Spain sealed a thrilling 1-0 win vs England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final, at the Accor Stadium in Sydney on Sydney. Spanish captain Olga Carmona’s first-half goal proved to be the difference maker as her side kept hold of the lead. Meanwhile, England came closest in the first-half when Lauren Hemp was denied by the woodwork. The win also helped Spain clinch their maiden WWC title.
Spain were awarded a penalty shortly after the hour mark for a handball by midfielder Keira Walsh. However, goalkeeper Mary Earps saved Jennifer Hermoso’s spot kick by diving to her left. England coach Sarina Wiegman made a number of changes, including bringing on forward Lauren James, but they could not find an equaliser as Spain clung on to win their first major title.
With this win, Spain also became only the second nation to clinch both the men’s and the women’s World Cups after Germany. The Spanish side also has a tournament best of 18- goals.
“We suffered, it was a difficult match (but) we always thought we were going to make it,” Carmona, who was also named player of the match, told Spanish state broadcaster TVE.
La Roja were rocked by a locker room dispute between the squad and coach Jorge Vilda and the Spanish football federation, with some of their best players absent from the tournament as a result.
But despite a shock 4-0 loss to Japan in the group stage, the team has shone throughout the tournament with their brand of attractive, attacking football.
“I can’t imagine how much excitement there will be in Spain,” Vilda told TVE.
“We are going to celebrate here and we don’t know when it will end.”
