Unbelievable! Spain Shocks the World and Makes History with Sensational Victory in Women’s World Cup Final
A remarkable chapter in history has just been written. Despite facing tough odds and navigating through a year filled with challenges, Spain achieved a momentous victory in Sydney on Sunday. They secured the Women’s World Cup title by defeating England 1-0, marking their first-ever triumph in this prestigious tournament.
The fact that Spain even reached the final, given the tumultuous journey the national team had endured, is nothing short of extraordinary. Overcoming disputes and divisions that clouded the team’s path throughout the tournament, La Roja emerged victorious against the reigning European champions and the pre-match favorites.
The winning goal came from Olga Carmona’s brilliant strike in the 29th minute. Even though Spain missed a penalty in the second half, they solidified their position as only the second country, following Germany, to have clinched both the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Amid the jubilant celebrations on the Stadium Australia pitch, Spain’s players formed a joyful red heap, while many of England’s players were moved to tears. The dream of becoming the country’s first senior soccer world champion since 1966 was dashed by an outstanding performance from Spain.
When it came to possession and goal attempts, Spain dominated the field, outplaying England in every aspect. However, there’s a silver lining for the Lionesses, who were also competing in a Women’s World Cup final for the first time. Their journey to the final itself marked a historic achievement, showcasing the progress of women’s soccer in England.
Prince William took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to honor the Lionesses’ spirit, stating, “Although the outcome isn’t what we hoped for, Lionesses, you’ve made yourselves and this nation proud.”
Yet, the spotlight belongs to Spain, and their future shines brightly. Especially if they can address the off-pitch issues that have plagued them, this victory could set them on a path of continued success. Remarkably, Spain has now secured Women’s World Cup titles at Under-17, Under-20, and senior levels, making their mark as a dominant force in the sport.
Some of Spain’s most prominent figures reveled in the team’s triumph. Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, a 22-time grand slam winner and arguably one of Spain’s greatest athletes, shared his excitement on Instagram: “Let’s goooooo!!!! Congratulations, WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!”
However, amidst the fireworks and golden ticker-tape showering the victorious players during the trophy presentation, thoughts turned to those Spanish players who missed out on the chance to claim the sport’s most coveted prize due to the disputes between players, coaching staff, and the country’s soccer federation.
Back in September, 15 Spanish players had declared themselves unavailable for selection, expressing dissatisfaction with the training methods of head coach Jorge Vilda. This discord led to uncertainty and even embarrassment on a global stage. Only three of these players were eventually selected for the World Cup squad, including Aitana Bonmati, the standout midfielder who shone against England and claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Her exceptional performance exemplified Spain’s dominance and the wealth of talent within the country.
Spain’s victory is even more remarkable considering that some of their best players were absent from the field. This triumph speaks volumes about the depth of talent Spain possesses, enabling them to succeed in challenging circumstances.
While this win could herald a new era for women’s soccer in Spain—especially considering their previous World Cup records—there’s a complexity to the victory. The future of the exiled players remains uncertain, and the questions surrounding the national setup and the disputes that caused division continue to linger.
The final itself showcased a clash between two of the tournament’s top teams, creating an enthralling and captivating match. As anticipated, Spain controlled the ball, maintaining over 50% possession in the first half. Their technical prowess allowed for precise passing and quick one-touch football that kept the Lionesses on the defensive.
Nineteen-year-old Salma Paralluelo, instrumental in the semifinal win against Sweden, started the match and proved to be a constant offensive threat. Her performance earned her the tournament’s best young player title, and she’s now the first player to have won Women’s World Cups at Under-17, Under-20, and senior levels—an achievement that could propel her into the ranks of the game’s greats.
Despite having two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas on the bench—she struggled to find her form after a serious knee injury—Spain maintained their superiority. Although England had the initial chance to break the deadlock with a shot hitting the crossbar, Spain soon took the lead through Olga Carmona’s strike. The goal resulted from a brilliantly executed buildup play down Spain’s left flank, taking advantage of an opening in England’s defense left by Lucy Bronze’s forward surge.
Spain continued to dominate in the second half, with Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty shot saved by England’s goalkeeper Mary Earps. This buoyed England, and they enjoyed a stronger phase of the match. Despite their increased energy, they couldn’t breach Spain’s defense, and it was the eventual winners who finished the match on a high note.
After the final whistle, Spain’s head coach Jorge Vilda expressed immense joy and pride in his team’s performance. He emphasized their ability to both excel and persevere, declaring them world champions. On the other side, England’s head coach Sarina Wiegman, who had previously led the Netherlands to the World Cup final, reflected on her team’s journey with a mix of disappointment and pride.
In the end, the Women’s World Cup final showcased not only the excellence of the players on the field but also the challenges, triumphs, and complexities that shape the world of international women’s soccer.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
