Spain (Women's Football)

The Spain women's national football team saw 15 players resign in protest of head coach Jorge Vilda remaining in his position, via Sean Walsh of 90Min.

15 players of Spain's women's national team emailed the Spanish FA stating they resign because Jorge Vilda remains coach.

The Spanish FA responded that they won't let players pressure them to make coaching decisions and they won't call up those players who do not wish to play. pic.twitter.com/SE3GsX1s2b

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 22, 2022

The Real Federación Española de Fútbol confirmed it received 15 emails from players, all with the same wording, noting the situation has "significantly" affected their "emotional state." The federation also indicated it will not make a change despite the resignations:

The RFEF is not going to allow the players to question the continuity of the national coach and his coaching staff , since making those decisions does not fall within their powers. The Federation will not admit any type of pressure from any player when adopting sports measures. These types of manoeuvres are far from exemplary and outside the values ​​of football and sport and are harmful.

Vilda has been Spain's head coach since 2015, and his contract was extended through 2024 in June.

The 41-year-old has failed to live up to expectations during this time, however, even with the team currently No. 8 in the world rankings.

Spain lost in the quarterfinals at the last two European championships, including this past summer at Euro 2022 when many considered the squad to be a favorite in the tournament. The team also lost in the round of 16 at the 2019 World Cup and failed to qualify for the last two Olympic tournaments.

Heading into the 2023 World Cup, there are clear questions about the team's leadership.

A report from El Confidencial (h/t GiveMeSport's Nancy Gillen) initially said the team's leaders called for Vilda's removal in August, although Irene Paredes clarified that they simply voiced complaints from the players.

"We are an ambitious team and people want to improve and win," Paredes said. "We believe that there are several internal aspects that need to be improved. We all would have liked the conversation to have stayed inside, but it has been leaked. What it is about is being brave and saying things, even if they are not pleasant and they change. And that’s what we’ve done."

The mass resignation indicates the level of upheaval Spain is currently dealing with.

The team is scheduled to face Sweden and the United States in a pair of friendlies in October.

Spain secured their place in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 despite being held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by China on Monday.  

A share of the spoils was enough for the Spaniards to clinch second place in Group B and automatically advance to the next round. China also head into the next round, with four points enough to see them finish as one of the best third-place finishers.

Germany thrashed South Africa 4-0 to top Group B with a perfect record, and they'll face one of the third-place finishers in the last 16.

The first half played out like an exhibition between the pair as Spain enjoyed all of the attacking chances and kept China from testing Sandra Panos between their posts.

But as was the case during their 1-0 defeat to Group B leaders Germany, La Roja showed little in terms of finishing quality as focal point Jennifer Hermoso was marked out time and again.

Sportswriter Jeff Kassouf illustrated Spain's dominance in the first 45 minutes:

China-Spain right now is like a 45-minute training-ground possession drill where you aren't allowed to go to goal -- and only one team really possesses the whole time.

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) June 17, 2019

Spain had nine attempts on goal in the first—two on target—per Flashscores.com, but China failed to have any impression on the enemy net, per Match of the Day:

China didn't have a single shot in the first half against Spain.

Live: https://t.co/YRdqxdXFFy#FIFAWWC #ESP #CHN pic.twitter.com/c0nUIX1JSR

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 17, 2019

Forward Lucia Garcia had a gaping opportunity to spark the breakthrough early in the second period after she set off down the right flank with the Chinese defence scampering back.

Team-mate Andrea Flacon was bearing down on goal in the centre of the box, but Garcia's attempt trickled across the opponent's goal in what could have been a cross or a shot.

The ball found its way to Garcia minutes later yards out from goal, but China simply had enough bodies back in the box to get a block and charge down the chance.

That summed up much of Spain's frustrations in attack on Monday, and indeed for most of this tournament so far.

Goalkeeper Peng Shimeng was also to thank for China's clean sheet remaining intact beyond the hour mark, via Fox (U.S. only):

Peng with ANOTHER huge save!

She blocks the shot and keeps China's hopes of advancing alive as things remain scoreless vs Spain. pic.twitter.com/VCjWCePxQx

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 17, 2019

Coach Jorge Vilda substituted on Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas in a bid to inspire a winner, but Spain didn't have the ingenuity to find a way around China's defence.

Spain may be disappointed to finish the group campaign with only one win to their name, though they'll move on quickly as they look forward to taking their spot in the last 16.

The United States lead Group F with a big advantage in goal difference and will advance to face Spain in the next stage if they secure a draw or better against second-place Sweden on Thursday.

        

What's Next?

Spain will face the winners of Group F in the next round—either the United States or Sweden—while China advance as one of the best third-place finishers and will wait to discover their next opponent.

        

This article will be updated to provide more information soon.

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