Claudia Pina (2nd R) of Spain celebrates scoring with teammates during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
MADRID, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Claudia Pina scored twice as reigning FIFA Women's World Cup champion Spain beat Iceland 3-0 at home in a qualifier on Tuesday.
Spain was without key players such as Aitana Bonmati, Irene Paredes and Mapi Leon, but a younger side led by Mariona Caldentey, making her 100th appearance, controlled the match throughout.
Iceland goalkeeper Cecilia Runarsdottir produced a series of excellent saves to frustrate Vicky Lopez, who was a constant threat down Spain's right. Laia Codina and Ona Batlle also had efforts denied before Pina opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a curling shot from outside the area.
Pina doubled Spain's lead early in the second half after controlling a long pass with the outside of her boot, cutting inside and firing into the far corner.
Runarsdottir continued to impress, including a double save to deny Pina and Lopez within seconds.
She was finally beaten again in the 76th minute when Edna Imade marked her debut with a header from Batlle's cross.
Spain will next face Ukraine, which lost 6-1 to England in its opening match. ■
Claudia Pina of Spain celebrates scoring during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
Laia Codina (top L) of Spain vies for a header with Ida Hermannsdottir (top R) of Iceland during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
Alexia Putellas (R) of Spain vies with Ida Hermannsdottir of Iceland during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
Claudia Pina (L) of Spain vies with Ida Hermannsdottir of Iceland during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
Spain's head coach Sonia Bermudez reacts during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
Claudia Pina (R) of Spain competes during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
Sandra Jessen (L) of Iceland competes during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
Mariona Caldentey (L) of Spain vies with Ida Hermannsdottir of Iceland during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
Inma Gabarro (2nd R) of Spain vies with Ida Hermannsdottir (2nd L) of Iceland during the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers football match between Spain and Iceland in Castellon, Spain on March 4, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
