Spain off to successful start

Spain made a winning start to their UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying Group 1 campaign with victory in Belarus.

Spain goals
The visitors were dominant in Bobruisk and had the chances to be well ahead at half-time. However, the massed ranks of the Belarus defence, stepping up well for their offside trap, kept the score goalless. They were more expansive after the break with the introduction of Oksana Znaidenova but fell behind in the 53rd minute as Erika Morales beat Olga Savostyan at the third attempt. Belarus pushed for an equaliser, but Znaidenova did not take advantage of a one-on-one and with 23 minutes left Mari Paz Azagra shot past the stranded Savostyan and María Auxiliadora made it three late on.

Injuries costly
Belarus coach Oleg Volokh said: "Our game was not organised well enough because of injuries to two leading players - Irina Chukisova and Anna Tatarinova. Still I can't blame the girls - they gave their best. This result just shows that the gulf in the class between the teams." His team welcome Northern Ireland on 1 August, while Spain next go to the Czech Republic on 27 October.