Spain proved on Sunday that dissension is not necessarily a bad thing, overcoming a torrent of bad feelings to capture a first-time World Cup title with a brilliant, 1-0 victory over England.
Despite a year’s worth of controversy and internal revolt, Spain was faster, more watchable, and more clinical than England. The team’s total-soccer approach resulted in a winning goal — for the second straight match — by a left back, Olga Carmona.
When this tournament began last month, the Spaniards appeared unlikely champions. Ranked No. 6 in the world by FIFA, the team had been torn apart by a player revolt against Jorge Vilda, his coaching staff and the soccer federation. Several top players dropped out of the selection process in protest over their treatment. This was also a very young, inexperienced team, and therefore unpredictable.
That very youth, however, proved to be a great asset. Spain brought tremendous energy and speed into games, never really flagging late in contests. Individual, technical skill made for some beautiful soccer. As for any resentment against Vilda, such sentiments were never visible on the field during matches. Only afterwards.
The pace in Sydney was frenetic from the start, and Spain dominated play early. England managed a couple of dangerous chances — including a shot by Lauren Hemp off the cross bar in the 16th minute. As the run of play turned against them, however, the Lionesses often were reduced to physical, fouling tactics.
Spain broke through on a counter in the 29th minute, when Mariona Caldentey’s pass found Carmona rushing forward from her back-line position. Carmona then struck a perfect, low left-footer into the right corner of the net, past England’s diving goalkeeper Mary Earps. Carmona’s goal-producing runs would be unusual for a defender on most teams. Spain, however, plays with attacking overlaps that produce just such opportunities.
Spain had a real opportunity to seal the victory in the 70th minute, but Earps stopped a poorly-taken penalty by Jennifer Hermoso. Spain had been granted the penalty after American referee Tori Penso looked at a VAR review and determined that Keira Walsh had illegally flipped her hand at a ball in the box. But Hermoso, Spain’s all-time, World Cup scoring leader, telegraphed her shot and Earps was able to make a relatively easy, diving save.
That save swung momentum England’s way for a short period, but the Lionesses were largely outclassed and unable to finish several decent chances. Time ran out, and England must still look way back to 1966 — when its men famously defeated Germany — for any sort of World Cup glory.
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Spain’s championship will surely allow that country’s federation to further justify its support of Vilda, after 15 national team members had sent messages last September demanding changes in conditions.
Not everything has healed. Following this ultimate victory Sunday in Sydney, the Spanish players celebrated in a pile on the field while the coaches, separately, huddled and congratulated each other on the sidelines. There was no interaction, until several minutes later.
After bringing teenage dynamo Salma Paralluelo off the bench in the two most recent matches, Jorge Vilda started the speedy track star at center forward in the final. Paralluelo had several good chances, banging a shot off the outside of the post at the very end of the first half.
Spain became the first European team to win the women’s World Cup since 2007. Now, back in America, all eyes will be on the U.S. head coach opening and on Sarina Wiegman’s future.
Despite this loss, the England coach will be pursued by many federations. The U.S. may offer her best combination of money and talent. She played with Anson Dorrance at North Carolina, and knows well the territory. In addition, Wiegman would be taking over in America from a coach, Vlatko Andonovski, whose shoes will not be difficult to fill. There is, however, be a quick turnaround with the Paris Olympics arriving in summer.
The World Cup proved was a great success for Australia, and for the women’s game. Attendance was remarkable throughout the World Cup, and even drew some decent viewing numbers around the world despite the inconvenient time zone. These days, unlike in the past, candidates are lining up to host the tourney. There are four bids under consideration for 2027 — South Africa, Brazil, a European coalition of nations, and a U.S-Mexico combination.
The women’s World Cup is now a big, competitive deal, and it may be quite a while before any nation amasses titles the way America once did. Spain, however, is off to a good start.