Spain failed to make the most of their chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Costa Rica in their opening World Cup match this evening.

Vicky Losada gave Spain the lead in the 13th minute when she collected Soni's cross just inside the box, before turning her marker and curling a strike into the far corner.

However, it did not take Costa Rica long to draw level, as 74 seconds later Raquel Rodriguez tapped in from close range after being picked out by Lixy Rodriguez's pass.

Spain dominated the rest of the half without creating many openings, but Jennifer Hermoso wasted a huge chance to restore their lead just after the break when she fired Veronica Boquete's pull-back wide.

Boquete created another promising opportunity for one of her teammates when she played in Soni, who ended up curling a strike narrowly wide of the post.

Spain continued to press and Losada saw a shot kept out late on, but Costa Rica held firm and did enough to claim a hard-earned point.

Written by
Alex Meyers