11:43
Due to the experience in big tournaments England is probably a bit favored in this game, the defense also speaks for the Lionesses. The last duel was at the European Championships last year, when Spain lost 2-1 after extra time despite being in the lead. As the saying goes: a lot is possible in a game, La Roja is capable of a win, especially with the furious offensive.
11:32
Things are a bit different in England. Although Mann won Group D with three wins, they could not completely convince against Denmark, China and Haiti. The Lionesses even had penalties against Nigeria, and it was also very close against Colombia. Most recently in the semifinals against hosts Australia, however, they were convincing, so the performance curve is clearly pointing upwards. The European champions seem to have found their form just in time for the final.
11:24
But now to the teams, because they should of course be the focus today. Spain had to deal with Japan, Zambia and Costa Rica in Group C. It was a tough 4-0 defeat against the Asians, but that didn’t matter much in hindsight. La Roja advanced to this final via Switzerland, an extra-time win against the Netherlands and a regular-time semi-final against Sweden. The Iberians convinced above all with their playing strength and passing security, they are fully deserved in the final.
11:12
The game of games is coming up, the World Cup final, for both nations it is the first in women’s soccer. The importance could therefore hardly be greater, and the tension is palpable in Sydney. Australia and New Zealand hosted a great tournament that will certainly be a benchmark for a long time. However, this orientation has also shown that slowly but surely the European teams are also setting the tone in women’s football. It’s the first final since 2003 in which two teams from Europe meet, which certainly has something to do with the Champions League and the increasingly professional framework conditions.
11:03
To start, let’s take a look at the lineups. Spain coach Jorge Vilda has made a substitution compared to the last game. Salma Paralluelo comes in for Alexia Putellas, the world footballer. Salma is probably the shooting star of the World Cup, she has three goals in total, one each in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. She deserved the nomination for the starting eleven. England coach Sarina Wiegman, on the other hand, does not rotate after the semi-final game, she remains loyal to her regular team. Lauren James is back in the squad after being suspended for an assault sustained in the Nigeria game, but initially on the bench.
10:59
Welcome to the final of the Women’s World Cup, where Spain and England meet in the most important game of all. Kick-off at Sydney’s Accor Stadium is at 12:00 CET!