NewsBite

Spain defeats England 1-0 to win FIFA Women’s World Cup

Spain has overcome a player mutiny against its coach to become FIFA Women’s World Champions for the first time and extend England’s trophy drought on the world stage.

Martin Gabor, Emily Benammar and Tim Michell
18 min read
August 20, 2023 - 11:15PM
Teresa Abelleira, Ona Batlle, Oihane Hernandez and Alexia Putellas of Sp
Teresa Abelleira, Ona Batlle, Oihane Hernandez and Alexia Putellas of Sp

They’ve spent months protesting against their coach and the Football Federation, but for 90 minutes and a stack of stoppage time, Spanish players put aside their frustrations to beat England 1-0 to claim the country’s first women’s World Cup to bring an end to one of the most significant events ever held in Australia.

There have been strikes, leaked emails, threats to boycott the tournament if coach Jorge Vilda kept his job and countless shots fired across the bow, but in the end it took just one shot for Spain to sink England in front of more than 75,000 fans.

Spanish midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati told Channel 7: “I don’t have any words. For this moment, it’s unbelievable. I’m so glad because we did a great tournament. We suffered but also we enjoyed it. We deserve it.”

Goalscoring hero Olga Carmoa said: “England have a great team, but I think it was our game,” she told Spanish national broadcasters La 1.

“We had the feeling we were going to do it, and this is unstoppable, the truth is I don’t know what to tell you.”

Vilda said: “It’s difficult to describe, immense joy, I’m so proud of this team.

“I’m so happy for everyone watching us right now, we’ve made them happy too. We’re champions of the world.” The coach said the celebrations would run on for a long time. “Now we have to celebrate, I can only imagine how Spain is, we’re celebrating here and we don’t know when it will end.”

World Cup finals are usually cagey affairs but it didn’t take long for both teams to unlock the respective defences with England going agonisingly close to scoring the opener when Lauren Hemp curled a first-time strike into the crossbar.

That attempt seemed to shock Spain into action with the European giants launching a swift counter-attack which finished up with Alba Redondo who was left alone at the back post but fired her shot straight at keeper Mary Earps.

Spanish players celebrate. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images.
Spanish players celebrate. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images.

England wouldn’t be so lucky 12 minutes later when Spanish skipper Olga Carmona found space down the left and beat the keeper with a perfectly-placed shot into the bottom right corner that not even Earps could save.

It continued a superb knockout stage by the dependable defender who also netted a late winner in the semis to book Spain’s place in the final.

Spain could have and probably should have doubled their advantage with a couple of great chances either side of half-time, with star striker Salma Paralluelo firing wide with the final kick of the first half before Mariona Caldentey forced another neat save from Earps just after the break.

England could have been dead and buried had it not been for the Manchester United star, with Earps standing tall once more in the most controversial moment of the night when Spain was awarded a penalty for a handball after a lengthy VAR check.

Spain's head coach Jorge Vilda (C) in the middle of celebrations. Picture: DAVID GRAY / AFP.
Spain's head coach Jorge Vilda (C) in the middle of celebrations. Picture: DAVID GRAY / AFP.
Goal scorer Olga Carmona celebrates with teammates. Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP.
Goal scorer Olga Carmona celebrates with teammates. Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP.

It took several minutes for the officials to decide if Keira Walsh had handled the ball in the area, but it took a split second for Earps to fire up the heaving crowd when she guessed correctly to deny Jennifer Hermoso from the spot.

Earps was the only one keeping England in it and she produced another stunning save to deny Ona Batlle, and even charged forward for a corner in the 114th minute, only for her opposite number to save the day just as the final whistle sounded.

Rachel Daly consoles England goalkeeper Mary Earps. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.
Rachel Daly consoles England goalkeeper Mary Earps. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

IT’S NOT COMING HOME

It’s been a rough few weeks for English fans with their national teams failing to win back the Ashes while they also went down to Australia in the recent Netball World Cup.

