2023-08-20 12:06:21
(Sydney) Spain won their first Women’s World Cup title less than a year after a multi-player rebellion on Sunday, beating England 1-0 thanks to Olga Carmona’s first-half goal.
Posted 8:06 a.m. Updated 9:48 a.m.
Anne M. Peterson
Associated Press
La Roja became the first team to simultaneously hold the World Under-17, Under-20 and Senior titles.
Spain are the fifth winners in nine editions of the Women’s World Cup and join Germany as the only nations to have won both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
PHOTO DAVID GRAY, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Mariona Caldentey (8) celebrates looking skyward after the medal presentation.
At the final whistle, the players crowded in front of their goal. They danced until the trophy presentation, where they kissed the trophy and raised their arms in triumph.
The Lionesses were trying to bring a World Cup back to England for the first time since 1966.
“It’s a fantastic team. I think we weren’t at our best in the first half. We played much better in the second half, England captain Millie Bright said. We just couldn’t put the finishing touches. This is the hardest part of soccer. »
Carmona’s left-footed strike in the 29th minute was the only net.
PHOTO RICK RYCROFT, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the match.
Carmona also scored the 89th-minute winner in Spain’s 2-1 semi-final win over Sweden, becoming the first player since American Carli Lloyd in 2015 to score in the semi-final. and in the World Cup final.
Spain had a chance to double the lead in the 68th but Jenni Hermoso’s penalty was saved by Mary Earps, who anticipated perfectly and dove to her left.
PHOTO MARK BAKER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Mary Earps blocked Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty.
Last year, 15 Spaniards said they were stepping away from the national team over their mental health, while demanding a more professional environment.
Three of these players – Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey – reconciled with the federation and participated in the World Cup.
England won the Euros at home last summer. But three of the team’s best players, captain Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead, suffered knee injuries and had to miss the World Cup.
Coach Sarina Wiegman became the first to bring her teams to the World Cup finals consecutively.
PHOTO ASANKA BRENDON RATNAYAKE, REUTERS
England coach Sarina Wiegman tries to console her players.
They guided the Netherlands to the final in 2019, but lost 2-0 to the United States. She is 0-2 in the ultimate game.
One of England’s best chances came in the 16th minute, when a shot from Lauren Hemp hit the crossbar.
Coach Jorge Vilda has delegated 19-year-old Paralluelo among his starting players. She scored the decisive goal against Sweden, as well as the winning goal in extra time against the Netherlands, in the quarter-finals.
These efforts helped her win the tournament’s Best Young Player award, while Earps won the Golden Glove for Best Goalkeeper. Bonmati won the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best player at the World Cup.
PHOTO CARL RECINE, REUTERS
Aitana Bonmati was voted player of the tournament.
There were 75,784 fans at Stadium Australia, including tennis legend Billie Jean King.
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