Spain 3-1 South Africa: La Roja comeback secures first ever World Cup win
Jenni Hermoso scores twice as Spain kick off tournament with three goals and three points
Jenni Hermoso scored twice as Spain came from a goal down to beat South Africa 3-1 and secure their first ever World Cup win.
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España
Paños; Torrejón, Mapi León, Irene Paredes, Corredera; Virginia Torrecilla, Vicky Losada (Aitana, 46'), Alexia (Nahikari, 73'); Amanda (Lucía García, 46'), Jenni Hermoso y Mariona
Sudáfrica
Andile Dlamini; Lebohang Ramalepe, Noko Matlou, Janine Van Wyk, Nothando Vilakazi; Refiloe Jane, Kholosa Biyana; Amanda Mthandi, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana; y Ode Fulutudilu
Goles
0-1 M.25: Kgatlana. 1-1 M.69: Jenni Hermoso (p). 2-1 M.82: Jenni Hermoso (p). 3-1 M.89: Lucía García
Árbitra
Amonestó a la española Marta Corredera y a las sudáfricana Vilakazi (2) y Van Wyk. Expulsó a Vilakazi en el minuto 82.
Spain started the game well but were dealt a blow when South Africa scored with their first real attack of the game, Thembi Kgatlana opening the scoring in the 25th minute.
South Africa defender well after that, reaching the break with their lead still intact and La Roja struggling to find answers.
However, the introduction of Aitana Bonmatí and Lucia Garcia helped change the game for Spain, who scored all three goals in the final 20 minutes.
Barcelona bound Hermoso levelled from the penalty spot after her initial shot had been handled and then added her second from 12 yards, too, when Vilakazi brought down Lucia to earn her second booking of the night.
Virginia Torrecilla had already had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR at that point and Spain were in the ascendency. They wrapped up the points via a solo effort from Lucia.
It's the perfect start for Spain but they will have tougher tests to come. Germany are up next and then they close the group stages against China.