There were hopes that the Lionesses could do what the men’s team did at the 1966 World Cup when they lifted the trophy, but it wasn’t meant to be as they were simply outclassed by a Spanish side whose slick ball movement was too hot to handle.

The number one priority now is to keep coach Sarina Wiegman who has already said she’s sticking around until her contract runs out in 2025 and that she’s not interested in the vacant US job.

The European champions showed how potent their attack can be in the win over Australia, while Lauren James – who returned from suspension as a second-half substitute – has shown this tournament just how dangerous she is with the ball.

“We’re heartbroken. We gave everything, unfortunately we just weren’t there today,” English captain Millie Bright said.

“The girls are unbelievable. We had a lot of critics at the start of the tournament, a few lost belief in us, but we never stopped believing in ourselves.

“We had full belief, but sometimes football goes for you, sometimes it goes against you.

“We’ve played in a World Cup final. In a few weeks we’ll appreciate this day and coming second, but it’s hard to take because we’re winners, we want to win.”

An England fan reacts. Picture: HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP.
An England fan reacts. Picture: HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP.

COSTLY MOVE

The first half was one of the most free-flowing spectacles of football we’ve seen at the World Cup, with the only break in play coming after 24 minutes when a ‘fan’ ran on the field to protest Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The pitch invader ran on as England were preparing to take a free-kick, with security rounding him up very quickly after he tripped and dropped a t-shirt near the edge of the penalty area.

The crowds at the World Cup have been one of the ongoing highlights of the tournament, but this could have been very ugly if he’d been allowed to get any closer to the players.

Sam Kerr probably would have dropped her shoulder into him if the Matildas were playing, but he can still expect to be hit with a massive fine instead.

The Spanish party starts. Picture: WILLIAM WEST / AFP.
The Spanish party starts. Picture: WILLIAM WEST / AFP.

EARLIER: PENALTY FARCE ROCKS WORLD CUP FINAL

A penalty farce has erupted in the women’s World Cup final with Spain awarded a spot kick under questionable circumstances but Mary Earps was the hero.

Kiera Walsh was deemed to have made contact with the ball with her right hand in the area.

Protests from Spain meant the moment was referred to VAR and the decision came that a penalty would be awarded.

Jenni Hermoso stood up for the kick only to drill it into the bottom right corner where Earps dives quickly to make the save.

But, should her heroics have counted?

Pictures of the save show Earps was off her line, an issue which caused a retake during Australia’s penalty shootout victory over France earlier in the World Cup.

Mary Earps off her line.
Mary Earps off her line.

MATCH RECAP

10.02PM: SPAIN ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS

Spain are the Women’s World Cup champions.

Amid all their internal issues surrounding coach Jorge Vilda, Spain has defied the odds by defeating England 1-0 in the final in Sydney.

Captain Olga Carmona scored the decisive goal during the first half before the world’s No.6 ranked team thwarted attack after attack from the Lionesses’ during the second half.

England’s wait for another World Cup title will continue until at least 2026 - which will be 60 years since the Three Lions last won the tournament.

“Deserved winners tonight. Spain certainly showed England how to play a brand of football that is just renowned for,” says Elise Kellond-Knight in commentary.

John Aloisi adds: “They are famous for producing Barcelona players like Xavi and Iniesta in the men. Now they are producing them in the women. They were sensational tonight. You couldn’t get the ball off of them. The inside areas, they are out playing England. England didn’t do too much wrong. They just couldn’t get the ball off them.”

Spanish players at the final whistle. Picture: WILLIAM WEST / AFP.
Spanish players at the final whistle. Picture: WILLIAM WEST / AFP.

9.48PM: ADDED TIME, AND LOTS OF IT, SPAIN 1-0 ENGLAND

Spain will have to survive 13 minutes of added time to be World Cup champions.

That’s really no surprise when you consider the Greenwood incident and how long the VAR took though.

9.35PM: ENGLAND STAR HURT IN UGLY INCIDENT, SPAIN 1-0 ENGLAND

Alex Greenwood has gone down and Paralluelo booked after the young Spanish striker caught the English defender with a knee. There’s a fair bit of concern for Greenwood who has stayed down while being assessed by medical staff.

