Maiden entry into the Women’s World Cup final remains fruitful for Spain as it defeats England by one golden goal in the last encounter at Sydney on Sunday. The joyous Spanish team made its wildest dreams come true, noting that all the women players had ably played to place their position over the rival team of England. Spain became only the second country, after Germany, to have won the men’s and women’s tournaments after the victory at Stadium Australia, Sydney.
By taking control of the entire match with 57% possession of the ball Spain upheld its grip on the match quite magnificently. Even it got as many as 7 corners while England found only three corners. As regards fouls in the match Spain fouled for a total of nine times but England had to go with 16 fouls. Thus, the Spanish team dominated in the early 29th minute by one goal. The left-back Olga Carmona’s first-half strike was the difference because their brand of football just cannot be stopped.
Although it got another chance for a penalty yet the attempt failed with a fine stop by the rival English team’s goalkeeper. Mary Earps, who won the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper at the tournament, made several stunning saves, none better than from the penalty spot to deny Jenni Hermoso in the second half.
Spain had a chance to make the scoreline read 2-0 but Jennifer Hermoso failed to put a penalty in the back of the net. By capably capturing the Women’s World Cup final for the first time, Spain tarnished England’s dream on a historic evening. Mary Earps, 30, played in all of England’s seven matches, conceding four goals. Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named player of the tournament with 19-year-old Spain winger Salma Paralluelo taking the young player award. Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa won the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals, with a total of five.
Though England became preferably the first football team since the year 1966 to expertly achieve a senior final on the world stage, it could do no miracles. The latest display of play was an exercise in perfect forbearance from Spain. It got quite bitty towards the end of the game. Scrappy and stop-start, and it was the team that scored first that held out to win it.