture the key elements of any event or issue. My work has been featured on numerous respected websites and publications around the world.
