Sydney, 20 August 2023(TDI): Spain secured its First-ever Women’s World Cup championship with a 1-0 triumph over England in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final held in Sydney today.
A goal by Olga Carmona in the first half proved decisive in this historic victory. Jennifer Hermoso missed a penalty, stopped by Mary Earps, but Carmona’s early strike clinched Spain’s maiden World Cup title.
This victory represents a significant milestone for Spain in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as it has previously never progressed beyond the Round of 16.
Spain’s journey to the final, with victories over Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Sweden in the knockout stages, was already an unprecedented achievement, making its final victory an even more joyous occasion.
From the outset, La Roja expertly controlled the game, neutralizing England’s offensive threats. Despite England hitting the crossbar with a promising early chance, Spain’s possession-oriented strategy was difficult for the Lionesses to counter.
Mary Earps, England’s goalkeeper, made an impressive save in the 17th minute to keep Spain at bay. However, Carmona’s powerful strike in the 30th minute found the back of the net, giving Spain the lead.
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At halftime, England made two crucial substitutions, bringing in Lauren James and Chloe Kelly, but they struggled to break through Spain’s solid defence.
In the 65th minute, a handball by Keira Walsh gave Spain another chance to score from the penalty spot, but Hermoso’s attempt was once again thwarted by Earps.
This save breathed new life into England’s hopes, but despite efforts from James and Kelly, they couldn’t breach Spain’s defence.
Spain played with the confidence and composure of a team accustomed to the world’s biggest stage, despite never advancing past the quarter-finals in previous FIFA Women’s World Cups.
Their unity and performance in the final were a far cry from their 4-0 group stage loss to Japan earlier in the tournament, and they made history for their nation with this victory.