“That is unfortunate. I think Paralluelo had designs on playing the ball but didn’t consider that Alex Greenwood’s head would be right there,” David Basheer says in commentary.

9.33PM: JAMES FORCES A SAVE, SPAIN 1-0 ENGLAND

England has definitely generated momentum after Earps’ penalty save and Lauren James forces Coll into a reflex save at her near post. England has about 15 minutes left to salvage this final.

9.25PM: VAR PAIN FOR ENGLAND

Keira Walsh has been adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and Spain is going to the penalty spot.

Spain was pressing and the ball from Caldentey flicked Walsh’s hand — which was away from her body.

Another goal would likely be the killer blow.

9.18PM: SPAIN REACTS TO ENGLAND CHANGES, STILL LEADS 1-0

Vilda has reacted to England bossing the early part of the first half, bringing on Oihane Hernández to replace Redondo.

It looks to be a ploy to close up the space England has been getting so far in this half, with an attacker sacrificed for a defender.

9.12PM: HEMP MISSES A HUGE CHANCE

The changes almost pay off within 10 minutes for England as Chloe Kelly whips a vicious cross from the right which gets all the way to Lauren Hemp at the back post.

Hemp has England’s best chance of the match and really only needs to hit the target but can’t divert the ball towards goal.

The early signs are good that the tactical switch up has given England more edge in attack though.

9.02PM: TWO CHANGES FOR ENGLAND, SPAIN 1-0 ENGLAND

Chloe Kelly and Lauren James are on as England searches for a spark.

Daly and Russo are the players who have made way as Wiegman switches up her formation for the second half.

Will it make the difference?

“It sets the intent, doesn’t it for England’? Fresh legs and new formation, knowing that things need to change into this 45 minutes,” says Grace Gill in commentary.

9PM SPANIASH CELEBRATION EXPLAINED

Stunning pictures of Olga Carmona’s goal celebration are doing the rounds.

The Spaniard lifted her shirt to reveal a message saying “merchi”.

Is she trying to flog some additional jerseys?

Is it Andalucian/Catalan for “Jorge is a bad man”?

Sadly not the latter but as Real Madrid confirms it’s a shout out to her old school.

8.50PM: HALFTIME — SPAIN 1 ENGLAND 0

England has its work cut out to win its first World Cup since 1966 after Spain seized the initiative with the opening goal in Sydney.

Olga Carmona was on the end of a swift move from Spain which exposed England’s left wing on the counter.

The Spanish captain ghosted into the box and shot past Mary Earps, who had earlier made a strong save to deny Alba Redondo.

Paralluelo struck the upright right on halftime with a first-time strike which would have left England with an even bigger mountain to climb.

England also had chances of its own, with Lauren Hemp striking the crossbar.

England need to bring Lauren James on within 15 minutes of the second half starting.

8.30PM: SPAIN SCORES FIRST! SPAIN 1-0 ENGLAND

What a hit!

Olga Carmona breaks down the left and shoots across Mary Earps, giving Spain the lead after 30 minutes.

In commentary, David Basheer says: “She claimed the match- winner in the semifinal and it was a cracking goal against Sweden hand a was just clinical. Mary Earps no chance. And Olga Carmona, for the fourth time has warn the captain’s armband at this World Cup and it’s been a badge of honour tonight, with the opening goal. Would you believe, only her third goal in her 30th appearance.”

A pitch invader is carried away by security personnel. Picture: FRANCK FIFE / AFP.
A pitch invader is carried away by security personnel. Picture: FRANCK FIFE / AFP.

8.25PM: PITCH INVADER STOPS PLAY

Thankfully security was alert and it was only a brief delay after a pitch invader made their way onto ground in Sydney.

They only got about 10-15m onto the playing surface before being brought down by security as the crowd booed the delay.

