Spain named its preliminary squad for the Women’s World Cup on Monday with Alexia Putellas and three of the 15 players who had resigned from the national soccer team after a dispute with the coach.
Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, was included along with Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey, who were among the players who announced in September that they would not play for Spain due to differences with coach Jorge Vilda.
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FC Barcelona Womens captain Alexia Putellas lifts the Champions League cup on June 4, 2023 in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. FC Barcelona Femenino won their second Champions League yesterday, June 3, at the PSV Stadium in Eindhoven (Holland), against VfL Wolfsburg, ending the match with a score of 3-2. (Kike Rincon/Europa Press via Getty Images)
«If these players are here now it is because they are committed to the national team,» said Vilda after announcing her list. «We have the good news that we have more committed players and more players available for the World Cup.»
Vilda summoned 30 players who will begin preparations for the game from July 20 to August 1 next week. 20 tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Vilda did not specify what made her accept the return of those three players, or if she had considered calling out some of the others who rebelled last year. The Spanish Football Federation had demanded the players apologize after they sent emails asking not to be selected because they said playing for Vilda «significantly» affected their «emotional state» and his health.
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Barcelona’s captain Alexia Putellas lifts the trophy after winning the Women’s Champions League final between FC Barcelona and VfL Wolfsburg at PSV Stadion in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Saturday, June 3, 2023. Barcelona won 3-2. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
«A lot has happened since September and one of the best was that we played 11 games and won nine, losing one and drawing another,» said Vilda. “We beat the United States for the first time and moved to sixth place in the ranking from our highest position. I am convinced that there will be harmony and unity with the aim of doing well in the World Cup”.
Vilda will be able to count on Putellas after she recently recovered from an ACL injury that sidelined her for around nine months and prevented her from playing at the European Championships in England last year. Spain was eliminated by the hosts in the quarterfinals.
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Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas carries the trophy after winning the Women’s Champions League final soccer match between FC Barcelona and VfL Wolfsburg at PSV Stadion in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Saturday, June 3. of 2023. Barcelona won 3-2. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
«It’s very important that Alexia recovers well,» said Vilda. «We know that he will be a great help to us, not only on the field, but also with his leadership and his experience.»
Spain will play their first match in the Women’s World Cup against Costa Rica on July 21. Zambia and Japan are also in the group.