Guijarro and Navarro strike early as Spain defeat USWNT 2-0

Spain defeated the United States 2-0 in their women's international friendly at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday, with Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro scoring inside the opening 14 minutes. According to the Guardian's match report, the Americans improved after the interval but had a goal disallowed and a penalty saved as the world champions protected their early advantage.

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Guijarro put Spain ahead in the third minute with a shot from around 20 yards after the United States lost possession and failed to close down the Barcelona midfielder. Eleven minutes later, Salma Paralluelo attacked down the left against Tierna Davidson and crossed for Navarro, who finished first time. The two goals left the US facing a two-goal deficit for the first time under head coach Emma Hayes.

Both teams were missing established players. The United States were without injured centre-back Naomi Girma and midfielder Sam Coffey, while Spain's absentees included Aitana Bonmati, Vicky Lopez, Mariona Caldentey and goalkeeper Cata Coll. Claudia Pina and Mapi Leon had also withdrawn from the Spanish camp on Friday. Despite those changes, Spain converted their early opportunities while the American midfield struggled to connect consistently with the attack.

The United States adjusted their pressing after half-time and prevented Spain from recording another shot on target. Sophia Wilson appeared to have pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute, only for a video review to rule it out for offside. Trinity Rodman then had an effort saved from Alyssa Thompson's cross. The home side finished with 13 shots to Spain's six, but those chances did not change the score.

A further opportunity arrived in the 67th minute when Natalia Ramos fouled Wilson inside the penalty area. Lily Yohannes took the spot-kick, but Adriana Nanclares saved it. Mallory Swanson and Ashley Sanchez were among the American substitutes returning after extended absences; Sanchez came close to scoring from a cross late in the match. Spain finished with 10 players after Athenea de Castillo was sent off in stoppage time for pulling an opponent's hair.

The teams meet again on Tuesday in Chester, Pennsylvania, giving the United States a second opportunity against the top-ranked Spanish side. Spain have already qualified for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil. The Americans, ranked second, still need to secure their place through a regional qualifying tournament beginning next month.