Code Sports’ Adam Peacock tweeted: “Streaker. Free Ukraine shirt. He tripped before getting to players. And dropped two packets of Twisties on his way out. Probably not what he was hoping for.”

8.19PM: EARPS DENIES SPAIN, SCORE REMAINS 0-0

Spain comes so close to catching England on the break only minutes after Hemp’s chance.

A ball from the left was fired across goal, Paralluelo almost made contact and then Redondo shot straight at Mary Earps who made a strong reaction save.

“That shot really, you have to say Paralluelo needs to finish there and perhaps a little bit of inexperience. It’s just splayed off her foot. Redondo would’ve loved to see that one ripple the back of the net,” says Grace Gill in commentary.

8.17PM: ENGLAND STRIKES THE BAR, SPAIN 0-0 ENGLAND

England is inches away from opening the scoring in the World Cup final!

Rachel Daly teed upo Lauren Hemp whose curling effort had the keeper beaten but cannoned into the crossbar.

This has been a very positive start by England with Spain largely relying on the counter.

8.10PM: BRUTAL TACKLE SETS STANDARD, SPAIN 0-0 ENGLAND

In the semi-final, it was England that bullied Australia in the early stages.

Spain clearly isn’t interested in letting that happen again.

Irene Paredes makes her intentions known with a crunching tackle on Lauren Hemp which had many fans calling for an early yellow card.

In commentary, David Basheer said: That’s a meaty challenge early. Paredes on Hemp. Russo is in possession down the right. England did adopt a pretty physical approach to their semifinal. Just keep a close eye on Lauren Hemp after that hefty challenge. She was a little slow to get to her feet. They know the kind of quality she possesses.”

Paredes tackle on Lauren Hemp.
Paredes tackle on Lauren Hemp.

8PM: WE’RE UNDERWAY IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL

Will it be Spain or England that joins the Women’s World Cup honour roll?

United States, Japan, Germany and Norway are the four countries who have so far won the World Cup.

Tonight, one of England or Spain will join Germany as winners of both the men’s and women’s world cup trophies.

Strap yourselves in. This should be a beauty.

7.50PM: TONES AND I ROCKS THE FINAL

What a way to set the mood for the final!

Tones and I had the crowd on their feet with a medley of her hits, including chart topper Dance Monkey.

If you found yourself jumping around the living room — while reading our blog of course — then you’re not alone.

7.35PM: FANS BOO SPANISH COACH

He has faced a mutiny from more than 10 players and even calls for him to be sacked well before the FIFA World Cup.

And many of the supporters in Sydney tonight for the World Cup final have made their feelings about Spanish coach Jorge Vilda known.

There were reportedly loud boos heard at the stadium when Vilda’s name was read out pre-game.

Spanish players have made their issues with the coach evident throughout the tournament, often celebrating without him after wins.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the celebrations if Spain prevails.

7.25PM: SOUTHGATE’S FINAL MESSAGE FOR ENGLAND

English men’s manager Gareth Southgate might have a target on his back if the Lionesses prevail tonight after recent commentary linking Sarina Wiegman with the post.

But of course, that hasn’t stopped him from sending well wishes to Wiegman’s side as they look to end the country’s long wait for a World Cup crown.

“Hi to you all out there in Australia — you’re doing a brilliant job,” Southgate said.

“That’s the first thing. There is of course, no advice, because you’ve done more than us already and you know what is needed to win.

“All that remains is to wish you the very best for the final and we hope you can bring that trophy back.”

7.20PM: SPAIN’S ‘BOLD’ ATTACKING MOVE PRAISED

Former Matilda Heather Garriock has praised Spain’s decision to start teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo in the biggest match of her short career.

The 19-year-old has been a revelation from the bench during this World Cup, scoring twice including the opening goal in her country’s 2-1 semi-final victory over Sweden.

Tonight she will get her chance to strut her stuff from the outset in a move hailed by Garriock.

“It’s such a bold move from Vilda to bring in the young striker Paralluelo,” Garriock said on Optus Sport.

“The young 20-year-old. And in terms of that, Putellas on the bench. I actually called that, especially when she came off and the quality changes made last game.

