Patri Guijarro scored a hat-trick to lead Spain to a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group C opener at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018 in Concarneau on Monday afternoon.

It was La Rojita that dominated proceedings at the Stade Guy-Piriou, but they found Paraguay goalkeeper Isabel Ortiz difficult to beat, despite creating a number of chances. At the other end, the South Americans were unlucky not to take a first-half lead after Fabiola Sandoval saw her long-range shot ricochet off the crossbar.

The European U-19 champions made their breakthrough five minutes before half-time, as Guijarro drilled a low shot past Ortiz to give Spain a deserved lead at the break. They doubled their advantage nine minutes after half-time, as Claudia Pina took a pass from Guijarro before placing an exquisite finish into the back of the net.

Paraguay’s Jessica Martinez pulled a goal back in fortuitous style for her first-ever goal in her fourth FIFA tournament appearance, but Guijarro made sure all three points went to Pedro Lopez’s side with two more goals to complete a fine performance by the Atletico Madrid player.