by Morganna King (21/7/24)
Above: The world champions are out to take another major title. Photo: Marcelo del Pozo.
The Spanish women’s national team (nicknamed La Roja) have played a pivotal role in women’s football discussions in the past year or so.
Whether that was due to their phenomenal 2023 World Cup win or because of issues surrounding their national team squad management, La Roja’s history stretches back to the 1980s, and they will be expecting to add to their list of honours at the 2024 Olympics.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Cata Coll, Misa Rodríguez.
Defenders: Irene Paredes, Leila Ouahabi, Ona Batlle, Laia Aleixandri, Laia Codina, Jana Fernández. Olga Carmona, Oihane Hernández.
Midfielders: Alexia Putellas. Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmatí, Teresa Abelleira, Maite Oroz.
Forwards: Jenni Hermoso, Mariona Caldentey, Lucía García, Eva Navarro. Athenea del Castillo, Salma Paralluelo, Inma Gabarro.
Alternate Players (can only be selected if any players above are injured): Elene Lete (GK), María Méndez (DF), Vicky López (MF), Alba Redondo (FW).
Head coach
Montserrat ‘Montse’ Tomé was appointed as head coach on 5th September 2023 after serving as the national team’s assistant coach at the FIFA Women’s World Cup that year. She is a Spanish former footballer and has previously played for clubs such as Levante and Barcelona. By taking on this role, she has become the first female head coach in the history of Spanish women’s football.
How they qualified
The Spanish team earned a spot at the Olympics for the first time ever after winning 3-0 against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Nations League. Goals from Jenni Hermoso, Aitana Bonmati, and Ona Battle secured their place at the tournament. Whilst achieving this, they simultaneously played in front of a record attendance of 21,856 at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville.
Strengths
As a country, Spain is one of the leaders in women’s football talent. They have a number of versatile players that they can use to enhance their squad.
Development areas
The stability and quality of their team environment, to ensure that all of the players are comfortable as well as being free from pay disputes.
Key players
Despite still being a relatively young player, Olga Carmona has plenty of senior squad experience, making her debut at just 15 years for Sevilla. The left-back provides an attacking mindset to Spain’s back line and earned herself the Player of the Match award while captaining her country in the World Cup final.
Aitana Bonmati is arguably one of the best midfielders in the world; her technical ability is unmatched. Some would say the proof is in the pudding as she won the Ballon d’Or Feminin in 2023. Bonmati Developed through Barcelona’s La Masia academy before making her first team debut in the Copa del Reina at just 16.
One to watch
After two years out of the national team squad, midfielder Patri Guijarro returns. A true box-to-box midfielder, Guijarro brings a number of qualities and experience to the team. A defining performance of hers would be the 26-year-old’s two goals that helped Barcelona win the 2023 UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Success would be
As World champions, getting to the Final should be the least they are aiming for.
Prediction:
I would expect nothing less than for Spain to be able to reach the final of the Olympics.
Fixtures:
25th July Spain v Japan, 5pm, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes.
28th July Spain v Nigeria, 7pm, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes.
31st July Spain vs Brazil, 5pm, Stade de Bordeaux.
All kick-off times are French time.
Missed any of Impetus’ other Olympic nation guides so far? Catch up by clicking below!
CANADA: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/13/olympics-preview-canada-2/
FRANCE: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/14/olympics-preview-france/
COLOMBIA: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/15/olympics-preview-colombia/
NEW ZEALAND: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/16/olympics-preview-new-zealand-2/
UNITED STATES: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/17/olympic-previews-united-states-of-america/
GERMANY: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/18/olympics-preview-germany/
AUSTRALIA: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/19/olympics-preview-australia-2/
ZAMBIA: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/20/olympics-preview-zambia/
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