2023-08-20 11:06:00
The women’s soccer world champion comes from Europe for the first time since 2007: Spain and England will duel in the final on Sunday (12 noon, ORF 1) in Sydney. Both teams are in this for the first time. There are no favourites, the greater tournament experience, especially in important games, speaks for the English women – and the European title: All previous world champions from Europe went into the World Cup tournament as reigning European champions.
Photo gallery: Final of the Women’s World Cup in Sydney
(Photo: DAVID GRAY (AFP)) Bild 1/22
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“A lot of our players know how to win a final. We have that ahead of Spain,” said England right-back Lucy Bronze. She was also there in the World Cup semi-final defeats in 2015 and 2019 and is finally looking to lift the trophy – and this following a very special meeting, as she is on the ball at club level like Keira Walsh at Spanish Champions League winners FC Barcelona Bronze had warned her club-mates: “Even before the tournament we were joking regarding seeing each other in the final.”
The success at the European Championship gave a lot of tailwind, which did not abate despite the absences of Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby. Team boss Sarina Wiegman always found solutions. “We are in a very good position. The team has grown in the tournament, the players feel good and are full of confidence. We are ready for the final,” said the Dutchwoman.
On the way to the European Championship title in 2022, her team kicked the Spaniards out of the tournament in the quarter-finals (2-1 following extra time). “La Roja” now hopes for revenge. “The team pulls together, everyone is fighting for the same goal,” said Spain team boss Jorge Vilda.
Nine months ago, 15 team players had announced that they would no longer play unless the 42-year-old was released. Some backtracked, such as Aitana Bonmati. Nevertheless, a strong FC Barcelona quartet is missing with goalkeeper Sandra Panos, midfielder Patri Guijarro, defensive ace Maria Leon and striker Claudia Pina. The run of success is all the more remarkable, there is no trace of a lack of harmony.
Fuhrmann bets on England
Vilda has been in office since 2015 and also experienced the quarter-finals at the EM 2017 once morest the ÖFB selection under team boss Dominik Thalhammer. For his successor Irene Fuhrmann, the English are the favorites. “It wasn’t easy for them during the tournament. But following the performance in the semi-finals, I would say that I see them a bit ahead of Spain,” said the 42-year-old. The Spaniards would play nicer football “if they are looking for the goal, i.e. if they are effective”, on the other hand the English football is “less frills”.
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