Spain is the new FIFA Women’s World Cup champion after defeating England by 1-0 with a goal by Olga Carmona Garcia in the first half. The match was played at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney and was attended by more than 74,000 fans.
England started strongly, making the more dangerous attacks in front of the Spanish goalkeeper Catalina Coll. In the 15th minute, a shot of Rachel Daly even hit the post, being very close for opening the result. Spain responded immediately with a dangerous attack in the 17th minute and a shot by Alba Redondo from a short distance was saved by English goalkeeper Mary Earps.
In the 19th minute, another dangerous attack came from England, as Ella Ann Toone passed to Lauren Hemp, who shot from the penalty area, but in the hands of Catalina Coll.
In the 29th minute, a lost ball in the center, found Mariona Caldentey, who passed to Olga Carmona Garcia and after a shot from the diagonal she opened the score to 1-0.
Irene Paredes had a chance to score a second goal for Spain in the 39th minute, but her shot from short distance missed the target. In the very last minute of the first half, Salma Paralluelo shot dangerously to the the English goal, but her shot hit the post. Thus, the first half ended 1-0 for Spain.
At the break, the England manager made a double substitution, with Lauren James and Chloe Kelly entered on the ground. They followed with one chance in front of both goalkeepers.
The English women tried to press, but did not create clear chances. At the same time, Spain were waiting for their moment. It came in the 70th minute when the team was awarded a penalty for hand play. The referee initially ruled that it was not a foul, but revised his decision after VAR intervened. However, on the subsequent shot from the 11th meter, the veteran Jenifer Hermoso was unable to overcome goalkeeper Mary Earps, who sensed the corner and saved.
In 76th minute Lauren James shot under the bar, but her shot was deflected by the Spanish goalkeeper.
Ona Battle made a great dribble in the extra time but her shot was saved from the Mary Earps.
By the end of the match Spain was the more active team as, English players were not able to create something more serious in front of their opponents’ target.
Thus, after the 13 minutes extra time, the final whistle came, which brought the happiness to the new FIFA Women’s World Champion – Spain.