“She wasn’t happy, but she didn’t make the impact that she should have.”

7.05PM: WIEGMAN EXPLAINS JAMES’ BENCHING

England coach Sarina Wiegman has explained why star Lauren James will return from the bench tonight after serving a two-match ban for her stomp against Nigeria.

Wiegman has opted not to throw James — one of England’s best players in the opening matches of the tournament — in from the start of the final.

“First of all I hope everyone on the pitch who starts will have an impact on the game,” she told Optus Sport.

“And we have a lot of players who can impact the game when we sub.

“It’s of course, really nice to have LJ on the bench too and if necessary, she’s ready.”

6:30PM WORLD CUP FINAL BOMBSHELL AS SUPERSTAR BENCHED

Reigning two-times Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was dropped from Spain’s starting line-up for Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final against England in Sydney.

The Barcelona attacking midfielder was replaced by teenage club colleague Salma Paralluelo in the only change from the side which beat Sweden 2-1 in the semi-finals.

Putellas’s tournament has never really got going as she struggles to regain form and fitness after a serious knee injury.

England have a full strength 23-woman squad with Lauren James returning after a two match ban for stamping on an opposition player earlier in the tournament. But she’s on the bench.

Spain (4-3-2-1): Coll; Battle, Paredes, Codina, Carmona; Bonmati, Abelleira, Hermoso; Redondo, Caldentey; Paralluelo Coach: Jorge Vilda (ESP) Referee: Tori Penso

Spain's midfielder Alexia Putellas
Spain's midfielder Alexia Putellas

WILL ENGLISH CIVIL WEAR ERUPT?

England players and the Football Association in the UK could be headed for civil war with the Lionesses going into tonight’s final with a pay war hanging over their heads.

According to reports in the UK, the players feel they deserve an increase in their financial reward IF the lift the trophy tonight.

After winning the Euros in 2022 each player received 55,000 pounds, this time around they want 100,000 pounds and they’ve issued an ultimatum. Pay up or we’re done with commercial obligations.

And fair play to them. Had the England men’s team won the Jules Rimet trophy in Qatar they’d have been given half a million pounds each – so much for equality.

FA CEO Mark Bullingham said the row would be sorted out ‘after the tournament’.

“They had a very strong case before the World Cup and a very strong case after, but the reality is there’s a discussion to be had.”

The FA apparently opted to remove bonuses for female players because FIFA had increased the prizemoney – still well below the men’s.

Last month England captain Millie Bright and her team-mates said: “We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved. We view the successful conclusion of these discussions, through player input and a transparent long-term plan, as key for the growth of women’s football in England.”

ROYALS SLAMMED OVER WORLD CUP FINAL SNUB

Prince William and Rishi Sunak have scored an own goal by deciding to skip the women’s World Cup final.

The Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister are to miss the match in Sydney, Australia, despite it being the Lionesses’ first appearance in the final.

William sent an apology to coach Sarina Wiegman and her team ahead of tonight’s showdown with Spain, sitting alongside daughter Charlotte, while confirming they would not be attending.

“Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow,” he told them.

“We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”

A smiling Charlotte then added: “Good luck, Lionesses!”

Fans were quick to point out the poor look for William, who is the president of the Football Association.

“Get on a plane to Australia asap, YRH - you would if the men’s team reached a World Cup Final… so why not for the women?” asked broadcaster Piers Morgan.

THE HATED AND THE FETED: WORLD CUP FINAL’S TALE OF TWO COACHES

By Jamie Pandaram

There could not be more contrasting paths to the World Cup final for Spain and England, whose coaches are viewed at opposite ends of the spectrum yet on the cusp of glory.

Sarina Wiegman, in charge of the Lionesses, is so feted that she is now being considered as the first woman to coach the England men’s team when Gareth Southgate steps down from the role.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Jorge Vilda was the subject of a player mutiny and is viewed as a pariah by many Spanish stars and fans.

