Colombia 2-0 Canada
Colombia goals: Angely Camargo (16), Nicole Mancilla (30)
Player of the Match: Alisson Olave
How on earth did an open, opportunity-stacked game involve just two goals? Because the reflexes of Colombia goalkeeper Alisson Olave and her Canada counterpart Lea Palacio-Tellier were otherworldly as the action flung from end to end. Esther Brossard dazzled for the North Americans, while Camargo and Mancilla netted for the South Americans. Colombia collected maximum points, but Canada earned the utmost respect for their endeavours.
“It was tough, especially in the first half. The nerves usually play tricks on us, but I think we were able to respond in the second half. We’ve worked on very specific things, and the nerves are always there, even if you can’t see them. Breathing helps me a lot. Talking to myself really calms me down. Focusing on my breathing is the foundation for staying composed between the posts.”
Alisson Olave, Colombia goalkeeper
“We’re proud of our performance. I don’t think we had fortune on our side. We came close to scoring a few times in the first half. It could have been a different game. But we showed we can compete against a very good team like Colombia, and we’ll take confidence from that.”
Lea Palacio-Tellier, Canada goalkeeper
Canada goalkeeper Lea Palacio-Tellier made 15 saves.
Spain 5-2 Thailand
Spain goals: Vane Sotelo (7), Irene Cordoba (11), Laura Cordoba (16 & 28), Maria Sanz Navarro (32)
Thailand goals: Jenjira Bubpha (9), Sasikarn Tongdee (14)
Player of the Match: Laura Cordoba
The Spaniards paid tribute to injured legend Anita Lujan, who was in the stands, by parading her No14 jersey around PhilSports Arena. The girl wearing it on court then bagged a beauty. But if Irene Cordoba was good, her twin sister was great. Laura Cordoba scored two spectacular goals as Claudia Pons’ side swaggered to victory. Thailand can nevertheless take heart from a brave, batting performance.
“I feel more relaxed now. It was a tough match, but I think we knew how to suffer, how to compete, and in the end we managed to win it. The first goal is something you never forget. I’ll always keep it in my memory, and with a lot of joy.”
Laura Cordoba, Spain fixo
“We were really pleased to test ourselves against one of the top-ranked teams in the world. We’re pleased we scored two goals. Even though we couldn’t hang on, we’re pleased with our performance.”
Jenjira Bubpha, Thailand winger
Spain-Thailand was the first game at Philippines 2025 in which both sides scored.
