The venue was Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, for the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup.
England achieved five victories and secured one draw over their six matches.
Spain was recently defeated once in the group stage by Japan.
The FIFA World Rankings position Spain at number 6 and England at number 4.
The two top teams demonstrated their skills throughout the match, and this was evident until the final whistle.
Olga Carmona secured the Women’s World Cup victory for Spain in Sydney with an early first-half goal, resulting in a 1-0 win over England.
It was the inaugural women’s World Cup final for both England and Spain.
Carmona scored a decisive late goal in the 2-1 semifinal victory over Sweden, and the left-back once again found the net to secure Spain’s first women’s world championship.
European champions England entered the match as slight favorites, having previously defeated Spain en route to winning UEFA Euro 2022 last year.
The Lionesses nearly opened the scoring early in the match when Lauren Hemp’s left-foot shot from Rachel Daly’s pass, from approximately 20 yards out, struck the crossbar.
Spain responded promptly when Alba Redondo compelled goalkeeper Mary Earps to make a vital save two minutes later.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup marked a highly successful start.
However, after Hemp’s attempt from close range was unsuccessful, Spain took the lead by capitalizing on Lucy Bronze’s loss of possession in midfield.
Spain initiated a swift counterattack, resulting in the ball reaching Carmona after a pass from Mariona Caldentey. Carmona advanced quickly down the left flank.
The Real Madrid Femenino defender maintained possession of the ball before successfully directing a left-footed shot past Earps into the far corner, giving Jorge Vilda’s team the lead.
Seven Real Madrid players included in Spain’s national team roster.
England encountered difficulties establishing an early presence in the match, as Spain maintained control of possession. Spain’s La Roja nearly extended their lead before halftime, with Salma Paralluelo striking the post in the 45th minute.
Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman made a substitution at half-time, replacing Alessia Russo and Daly with Chloe Kelly and Lauren James in an effort to alter the course of the match. However, the changes did not significantly impact the game, as Spain maintained control throughout.
Wiegman coached the Netherlands in 2019 and England in 2023, becoming the first coach to lead two different nations to the FIFA World Cup final, male or female.
Caldentey made a well-placed save on a shot by Earps, and Aitana Bonmatí sent an attempt over the crossbar from 20 yards. Subsequently, a handball by Keira Walsh resulted in a penalty awarded to Spain after a thorough VAR review.
Jenni Hermoso’s attempt on goal was saved by Earps, who made a low dive to her left to block the penalty kick.
During the trophy presentation ceremony following the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales was observed to have publicly initiated a kiss with Hermoso, which was subsequently reported to have occurred without her consent.
Despite receiving a crucial save from their goalkeeper, England was unable to secure an equalizer and regain control of the game.
Spain maintained their composure to secure the victory and claim the Women’s World Cup at Stadium Australia.
Spain became fifth different nation to win World Cup.
Japanese player Hinata Miyazawa was awarded the Golden Boot for scoring five goals throughout the tournament. Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmatí received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best overall player, while her teammate Salma Paralluelo was honored with the Young Player Award. England goalkeeper Mary Earps was recognized with the Golden Glove for being the top-performing goalkeeper of the competition.
Only Germany and Spain have secured championships in both men’s and women’s categories.
Photos/FIFA
Photo/OlgaCarmona/X
2 thoughts