Spain won the Women’s World Cup for the first time, defeating England in Sydney

CNN
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History has been made. Against the odds and amid the upheaval, Spain reached their peak in Sydney on Sunday, deservedly beating England 1-0 to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time.

Spain’s qualification to the final, given the turbulent year the national team had had, was remarkable. that La Roja He triumphed over the reigning European champions and pre-match favourites, despite the rifts and divisions that overwhelmed the national team throughout the tournament, making this an extraordinary feat.

Olga Carmona’s amazing goal in the 29th minute proved to be the winner. Spain can even afford to miss a penalty in the second half La Roja They became only the second country, after Germany, to win both the men’s and women’s World Cups.

As Spain’s players celebrated forming a jubilant pile of red at the Australian Stadium, many England players were in tears as their hopes of becoming the country’s first world football champions since 1966 ended at the hands of an impressive Spain.

As for goal possession and attempts, there was only one team in it – Spain was ahead of England. But there is some consolation for England who, like Spain, were competing in a Women’s World Cup final for the first time, because the team had advanced further than ever in this competition.

But Spain’s future is the brightest, especially if the problems can be resolved off the pitch, because now, incredibly, the Iberian nation is the World Cup winner at the under-17, under-20 and senior levels.

As fireworks lit up the night sky and a wave of golden ribbon showered the winning players during the presentation of the trophy, those Spanish players who had missed out on the sport’s biggest prize because of a feud between the players wondered their thoughts. And the coaching staff and the Football Association in the country.

Partition and uncertainty

Last September, 15 Spanish players declared themselves unavailable for selection, saying they were unhappy with the training methods of coach Jorge Vilda, who described the situation at the time as a “global embarrassment”.

When asked in preparing for the final what it was like to face a locker room that questioned the value of a coach and staff, Vilda told Spanish newspaper Marca there was no choice but to “concentrate” on work.

Only three of those 15 players who wrote letters to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) last year, saying the “situation” within the national team was affecting their “emotional state” and health, have been selected for the World Cup squad.

One of them was Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder who excelled against England and won the Golden Ball, which is awarded to the best player of the tournament. The Barcelona player was unrivaled and epitomized Spain’s supremacy as well as the talent at the country’s disposal.

This is a transformative victory for women’s football in the country, but perhaps not a unifying one. However, it says a lot for the pool of talent at Spain’s disposal that they were able to succeed in such circumstances.

Spain became world champions without some of their best players, talents who are the best in the world in their positions.

In the previous three World Cups, Spain had never progressed beyond the round of 16. Giant runs have certainly been made, the country is now the best in the world, but the future, especially for these exiled players, is not as clear as it gets. bright.

This was a final match between two of the best teams in the tournament, which made the encounter interesting and exciting.

As expected, Spain had a monopoly on the ball – having more than 50% of the ball in the first half – and La Roja Technical superiority allowed them to deftly pass the ball across the field, and one-touch football put the Lionesses on their heels.

19-year-old Selma Baralelo, who came off the bench to be instrumental in the semi-final win against Sweden, started the game and justified her selection as she proved to be a constant threat in attack.

The game took just 15 minutes to come to life as Lauren Hemp hit the crossbar with a curling shot from just inside the edge of the penalty area.

Almost immediately afterwards, England goalkeeper Mary Erbes brilliantly blocked Alba Redondo’s effort, but really, the Spaniard should have done better from close range.

In the 29th minute the opening goal came, and Carmona took her shot into the bottom corner after a nice play down Spain’s left wing. Lucy Bronze’s forward pitch left a huge hole in the England defence, and Spain benefited.

Irene Paredes should have doubled Spain’s advantage, while Paralolo’s first shot kissed the post just before the break.

Spain was on the rise and continued to dominate after the break. And it looked like victory would be decided in the 68th minute when Jennifer Hermoso stepped up to take a penalty after Kira Walsh had been penalized for handball. But a brilliant save from Irbes, who sprinted down the left to parry Hermoso’s effort, ensured England stayed in the match.

England enjoyed their best period in the match. Substitute Lauren James forced Spain goalkeeper Kata Cole to step in, but with all the surge of energy England could not break through La Rojas Defense The final winner was the one who finished the game stronger.

More to track.