Spain 3 - 1 South AfricaSubstitute Lucia Garcia made the difference as Spain laboured to a 3-1 win over South Africa in their opening game of the Women's World Cup in Le Havre. Spain had looked woeful for long periods and fell behind to a 25th-minute strike from Thembi Kgatlana before Garcia's influence turned the tie around. Kgatlana missed a glorious chance to increase her side's lead early in the second half and South Africa were punished when Jennifer Hermoso equalised from the penalty spot after 70 minutes. Spain edged ahead seven minutes from time through another Hermoso spot-kick after a foul on Garcia by Nothando Vilakazi, who was sent off for a second bookable offence. Scorers for Spain: Jennifer Hermoso 70' (Penalty); 83' (Penalty), Lucia Garcia 89';Scorers for South Africa: Thembi Kgatlana 25';Red card: South Africa; Nothando Vilakazi 82'Spain13 S.Panos, 8 M.Torrejon, 4 I.Paredes, 16.

Source: Irish Examiner June 08, 2019 19:07 UTC