Spain has won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history after beating England 1-0.
Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the match, when Spanish midfielder Teresa Abelleira looked up and spotted Mariona Caldentey free in the wide space. As Caldentey regulated a cross-field ball, Carmona sprinted forward, collecting the ball from Caldentey and sending it into the far right.
England coach Sarina Wiegman responded with two halftime substitutions and a formation switch, from her auxiliary 3-5-2 back to her standard 4-2-3-1.
Lauren James and Khloe Kelly played in the second half, but they could do little for the Lionesses.
In the second half, La Roja earned a penalty after a lengthy video review but England’s Mary Earps sprang to her left to save Jenni Hermoso’s penalty.
The story of Spain’s women’s team is one to be proud of as they were supported in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. They had lacked support and facilities and in the 2015 Women’s World Cup, they did not win any match.
A month ago, Spain had only ever won one game at the Women’s World Cup. In New Zealand and Australia, it won six.
In 2018, Spain women won the Under-17 Women’s World Cup. In 2022, they won both the U-17 and U-20 tournaments.
