30/04 - 20:00
30/04 - 20:00
01/05 - 19:00
01/05 - 20:00
Olga Carmona's first-half goal was the difference as Spain put in an imperious performance to defeat England and win the Women's World Cup for the first time.
Sarina Wiegman elected not to put Lauren James in the starting XI for the final with Ella Toone keeping her place in the team while Alexia Putellas started from the bench for Spain.
As was expected going into this game, Spain saw plenty of the ball but it was England who had the first real chance of the game.
With 16 minutes gone in the game, Rachel Daly laid the ball off for Lauren Hemp who saw her effort from inside the box cannon off the bar.
Seconds later and Spain had a golden opportunity as well when Salma Paralluelo missed her shot from close range with the ball instead finding Alba Redondo whose effort was stopped by Mary Earps.
Spain did eventually take a deserved lead with just under a half hour gone. Lucy Bronze was out of position after a quick turnover that led to Mariona Caldentey freeing captain Olga Carmona to drive forward and place the ball into the far corner.
Jorge Vilda’s side could have been 2-0 up just before half-time had Paralluelo’s shot not bounced back off the post.
England made two changes at the break with Lauren James and Chloe Kelly taking the place of Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly.
However, the changes didn’t prove to be effective and Spain were still on thoroughly on top with Aitana Bonmatí running the show.
Jenni Hermoso stepped up to take the spot-kick but was denied by an outstanding Mary Earps save to keep England in the contest.
England couldn’t use that moment to shift the momentum though as Spain continued to stifle anything the Lionesses had to offer going forward.
After a lengthy 13 minutes of stoppage time that were fairly comfortable for Spain, referee Tori Penso blew the whistle to seal a deserved win for Spain – one that crowns them world champions.
Champions of the world. 🇪🇸@SEFutbolFem | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/IrWFNhUBuw
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 20, 2023
1-0 | ||
Olga Carmona 29' |
