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The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continues Friday (on FS1 and the FOX Sports app) with Spain battling Costa Rica in a Group C matchup at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
Spain is captained by veteran Ivana Andrés and boasts a host of offensive weapons. But one of them, superstar midfielder Alexia Putellas, was on the bench for the start of this contest.
The development was a surprise given that Putellas is a back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner, FOX Sports’ No. 1-ranked player in this year’s tournament, and also considered one of the biggest X-factors in the World Cup.
Spain will still have a host of talent on the field, however, including star forward Jennifer Hermoso, a 2023 Golden Boot contender and FC Barcelona‘s all-time leading scorer.
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On the other side, Costa Rica isn’t lacking star power of its own. Las Ticas are led by standout midfielders Raquel Rodriguez — the national team’s record scorer with 55 goals — and Katherine Alvarado.
Follow our live coverage below!
PREGAME
Setting the stage
The “World Cup NOW” crew previewed the match live on Twitter ahead of kickoff.
The Bear weighs in
Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica stopped by to preview Spain-Costa Rica, advising bettors to go for “overs,” early in the World Cup as teams play cautiously in order to avoid mistakes.
Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica previews Spain vs. Costa Rica
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Starting lineups!
Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.
FIFA Women’s World Cup
Spain
Costa Rica
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