Aina Florenza scores last-second goal as Spain beat Chile 3-2
Aina Florenza scored in the final second of the match to cap a dramatic 3-2 comeback for the Spanish women’s roller hockey team against a resilient Chile side during group stage action at the World Skate tournament in Asunción, Paraguay.
Match Progression and Tactical Shifts at SND Arenita
The fixture at the SND Arenita presented severe early challenges for the reigning world champions. Sergi Macià warned in the pre-match buildup that the contest would bear no resemblance to an 8-0 opening victory against France. World Skate intervened prior to kickoff to address player complaints regarding the excessively slippery surface at the COP Arena, relocating the match.
Sara Roces opened the scoring for Spain in the 10th minute. Chile responded with sustained pressure before halftime, as Beatriz Gaete and Celeste Sanz scored goals to seize a 2-1 lead.
| Minute | Team | Scorer | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | Spain | Sara Roces | 0-1 |
| 17th | Chile | Beatriz Gaete | 1-1 |
| 23rd | Chile | Celeste Sanz | 2-1 |
| 27th | Spain | Victory Door (pen.) | 2-2 |
| 49th | Spain | Always Florence | 2-3 |
Spain altered its tactical approach after the interval. Victòria Porta converted a penalty in the 27th minute following a foul on Aina Florenza, leveling the score at 2-2. Chilean goalkeeper Fernanda Hidalgo repeatedly denied subsequent Spanish attempts from Aime Blackman and Mariona Colomer as regulation time expired.
Spain Beats Chile to Reach Tournament Semifinals
The intense encounter mirrored previous tournament meetings where Chile pushed Spain to the limit, recalling tight encounters at the world championships in Nanjing in 2017 and Barcelona. In both prior instances, Spain advanced past Chile only after penalty shootouts.
In the closing seconds of the match, Marta Piquero lifted a ball into the area, María Sanjurjo redirected it backward, and Aina Florenza secured the win. The victory places Spain virtually in the tournament semifinals. Argentina stands as the next opponent in a match that will determine the leader of Group A.
Disciplinary actions during the match included yellow cards issued to Catalina Flores in the 28th and 49th minutes, alongside a yellow card given to Fernanda Tapia in the 49th minute.
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