In a historic triumph, Spain clinched the Women’s World Cup title, with Olga Carmona stealing the spotlight with her decisive 29th-minute goal. Spain now joins Germany as the second nation to have claimed both the men’s and women’s World Cup championships, with Spain’s men having emerged victorious in 2010, according to media reports.
Spain’s Aitana Bonmati and Salma Paralluelo secured the Golden Ball and Best Young Player awards respectively. England’s Mary Earps earned the Golden Glove award, while Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa clinched the Golden Boot with an impressive five goals, the highest tally in the tournament.
The bustling Stadium Australia hosted the final clash between two teams making their inaugural appearance in the tournament’s final. England had eliminated co-hosts Australia with a 3-1 victory, while Spain had battled their way to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sweden.
Spain adopted a 4-3-3 formation, replacing Alexia Putellas with Paralluelo, while England maintained their starting lineup despite the return of Lauren James from suspension.
The most recent encounter between the two sides took place in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 quarterfinals, with England emerging victorious 2-1 after extra time, eventually securing the championship.
An evenly balanced start to the match saw both teams creating opportunities as they strung together sequences of play. In the 16th minute, Lauren Hemp came close to giving England the lead, but her left-footed strike hit the crossbar.
Spain responded swiftly, with Paralluelo narrowly missing a connection with Carmona’s cross, which then fell to Alba Redondo. However, Earps thwarted Redondo’s attempt with a save.
In the 29th minute, La Roja surged ahead by reclaiming possession in midfield. Teresa Abelleira orchestrated a play down the left, and Mariona Caldentey skillfully set up Carmona, who unleashed a powerful first-time shot that sailed past Earps. Spain had a chance to extend their lead just before halftime, but Paralluelo’s effort grazed the post, denying her a second goal.