AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Star playmaker Alexis Putellas was left on the bench and goalkeeper Cata Coll was picked for her full international debut as Spain coach Jorge Vilda made five changes to his starting lineup for the Women’s World Cup round of 16 match against Switzerland on Saturday.
Coll, who was the only uncapped player in Spain's roster, was a surprising replacement for Misa Rodriguez after Spain conceded four goals in a group-stage loss to Japan. Center back Laia Codina was picked for her first start of the tournament.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas had a 10-month layoff with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and is still recovering. Spain coaches have managed her gametime so far over the last month.
___ AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup
