CNN
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History is made. Against a backdrop of odds and turmoil, Spain came out on top in Sydney on Sunday, beating England 1-0 to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time.
Spain progressing to the final is remarkable given the tumultuous year the national team has experienced. That Red The win against the reigning European champions and despite the pre-tournament favorite fights and factions, the national team’s bluntness throughout the tournament makes this feat extraordinary.
Olga Carmona’s stunning 29th-minute strike proved the winner. Spain might even miss a penalty in the second half Red It became the second country after Germany to win both the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Many England players broke down in tears as Spain’s players celebrated by creating a jubilant red on the Stadium Australia pitch.
For possession and goal attempts, only one team had it – Spain outscored England. But like Spain, England, who will be appearing in their first ever Women’s World Cup finals, have some consolation as the team has gone further than ever in the competition.
But Spain’s future shines bright, especially if they can sort out their off-pitch issues, and now, incredibly, the Iberian nation have won World Cups at under-17, under-20 and senior levels.
Fireworks lit up the night sky, showering golden ticker-tape waves on the victorious players, coaching staff and the country’s football federation.
Division and Uncertainty
Last September, 15 Spanish players declared themselves unavailable for selection, saying they were unhappy with the training methods of head coach Jorge Vilda, who at the time described the situation as a “world disgrace”.
Asked in the build-up to the final what it would be like to face a dressing room that questioned the value of the coach and staff, Vilda told Spanish newspaper Marca that he had no choice but to “focus” on the job.
Of the 15 players who wrote to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) last year, only three were selected for the World Cup squad, saying the “situation” in the national team was affecting their “emotional state” and health.
For one, midfielder Aidana Bonmati won the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the player of the tournament, for her outstanding performance against England. The Barcelona player was incomparable and epitomized Spain’s dominance and the talent at the nation’s disposal.
It’s a game-changing victory for women’s football in the country, but perhaps not unifying. However, it speaks volumes for the talent at Spain’s disposal that they were able to succeed in such circumstances.
Spain have become world champions without some of their best players, some of the world’s most talented at their respective positions.
In its three previous World Cup appearances, Spain had never progressed beyond the round of 16. Great strides have certainly been made and the country is now one of the best in the world, but the future of the exiled players is not as clear. Bright.
It was the final between two of the tournament’s best teams, making for an intriguing and entertaining encounter.
As expected, Spain monopolized the ball – enjoying more than 50% of possession in the first half – and It’s red Technical superiority allowed them to pass the ball around the pitch with precision, their one touch putting the football lions on their heels.
Coming off the bench to play a key role in the semi-final win over Sweden, 19-year-old Salma Parallulo justified her selection as she started the match and proved an ever-present threat in attack.
Lauren Hemp hit the crossbar with a curling shot from the edge of the box.
Almost immediately, an excellent save from England goalkeeper Mary Earps kept out Alba Redondo’s effort but, really, the Spaniard should have done better from close range.
In the 29th minute, Carmona lasered his shot into the bottom corner after some beautiful build-up play on Spain’s left flank. Lucy Bronze’s charge upfield caused a gap in England’s defense and Spain capitalized.
Irene Paredes should have doubled Spain’s advantage, while Parallelo’s first-time shot kissed the post just before the break.
Spain were on top form and continued to dominate after the break. After Kyra Walsh was penalized for handball, victory looked certain when Jennifer Hermoso stepped up to take the penalty in the 68th minute. But a brilliant save from Earps, who darted low to his left to keep out Hermoso’s effort, ensured England stayed in the match.
A spirited England enjoyed their best period of the tournament. Substitute Lauren James forced a goal past Spain goalkeeper Keta. red’s It was the defense and eventual winner that finished the match strong.
More to follow.
