After an enthralling game filled with drama, tension, and unbearable suspense, Spain emerged winners of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the final played in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, Spain defeated England by a single goal to clinch the most coveted trophy in women’s football.
Both teams came into the final on the back of statement wins in the semifinals. Spain defeated Sweden 2-1 to get to the final of the World Cup for the first time in their history, while England broke the hearts of co-host Australia with a 3-1 victory.
Getting to the final of the Women’s World Cup was a novelty for both sides, and either side will be making history if they get their hands on the title.
Spain started the game strongly with their usual possession-based football and looked like the more potent side in the first half. Their efforts yielded fruit in the 29th minute when Olga Carmona drilled the ball past England’s goalie, Mary Earps, to open the scoring and give Spain the lead.
Lauren Hemp came close to equalizing a few minutes later, but her attempt came off the goalpost, and Spain survived the scare.
Spanish forward, Salma Paralluelo also came close to giving Spain their second goal with the last kick of the first half, but her shot cannoned off the outside of the post.
The second 45 minutes were more intense as England made some personnel changes in a bid to get an equalizer. However, Spain was also looking for a chance to see off the game, and the chance came in the 68th minute when they were awarded a penalty. VAR intervened to confirm that England’s Keira Walsh had handled the ball in the box.
Spain forward Jennifer Hermoso stepped up to take the penalty and missed following a wonderful save by Mary Earps in England’s goal.
Spain held on to their lone goal lead after failing to seal the victory following that penalty miss, and they managed to survive an additional 13 minutes before the referee finally blew the final whistle, bringing the game to an end.
Game over, the battle has been won, and Spain is the new world champion. Spain’s win puts them up with four other nations that have won the World Cup since its inception. A new title, a new winner
They say revenge is a dish best served cold; such was the case in the final of the Women’s World Cup when Spain handed England a 1-0 defeat to snatch the trophy away right in front of their noses. England, the reigning European champions, were the ones that eliminated Spain in the Euros competition last summer. However, Spain haunted the Lionesses on the biggest stage of all to complete a tantalizing tale of vengeance.
Spain gave their all and ended up victorious in a demanding tournament like the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Spanish national team will proudly wear that World Champions badge on their jerseys for the next 4 years with their heads held high.
