Spain spoiled for choice between the sticks

Watching Spain’s goalkeepers being put through their paces in training is a site to see. Directed by coach Carlos Sánchez, the three keepers are made to work hard in every session. And the results of their toils are paying off. They are a close team, they support and protect each other, and competition for a place in the side is healthy.

Misa Rodríguez’s place in the starting XI looked secure, but she started on the bench against Switzerland, allowing Cata Coll to make her debut at the World Cup - and gain her first cap at senior level. The decision has totally turned the goalkeeper’s debate on its head. It is a position which generally is much more difficult to rotate - even more so during a World Cup. It was one of Vilda’s masterstrokes against Switzerland. At 22, Cata showed that she is ready to take that definitive leap.

Cata has always been fondly thought of at the RFEF. Since she picked up the Golden Glove at the U17 World Cup in Uruguay in 2018, everyone has been convinced of her potential. Vilda’s comments in June when he surprisingly included her in his World Cup squad list suggested that he felt he was taking a bet but not a risk. “Cata Coll attracts attention because of her personality. The mood in the team is different when she is around. She never shirks and she’s very difficult to get past. She’s a guarantee, a caretaker for the future”. The future is here. And Cata is ready, nothing scares her.

When she found out that she was in the starting line-up in the Round of 16, she felt overcome more by emotion than nerves: “As soon as I saw me name, I said: ‘Oh my God’. And then that was it, let’s play the game. I think my personality helps me in that I am very sure of what I do and how I do it. It’s all gone well. Nerves? At first, yes, but it’s like when you put on your boots, it’s like your work clothes. You know you’re good at it and that you’re going to enjoy it. I called my father as soon as I found out; it was 5:30 in the morning in Mallorca, but he didn’t mind. He wasn’t expecting it.”

One of those who was not surprised by Cata’s inclusion is the XI was Virginia Torrecilla. “In the case of the goalkeepers it is much more complicated. When you are an outfield player, you can see those possible changes in the run-up to the game. I’d been told that Cata is very good. And I’d heard all about her potential years ago…” the former international explained. It was Virginia’s father who noticed Cata’s talent when she was starting out at Collerense.

Background

The goalkeeper’s position for Spain had been occupied for years by two untouchables. Sandra Paños and Lola Gallardo assumed the role after the departure of Ainhoa Tirapu following the 2015 World Cup in Canada. For several years, they alternated in the Spain goal. However, the situation changed drastically after both players were in the ‘group of 15′. Vilda had to make decisions. Misa, who had already been pushing hard for a place, took over. The other options were Enith Salón and Elene Lete.

However, Cata got the nod - even though she had been out of action until March with a ligament injury. She returned after spending a year on the sidelines and is a substitute for Paños at Barcelona. She has taken on new responsibility with Spain and all that entails. Vilda meanwhile is in the rare position of having to choose who will defend Spain’s goal. They are spoiled for choice.