Canada loses to Spain in opening match of FIFA under-20 women’s World Cup

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – Canada’s not off to a strong start at the FIFA women’s under-20 World Cup.

The Canadian squad suffered a 5-0 loss against Spain in Group B play on Sunday at Bava Park in the tournament opener for both teams.

Mariona opened the scoring just two minutes in for Spain (1-0-0) and Lucia Garcia doubled the lead in the 30th with her first of the match.

Aitana Bonmati added a third goal in the 58th and another came from Patri in the 87th. Garcia made it a five-goal lead in extra time.

Alexandria Lamontagne thought she had one back for Canada (0-1-0) in the 84th but was called for offisde.

Canada was dominated much of the match as Spain controlled 66 per cent of possession. Spain also outshot the Canadians 16-7 (7-1 on target).

Group B is rounded out with Japan (0-0-0) and Nigeria (0-0-0), which go head-to-head later today.

Canada’s next game is Wednesday against Nigeria.

The Spaniards were runners-up to Sweden in European qualifying for the 16-team world championship.