July 4 – It took just seven minutes for Vicky Lopez to announce herself on the big stage. With her first goal at a major tournament, the 18-year-old was a headliner for Spain in the world champions’ 5-0 victory against Portugal.
In a midfield with stars Alexia Putellas and Patricia Guijarro, the FC Barcelona teenager proved that she is the latest talent developed by the Spanish school. Lopez was a scourge for her opponents and fit right in alongside her team’s established stars. She became the youngest player to represent Spain at a European championship.
“She’s a young player with whom we have to be patient,” said Spain manager Montse Tome. “We’ve been working with her for a year, almost two years now. We have a lot of faith in her talent, and she’s at a point where we’ve been able to give her minutes now. She responded well. She did the job she had to do very well.
“We have to keep helping her improve. She’s very young, and we’re here to help her continue enjoying what she does.”
Lopez expressed her gratefulness for the trust that Tomé has put in her. In the 81st minute, she made way for Aitana Bonmatí who returned to action after her hospitalisation for meningitis. Bonmati’s little cameo helped Spain on their way to their biggest win at a European championship with an injury-time strike from substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto. Bonmati won the last two Ballon d’Ors. Putellas also has two to her name. At club level and with the national team, Lopez is learning from the very best.
“We’re hungry for more,” said Lopez. “I think if we keep going like this, playing as a team and having that luck in front of goal, we’ll be able to play a very good European Championship.”
Spain and Lopez play Belgium next, wanting more of the same.
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