Spain kicked off their campaign in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup with a resounding 3-0 victory against Costa Rica at Wellington Regional Stadium on Friday.

Playing under coach Jorge Vilda, Spain took the lead in the 21st minute when Valeria del Campo scored into her net, Aitana Bonmati added the second in the 23rd minute before Esther Gonzalez drilled home the third in the 27th minute for an emphatic opening victory in the Group C contest.

Spain started off the better side and should have been 2-0 up inside the first 10 minutes, first in the sixth minute when Athenea del Castillo missed an open sitter with the simplest task of tapping in, and three minutes later, when Jennifer Hermoso headed wide, with the empty goal by her mercy.

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However, Spain’s persistent pressure paid off when defender Valeria del Campo directed the ball into her own net while under pressure to clear a cross from Gonzalez. The goal somehow rejuvenated Spain, who continued to attack, and two minutes later, Bonmati scored the second off a cross from Ona Batlle.

Five minutes later, Spain took control of the game when Gonzalez scored the third, sneaking the ball past Costa Rica keeper Daniela Solera. In the 34th minute, Spain were presented with another chance to make it 4-0 when referee Casey Reibelt from Australia awarded them a penalty, but Jenifer Hermoso missed from the spot.

Spain will next face Zambia at Eden Park on Wednesday while Costa Rica will confront Japan at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Japan and Zambia are due to face off in their opener at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday.