Spain won the World Cup in women’s football in Sydney: The southern Europeans won a high-class final against a strong fighting England 1-0 (1-0).
After a total of 105 minutes of play – there had been plenty of injury time – the Spaniards sprinted onto the field overjoyed and happily attacked each other. A goal from captain Olga Carmona in the 29th minute gave them a 1-0 lead, which they then defended superbly. It was the first World Cup title for the Spaniards, who were badly counted in the preliminary round after a 0:4 against Japan, but then improved enormously and in the end were clearly the best team of this tournament.
European champions England, who have also never been women’s world champions, deserved to be left behind. Although the Brits fought with a lot of passion, they had little to counter the playful advantages of the Spanish noble technicians in the high-class final.
“England were strong, we were better”
“We’re happy and incredibly proud of the team,” beamed coach Jorge Vilda after the game. “We showed today that we can also fight,” said the 42-year-old. Winning goalscorer Carmona struggled for words: “England were strong, we were better today. We’re just happy and we’re going to celebrate now.”
Young star Paralluelo for Putellas
Vilda took the risk even before kick-off: brought young star Salma Paralluelo into the starting XI, world footballer Alexia Putellas had to sit on the bench. If it went wrong – that was clear – the finger would be pointed at the 42-year-old.
However, Paralluelo didn’t want to cause any discussion – the only 19-year-old took the initiative from the start. Nimble, agile and mobile, she repeatedly offered herself as a passing station to her colleagues who were sure of the ball. The experienced Lucy Bronze – at FC Barcelona clubmate Paralluelos – had a hard time with the former 400m sprinter.
Courageous duels, energetic offensive game
Paralluelo should have made it 1-0 in the 17th minute when Spain quickly countered after England’s Lauren Hemp shot the crossbar. However, the young attacker failed to hit the ball five meters from the goal.
Up until then, fans at Sydney’s Australia Stadium, packed with 76,000 spectators, had seen what was an astonishingly lively game for a final. Both played briskly forwards, the English women also flanked their game with spirited commitment in tackles to compensate for the playful advantages of the opponent.
Bronze fails, Olga scores
In the 29th minute, a tactical mistake made by the experienced bronze medalist made it possible for the Spanish team to take the lead. The right-back let herself be tempted into a solo in the centre, lost the ball and England were mercilessly countered. Mariona Caldentey wonderfully freed the defender Olga Carmona who had started on the left side via the left side, who had started from the English point of view. She hit the far corner from 16 meters on the left – 1-0 for Spain.
England up the risk, Spain miss penalties
England coach Sarina Wiegman responded, bringing on another attacking force in Lauren James after the break. That brought something – England was more powerful.
But the “Lionesses” continued to have problems with the Spanish ball security. “La Furia Roja” remained more dangerous. Aitana Bonmati narrowly missed the goal with a long-range shot (61st). Five minutes later, the VAR intervened – Keira Walsh had played the ball in his own 16 with his hand. Referee Tori Penso looked at the matter and decided: penalty. But: the experienced Jenni Hermoso failed – world goalkeeper Mary Earps had guessed the corner and kept the shot in the right corner.
Spain dominated over 103 minutes
It could have been the initial spark for an English final sprint, alone: The Spaniards presented themselves too strong, too self-confident. England were no longer able to build up real pressure.
Spain remained more dangerous, kept the game under control. A total of 105 minutes – it had 13 minutes added time. It stayed at 1-0. And in the end, of course, Jorge Vilda also celebrated. Rewarded for his risk.