The Spain women’s national team are world champions for the very first time after defeating England 1-0 in the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney on Sunday.
La Roja have had a phenomenal run to the final, getting past the likes of Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden in just their third tournament outing while the Lionesses have also had a great run into their first final by getting the better of the likes of Nigeria, Colombia and co-hosts Australia.
The game saw the return of England forward Lauren James who served a two game-match suspension for a stamp on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie in the round of 16 but started on the bench while Salma Paralluelo started for Spain after fears about her fitness following some discomfort during training on Friday.
The breakthrough at Stadium Australia came in the 29th minute when Olga Carmona, who scored the winner in the semi-finals against Sweden, finished off brilliantly.
The Spaniards were in control for the rest of the game, having the bulk of the possession, goal attempts, set pieces, passes and attacking moves.
Champions of the world. ????????@SEFutbolFem | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/IrWFNhUBuw
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 20, 2023
Jorge Vilda’s ladies have now matched the exploits of their male counterparts when they won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that was dominated by Barcelona players.
Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman continues to wait for the illustrious title having led her home country the Netherlands to the final in 2019 but lost to the United States. It is also only her second match defeat since she took the England job in 2021.
England have to wait for another World Cup title as a nation, with the men’s triumph on home soil in 1966 the only success.
The FIFA Best Young Player Award goes to Salma Paralluelo! ???? pic.twitter.com/z6UMm7ynpJ
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 20, 2023
Paralluelo was awarded as the young player the tournament while England goalkeeper Mary Earps was given the Golden Glove. The Golden Boot went to Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa as the top scorer and Spain’s Aitana Bonmati was given the Golden Ball as the Women’s World Cup player of the tournament.
