The impact of Barcelona Femeni in Spain’s World Cup triumph

The FIFA Women’s World Cup ended yesterday in ecstatic fashion. In a final that featured two first time finalists, a single goal was all that made the difference. Spain defeated England to win the World Cup trophy for the first time in their history.

The World Cup had a lot of FC Barcelona Femeni players representing their various countries throughout the tournament. The final between Spain and England had a full lineup of eleven Barcelona players representing both sides. The third-place match between Sweden and co-hosts Australia that took place a day before the final also featured a Barcelona Femeni player.

Fridolina Rolfo, who plays as a left full back for Barcelona, won bronze with Sweden, while England’s midfielder Keira Walsh and right back Lucy Bronze, who both represent Barcelona at the club level, also won silver medals as runners-up.

However, for the newly crowned champions, Spain, there were nine Barcelona players in their squad. All nine players featured heavily in the World Cup, with the exception of Maria Perez, who made only one appearance as a substitute in the round of 16 game against Switzerland.

Goalkeeper

Barcelona Femeni’s second choice goalie, Cata Coll, was selected as a member of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad. The goalkeeper who did not play in any of the group stage games was given the nod ahead of Misa Rodriguez throughout the knockout stages. Cata Coll made her first appearance in the round of 16 against Switzerland, and she continued in goal until the final game against Spain.

She played a total of 390 minutes, made nine saves with a 72.7% save ratio, conceded three goals, and kept a clean sheet in the final against England.

Defense

Barcelona Femeni has three players in the backline of Spain’s winning team. Irene Paredes, who played the most minutes in the entire squad; Laia Codina, who made the starting lineup all through the knockout stages, and Ona Batlle, who also played every game for the champions, deployed in both the right full back and left full back positions.

Irene Paredes made seven starts out of seven appearances and played a total of 660 minutes in the World Cup. She made 12 interceptions and blocked three shots while doing her defensive duties at the back.

Laia Codina made four starts out of four appearances, had four interceptions, and played a total of 328 minutes. She replaced Ivana Andres in defense in the round of 16, and she retained her position in the starting lineup until the final game. She scored on both ends in the game against Switzerland.

Ona Batlle made seven starts out of seven appearances and played a total of 612 minutes. She made one assist and contributed 15 blocks and 12 interceptions in defensive action. Deployed in both right and left positions as a full back all through the tournament.

Midfield

The Spanish national team had three Barcelona Femeni midfielders in its’ ranks. The young Maria Perez, Aitana Bonmati, who had a wonderful season with Barcelona, and Alexia Putellas, who recently returned to action after suffering an ACL injury.

Aitana Bonmati made seven starts out of seven appearances and played a total of 582 minutes. She scored three goals and delivered two assists. She recorded an incredible 84.4% pass completion ratio and 75% successful take-ons.
She was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament after the final match against England.

Alexia Putellas made three starts out of seven appearances and played a total of 212 minutes. She delivered one assist. She recorded a pass completion ratio of 80.1% and 55.6% successful take-ons.

Maria Perez made one appearance, where she played for 27 minutes when she came on as a substitute in the round of 16.

Forward

Two of Barcelona Femeni’s attacking players were present in the Spain side that won the World Cup. Mariona Caldentey and teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo both made meaningful contributions to Spain’s eventual triumph.

Mariona Caldentey made five starts out of six appearances and played a total of 448 minutes. She scored one goal and delivered one assist. She had 141 touches in the attacking third and 17 touches in the opposition’s penalty area. She won 75% of her aerial duels and had 60% success when taking on opposition defenders.

Salma Paralluelo made five starts out of seven appearances and played a total of 459 minutes. She scored two goals while making 212 touches in the attacking third and 44 touches in the opposition’s penalty area. She won 41.2% of her aerial duels and had 57.9% success when taking on opposition defenders.

Paralluelo received the Player of the Match award twice in the quarterfinals and semifinals, when her introduction into the game as a substitute was crucial to Spain’s progress to the next round. She scored the match-winner against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and opened the scoring late in the semifinals against Sweden.

The 19-year-old forward was named the Best Young Player of the Tournament after the final match against England.

All of Barcelona’s players participated in the World Cup, and their contributions made it possible for Spain to be crowned World Champions.