Alexia Putellas Cameo As Spain Cruise In Ominous World Cup Display

Coach Jorge Vilda says Spain will try to eke the best out of Alexia Putellas at the Women's World Cup after she made a cameo off the bench in Friday's ominous 3-0 win over Costa Rica

Coach Jorge Vilda says Spain will try to eke the best out of Alexia Putellas at the Women's World Cup after she made a cameo off the bench in Friday's ominous 3-0 win over Costa Rica. The Spaniards showed why they're among the favourites with a classy display in a Group C mismatch in Wellington, firing 46 shots against opponents who spent nearly the entire game defending and were flattered by the scoreline. La Roja threatened a rout when all three goals came in the space of six minutes midway through the first half but they couldn't score again.

The European powerhouses received a boost in the 77th minute when reigning two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas entered the match, with her fitness under a cloud after cutting short a training session on Monday.

The Barcelona midfielder produced some neat touches over the closing minutes and Vilda said her limited minutes come under advice from medical staff.

The 29-year-old is still to complete a full game since returning in April from a serious knee injury.

"We are going to follow their recommendations and they recommended for today that Alexia could play a little bit," Vilda said.