Alexia Putellas Cameo As Spain Cruise In Ominous World Cup Display

Coach Jorge Vilda says Spain will try to eke the best out of Alexia Putellas at the Women's World Cup after she made a cameo off the bench in Friday's ominous 3-0 win over Costa Rica. The Spaniards showed why they're among the favourites with a classy display in a Group C mismatch in Wellington, firing 46 shots against opponents who spent nearly the entire game defending and were flattered by the scoreline. La Roja threatened a rout when all three goals came in the space of six minutes midway through the first half but they couldn't score again.

The European powerhouses received a boost in the 77th minute when reigning two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas entered the match, with her fitness under a cloud after cutting short a training session on Monday.

The Barcelona midfielder produced some neat touches over the closing minutes and Vilda said her limited minutes come under advice from medical staff.

The 29-year-old is still to complete a full game since returning in April from a serious knee injury.

"We are going to follow their recommendations and they recommended for today that Alexia could play a little bit," Vilda said.

"Every single minute from her really counts, she's a really good quality player.

"What we're going to do in the future is our best to help her and get the best out of her."

Putellas' Barcelona team-mate Aitana Bonmati was instead the game's dominant figure, named player of the match after creating numerous chances and finding the net herself.

Bonmati was among a group of 15 who made themselves unavailable for selection in a player revolt against Vilda that rocked Spain's World Cup preparations.

She and two others ended a nine-month exile to play at the World Cup.

Vilda said he didn't want to "look