Ángela Gálvez leads Spain: 3-1 vs Australia and clinch last-16

Spain defeated Australia 3-1 this Thursday at the Women’s U-17 World Cup in Morocco and secured a mathematical spot in the last 16. The win was powered by a Ángela Gálvez double (10' and 66', from the spot) plus a goal from Elena Vizuete (16'), with Frida Karaberis replying for Australia (68') in Group F.

It was Spain’s second straight victory after Monday’s 2-0 over Mexico. From the start, Mila Martínez’s team took control: Gálvez broke into the box to beat Dali Gorr for 1-0 in the 10th minute, and two minutes later Vizuete headed in (16'). Gálvez then had a chance to make it 3-0 before the break, but her effort went just wide.

Goals and Australia’s reply

In the second half, a foul by Tehya Aspland on María Aymerich inside the area led to a penalty, which Gálvez converted to make it 3-0 (66'). Australia responded with 3-1 from distance by Karaberis (68'), after a turnover by Uzuri Cadenato.

With the win, Spain top Group F on six points and will face Chile this Sunday to close the league phase. Martínez will be without Maialen Valladares due to suspension, and finishing first will depend on the result between Mexico and Chile.