The Lionesses united – Credit: @Lionesses
Olga Carmona’s first-half strike sees Spain lift the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 victory over the Lionesses.
A Mary Earps penalty save in the second half gave England some hope of a comeback, but it wasn’t enough.
Spain fought adversity off the pitch and they deservedly lifted the trophy, following a dominant display at Stadium Australia.
Millions of fans watching on from home or in local pubs, in hope and anticipation, of a second major tournament triumph in two years.
Spain had dominated possession in the majority of their games but have had some defensive frailties.
Lauren Hamp had the first sight of goal in the opening minutes as the ball deflected into her path but she only warmed the gloves of Cata Coll.
Hemp was again instrumental as she came close with an eye-catching shot. Rachel Daly teed up the Manchester City forward whose perfectly placed shot clipped the top of the crossbar.
A minute later, Spain had a chance of their own – a cross on the left evaded the oncoming Salma Paralluelo but Earps produced a quality save when Alba Redondo rifled her shot across goal.
Spain were carving out a number of chances and broke the deadlock just before the half-hour.
Lucy Bronze went on a marauding run but lost the ball, leaving her side exposed at the back and Real Madrid’s Olga Carmona buried her effort into the corner from distance.
An uncharacteristically poor clearance from Mille Bright nearly gave Jorge Vilda’s side the chance to double their lead but Irene Paredes’ shot was off-target.
On 41 minutes, Alessia Russo’s cross was nearly a gift for Ella Toone to slot home but she wasn’t able to poke home and strayed offside in the process.
On the stroke of half-time, a first-time strike from Paralluelo hit the post as the Lionesses were lucky to go in at the break only trailing by one.
Sarina Wiegman made a bold double substitution at half-time with Lauren James and Chloe Kelly replacing Russo and Daly.
However, England were nearly backpedaling when Caldentey’s effort was parried away by Earps with 49 minutes on the clock.
Substitute Kelly delivered for Hemp at the back post but a vital intervention from Batlle ensured the score remained in Spain’s favour.
The whole nation had their hearts in their mouth when Spain were awarded a spot kick just after the hour. Caldentey went past Kiera Walsh but the ball brushed the Barcelona midfielder’s hand and after an on-field VAR review, a penalty was given.
Earps heroics however meant England were still in the game – guessing correctly to Jennifer Hermoso’s spot-kick.
With 15 minutes remaining, England were edging ever closer to an equaliser. James’ strike from a tight angle was tipped over by Coll.
13 added minutes ignited some hope in England ranks. Bethany England was brought on as a focal point but in a limited number of minutes, she struggled to make an impact as Spain wound down the clock.
Despite the defeat, the Lionesses have inspired the next generation on the other side of the globe but they will have to regroup and go again ahead of the UEFA Euros in 2025.
Spain: Coll, Lluch, Batlle, Paredes, Codina (Andrés 73’), Carmona, Bonmatí, Abelleira, Hermoso, Redondo (Hernández 60’), Paralluelo, Caldentey (Putellas 90′)
England: Earps, Carter, Bright, Greenwood, Bronze, Stanway, Walsh, Daly (Kelly 45’), Toone (England 87′), Russo (James 45’), Hemp
