Spain sparkle: Germany shade France in women’s Nations League

AFP, Paris:

Defending champions Spain swept aside Sweden 4-0 and Germany edged France 1-0 in women’s Nations League first leg action on Friday.

World champions Spain won the inaugural edition of the tournament last year and are now firmly on target for the two-legged final in November/December after a dominant display in Malaga.
Barcelona’s two-time Ballon d’Or midfielder Alexia Putellas conjured up a stunning free-kick to give Spain an 11th minute lead.

Putellas’s curling strike beyond the reach of Swedish ‘keeper Jennifer Falk drew her level with Veronica Boquete as the second all-time top scorer in La Roja’s history with 38 goals.