Complaints from players last September included that they were not allowed to close their hotel room doors until midnight, and had their bags searched by staff.

Spain's team coach Jorge Vilda (at the rear of this picture) faced a mutiny by players who complained about a lack of professionalism. Picture: DAVID GRAY / AFP
Spain's team coach Jorge Vilda (at the rear of this picture) faced a mutiny by players who complained about a lack of professionalism. Picture: DAVID GRAY / AFP

Fifteen players wrote a confidential letter of complaint to the Royal Spanish Football Association citing a lack of professionalism and health concerns.

Instead of addressing these concerns, the Federation castigated the players and publicly backed Vilda, this revealing the drama within the camp.

The 15 players were Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, Ona Batlle, Patri Guijarro, Mapi Leon, Sandra Panos, Claudia Pina, Lola Gallardo, Ainhoa Moraza, Nerea Eizagirre, Amaiur Sarriegi, Lucia Garcia, Leila Ouahabi, Laia Aleixandri and Andrea Pereira. Three other players, Alexia Putellas, Jennifer Hermoso, and captain Irene Paredes, didn’t send emails but supported their teammates.

Only eight of the 15 players who complained made themselves available for the World Cup team. Three made the final cut – Bonmati, Caldentey, and Batlle – along with Putellas, Hermoso and Paredes.

“The support of Luis Rubiales, the president of the federation, and everyone at the federation, means so much and will always stay with me, as well as that of my family because they have suffered this year,” Vilda said after his team’s 2-1 semi-final win over Sweden.

“At the end of the day it has been a learning process, and I think it has made all of us stronger.

Only eight of the 15 stars who complained about Jorge Vida made themselves available for this World Cup. Picture: Grant Down / AFP
Only eight of the 15 stars who complained about Jorge Vida made themselves available for this World Cup. Picture: Grant Down / AFP

“Now we can file it away and put it behind us and think about the future, and think that we deserve to be where we are.

“Everyone involved in Spanish football deserves this, all those who have been working so hard for so many years, from the players to the clubs and to the federation.

“I am proud of the team, we are so happy, but we have a final ahead of us still.”

Players have been openly hostile towards Vilda throughout the campaign.

Despite the internal ructions, and despite their shock 4-0 loss to Japan in the pool stages, Spain has made its first decider in the Women’s World Cup.

Waiting on the other side is England and their beloved Wiegman – who was the last woman coach left in the semi-finals.

Wiegman’s tactics have been brilliant this far, seeing England win all their matches and knock over hosts Australia last Wednesday with a physical possession-based game and sharp counter-attack.

In contrast to Spain, England’s camp is right behind manager Sarina Wiegman. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
In contrast to Spain, England’s camp is right behind manager Sarina Wiegman. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

She has already taken the Lionesses to triumph in last year’s European Championship, and is on the cusp of becoming the first England manager to win a World Cup since Alf Ramsey won the men’s tournament in 1966.

It’s no wonder English Football Association chief executive, Mark Bullingham, revealed this week that Wiegman is being considered to coach the men’s team next.

“People always say it is the best man for the job or the best Englishman,” Bullingham said. “Why does it have to be a man?

Sarina Wiegman is being touted as the possible next coach of England’s men’s team. Picture: FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Sarina Wiegman is being touted as the possible next coach of England’s men’s team. Picture: FRANCK FIFE / AFP

“I think our answer is always: ‘It’s the best person for the job.’ We think Sarina is doing a great job and hope she continues doing it for a long time. I think Sarina could do anything she wants in football.

“It’s the best person for the job, if that best person is a woman, then why not? You analyse the pool for any job at that particular time and do I think there’s a really strong diverse pool of both men and women for any big national job? No, I think the talent pool is small for both actually. But I don’t like the mindset that it has to be a man.”

Originally published as Spain defeats England 1-0 to win FIFA Women’s World Cup

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/world-cup/fifa-womens-world-cup-most-hated-and-most-loved-coaches-to-do-battle-in-final/news-story/32582abad29a60203ea995d57a484eb1