SYDNEY, (AU): Spain reached the pinnacle of World Women’s Football on Sunday after deservedly beating England 1-0 to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time. The La Roja could even afford to miss a second-half penalty to become only the second country, after Germany, to win both the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Spain’s skipper of the day Olga Carmona struck beautifully in the 29th minute to give her side a deserved lead in what eventually decided the intense game in Sydney.
The La Roja Fury had progressed to the final, given the tumultuous year the national team had experienced but triumphed against the reigning European champion in all aspects of the game on Sunday afternoon.
England and Spain were both making their first appearance at a Women’s World Cup final, while England’s wait for a first trophy since the men’s tournament in 1966 goes on.
The Lionesses convincingly beat co-hosts 3-1 Australia in the semifinal, while Spain knocked out a strong Sweden side at the same stage.
The Lionesses went into the final unbeaten and aiming to bring a World Cup back to England for the first time since 1966.
England goalkeeper Mary Earps made a stunning save to Jenni Hermoso’s penalty kick in the 70th after Keira Walsh was penalized for a hand ball on a VAR review.
England’s best chance came from Lauren Hemp, who rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike as both teams bid to win the World Cup for the first time.
The game was briefly interrupted by a fan running on the pitch wearing a ‘Free Ukraine’ T-shirt before being tackled by security.
England picked up its play in the second half of the Women’s World Cup final while trailing 1-0 to Spain.
The improved offense was a reprieve for England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who was throughout the match and was forced to make a huge save early in the second half.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the ninth edition of the global showpiece event and the first to be held in the southern hemisphere.
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