In the Spanish National Team's 0-2 victory against the United States, player Athenea del Castillo suffered one of the most controversial expulsions of the tournament, receiving a direct red card after pulling her hair that occurred just three minutes after entering the field. The international, who replaced Salma Paralluelo in the 88th minute, saw her brief participation end abruptly when, in the 90+1 minute, she was involved in an action with the player Cooper in which she grabbed her hair. Referee Diana Pérez Borja, after reviewing the play with the VAR, decided to show the red card without appeal.
The incident occurred in a context of high tension, as Spain sought to consolidate its position in the group stage of the Women's World Cup. The victory was achieved thanks to the goals of Patri Guijarro and Eva Navarro, both in the second half, and the defensive performance of Nanclares, who made several key interventions. Despite the favorable result, Athenea's expulsion became the most negative point of the day, generating indignation among the fans and the team itself.
Referee Pérez Borja explained that the decision was based on the severity of the contact, describing it as a dangerous action that could cause injury. In turn, coach Sonia Bermúdez expressed her surprise and frustration, stressing that the expulsion was unexpected and that the player had shown no intention of provoking the incident. Referee Fernando Gabarró, in charge of supervising the game, confirmed that the VAR had confirmed the action and that there was no room for doubt.
The case leaves the Spanish National Team with one less player in the next phase of the tournament, which could affect its offensive strategy. Athenea del Castillo, who has been a key player in Real Madrid's forward line, will have to recover from the suspension and return to the line of play in the next matches. Meanwhile, the Spanish Football Federation and the coaching staff will evaluate how to adjust their squad to maintain competitiveness in the group stage.