By Adedapo Adesanya
Spain defeated England by a lone goal to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which concluded in Australia on Sunday.
La Roja as the Spanish women’s team called won despite missing a penalty in the 70th minute as a first-half goal from captain Olga Carmona earned them their first world cup triumph.
The Real Madrid left-back finished smartly following a loose run by England’s defender Lucy Bronze.
The Lioness as the England team is known was the favourite going into the 70,000 sellout game in Melbourne but Spain dominated throughout and had more chances.
England’s long wait for a first World Cup final win continues although England did win the Euros last year against Spain, making this a revenge for the Spanish team, which overcame an ongoing dispute with coach Jorge Vilda to win.
England’s defeat also means that Coach Sarina Weigman has now lost two world cup finals back-to-back after losing 2-0 with the Netherlands against the USA in France four years ago.
The champions left out 12 players who had complained about Mr Vilda’s conduct, with the Spanish football association backing him to the hilt. They recovered from a 4-0 defeat to Japan by beating Switzerland 5-1, showcasing skill throughout, before winning against the Netherlands and then Sweden.
England, on their part, had two 1-0 wins before hammering China 6-1 and them faced a tough test against Nigeria, which they managed to win via a penalty shootout. They went on to beat Colombia and then beat the co-hosts, Australia, in the semi-finals.
Manchester United goalkeeper, Mary Earps, saved a penalty from Jennifer Hermoso to leave the score at 1-0.
Her heroics display in the tournament earned her the Golden Glove while Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo and Aitana Bonmati won Young Player of the Tournament and Golden Ball (Best Player of the Tournament) awards, respectively. Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa with five goals won the Golden Boot.
The 2023 World Cup co-hosted by Australia-New Zealand is the ninth of such tournament and will now hold next in 2027. The host will be announced by FIFA in May 2024.
