Team spirit made all the difference for Spain's world champions

2023-08-20 18:59:00

In the end, the team spirit prevailed over all internal problems. For the first time in history, Spain’s footballers won the World Cup at the Women’s World Cup in Australia. Captain Olga Carmona’s golden goal (29th) was enough in front of 75,000 spectators to beat European champions England 1-0 (1-0) to celebrate this historic success. “I never imagined it would happen, but we’re world champions now. It’s the happiest feeling of my life. We played the football we wanted, but I think we still don’t realize what we’re doing achieved,” said player Jennifer Hermoso, who missed a penalty when the score was 1-0. In the end it was a real tour de force for everyone involved to bring the title to Spain.

Photo gallery: That was the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney

(Photo: SAEED KHAN (AFP)) Bild 1/28

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Rarely has a power struggle between the players and the team boss been played out as openly and over such a long period as in Spain. Ten months ago, 15 players announced in a public statement that they would withdraw from the national team if team boss Jorge Vilda, who had been in office since 2015, stayed at the World Cup. Twelve players have also implemented the announcement. The long-term coach was accused of less intensive training and bad tactics and, above all, control mania.

Team spirit made all the difference for Spain's world champions — Maria Rodriguez and Laia Codina cut the goal net.
Bild: APA/AFP/STEVE CHRISTO

Vilda was also relieved after the triumph. “It’s difficult to describe, it’s a huge joy. I’m incredibly proud of this team. We’ve shown that we can fight, that we can suffer. We believed in ourselves and are world champions. Now we want to celebrate. I can I can only imagine the excitement in Spain. We’re going to celebrate and we don’t know when it’s going to end.” However, the distance between the team and the coach was felt again and again during this tournament.

Photo gallery: This is how the Spaniards celebrate their World Cup success

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Half a million per player

Spain’s world champions will collect more than half a million euros in bonuses after their final triumph in Sydney. FIFA guarantees €248,000 per player. The Spanish association had previously agreed on a bonus of 300,000 euros with the selection.

Olga Carmona: From dancing ban to world champion

Passion and perseverance – Olga Carmona embodies the attributes that made Spain’s women’s national soccer team yesterday in Sydney …

Olga Carmona: From dancing ban to world champion

votes for the final

I’m so proud because we played a great tournament. We suffered, but we also enjoyed and deserved it.
Aitana Bonmati, Spain middle player

It was a very tough game. We knew it was going to be very complicated. England made life very, very difficult for us.
Olga Carmona, Spain’s winning goalscorer

In a few weeks, when emotions have settled, we’ll likely be able to look back and be proud. It’s no small feat to get into a World Championship final. But we are very ambitious people, we came here to win the game and get a gold medal, not a silver medal.
Mary Earps, England goalkeeper

It’s really difficult to take. We are heartbroken. The girls are incredible.
Millie Bright, England captain

Australia’s team was celebrated

Australia’s footballers were once again celebrated by their fans at a reception in Brisbane after losing their match for third place. The “Matildas” had inspired Australia, but after missing the final against England they also lost the game for third place against Sweden (0:2).

“They proved that what matters is not what shoes you stand in, but what you stand for,” said Queensland State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Above all, the Matildas stand for fairness in sport and fair opportunities for women and girls throughout Australia.

Along with captain Sam Kerr, Palaszczuk shared a photo of the moment the team defeated France on penalties in the quarter-finals. Kerr: “It’s been an emotional roller coaster for everyone, but it’s been the best four weeks of our lives.”