Spain criticizes the place where the 2023 Women's World Cup is boring

According to ESPN, many Spanish players find themselves and their families bored and have little to do at Palmerston North. Therefore, the team decided to relocate to the capital, Wellington.

The army under coach Jorge Vilda has been training at Massey University Sports Academy, Palmerston North since the beginning of the tournament. They only moved to Wellington and Auckland to play the first two games - winning Costa Rica 3-0 then Zambia 5-0. In the last match against Japan today, Spain will play at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

Spanish female players are not the first to criticize Palmerston North. While visiting the city in 2005, British comedian John Cleese called it "New Zealand's suicide capital".

The mayor of Palmerston North, Mr. Grant Smith, was surprised by the information published by ESPN. "Spain has chosen to be stationed in this city. We are honored that they wanted to come to Palmerston North to experience the high quality facilities in Massey," he told New Zealand Stuff newspaper, promising will lead the Spanish team to attractive locations in Palmerston North, if they return to their former headquarters.

Reacting to the news of Spain leaving its headquarters in Palmerston North, the city council posted on Facebook: "We think the slow-paced life of the city is what made you fall in love at first? I know the city isn't boring and could go on for hours about all the fun you can do here. If there's a second chance, we can show it to you?".

The Palmerston North city council Facebook page said it was not upset by Spain's decision, but even wished them continued success in the 2023 World Cup.

However, the spokeswoman for the Spanish women's team, Patricia Perez, denied that the whole team was bored so they left the Palmerston North headquarters. Perez emphasized that the whole team felt at home at Palmerston North, and only moved to Wellington to be closer to the venue of the last game against Japan.

Before the draw of Group C, Spain and Japan both have six points and will definitely go on. The match on Sky Stadium in Wellington is only meant to determine the first - second place. Spain is currently ranked first thanks to more than goal difference.