BARCELONA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Two second-half goals from substitute Claudia Pina saw Spain overturn a 1-0 halftime deficit to beat England 2-1 in Group C of the UEFA Women's Nations League.
The victory secures Spain's place in the competition's finals in late October, while dashing England's hopes of progression.
England needed a win to advance to the finals and was on track at halftime, but Pina's introduction turned the 2023 World Cup final rematch on its head, as she worked space to score with a left-foot shot to level things up in the 60th minute just after coming on as a substitute.
A draw would have been enough for Spain to qualify, but the Barcelona forward ended any doubts with 20 minutes left to play, cutting inside and scoring with a 25-meter shot that went in off the inside of the post.
After Pina's double, Spain controlled the ball and England was never able to get the possession they needed to try to get back into the match.
Spain started the game strongly and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton - who looks set to be first choice in the upcoming European Championship after Mary Earps' retirement - made a fine reflex stop to deny Esther Gonzalez after a corner had dropped invitingly for the Spain forward.
Gonzalez forced another chance moments later, pressuring Leah Williamson into an error, but chipping wide with Hampton stranded off her line.
Spain was quick and aggressive and England was unable to get out of their half until the 22nd minute. Salma Paralluelo slipped under a challenge and Niamh Charles slid a fine pass in for Alessia Russo to get in behind the Spain defense and put the ball past Cata Coll to put England ahead.
Charles and England had a big let-off moments later when the left-back seemed to handle in the area, but the referee failed to see it and there was no VAR to correct the decision.
England improved after the goal, while Spain was thrown off their stride, with Williamson coming close to a second goal when she headed Beth Mead's free kick at Coll.
England also defended stoutly in the second half, but Pina's entry changed everything with Spain claiming a win that in the end was well-deserved. ■
