Spain beat England 1-0 to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Spain beat England 1-0 to win their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup title. An attendance of 75,784 was present to watch the final at Stadium Australia on Sunday.
Moreover, this is La Roja’s first major title achieved in just their third World Cup appearance.
Olga Carmona guides Spain to maiden World Cup
The victory was sealed by Spain’s captain Olga Carmona, who delivered the decisive blow in the first half. Furthermore, Spain’s victory was more than remarkable, given their rebellion against coach Jorge Vilda and a humbling 4-0 defeat to Japan in the group stages.
Spain midfielders Aitana Bonmati and Teresa Abelleira orchestrated the midfield to dominate England. Furthermore, the margin of the defeat could’ve been greater had it not been for England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who saved a penalty in the second half.
For the Lionesses’, this was only their second defeat in 39 matches since coach Sarina Wiegman took charge. Moreover, the defeat crushed their hopes of adding a maiden World Cup title to the European Championship crown they secured last year.
The clash between Spain and England is the first Women’s World Cup final to not feature either United States or Germany.
England started with an intense pace and gained the upper hand. Lauren Hemp tested Spain’s defence in the fifth minute of the match by driving the ball that narrowly missed. Moreover, 12 minutes later, another shot was taken that clipped the crossbar.
Spain narrowly beat England to win their maiden Women’s World Cup
So, after England’s dominance, Spain decided to respond with Olga Carmona using her overlapping run from the left to send a cross. Sarma Paralluelo’s attempt was stopped and Alba Redondo’s shot was saved by Earps.
However, Spain scored just before half time after Mariona Caldentey slid the ball through Olga Carmona, who powered into the box and unleashed and angled shot that found the far corner of the net.
The goal sapped England’s momentum in the game. In the second half, they moved from a back-three to a back-four and introduced Lauren James and Alessia Russo upfront.
However, Spain maintained their momentum in the second half. Aitana Bonmati came close to extending Spain’s lead, but the shot hit the crossbar. La Roja were also awarded a penalty after Keira Walsh’s handball.
Furthermore, Mary Earps delivered a stunning save, diving low to her left to deny Jennifer Hermoso’s kick. Lauren James also tried her luck in the 75th minute, but Cata Coll denied her, as Spain remained resilient to win the World Cup.
