Olga Carmona’s goal in the 29th minute secured Spain’s first World Cup title. Spain now joins the ranks of the United States, Germany, Norway, and Japan as World Cup champions. This victory completes a treble for Spain, as they previously won the Under-20 and U-18 World Cups last year. Although some may attribute the title to the tactics of coach Jorge Vilda, it was truly the skill and talent of Spain’s players that propelled them to victory.
Spain dominated England’s left side, forcing multiple turnovers that ultimately led to Carmona’s goal. They stole the ball from Lucy Bronze at midfield and passed it to Mariona Caldentey on the left side of the field. Caldentey then dribbled up the field and passed it to Carmona, who brilliantly beat goalkeeper Mary Earps in the far corner.
England had their chances to score, and Earps’ save of a Jenni Hermosa penalty kick injected new energy into the European champions. However, England failed to convert their opportunities and ultimately couldn’t keep up with Spain, resulting in their victory.
The 2023 World Cup final may have been low-scoring, but it was filled with highlights, from Carmona’s impressive goal to Earps’ spectacular save. If you missed the match, you can watch a full replay on foxsports.com.
Aitana Bonmati of Spain was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament. She proved herself as the best player in the world with three goals and two assists, along with her exceptional contributions to Spain’s World Cup title run.
Hinata Miyazawa of Japan received the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. Mary Earps, England’s goalkeeper who made the crucial penalty kick save in the final, was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
The host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup has yet to be determined or announced, but the United States is likely to be a strong contender, given the increasing popularity of women’s sports in the country.
Spain’s victory in the 2023 World Cup was their first at the senior level. Their previous best performance was reaching the round of 16 in 2019. However, Spain has experienced success at the youth level, winning the Under-20 World Cup last year and the U-17 World Cup for two consecutive years.
The women’s World Cup has only been held nine times, with the United States winning the most titles. Here is a list of every women’s World Cup winner.
Jill Ellis, former coach of the USWNT and two-time World Cup champion, presented the World Cup trophy to Spain. She is currently the president of the San Diego Wave and was recently inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Spain’s victory in the World Cup puts them in exclusive company alongside Germany as the only countries to have won both the men’s and women’s World Cup. Spain’s men won in 2010, while Germany’s women won in 2003 and 2007.
The World Cup final between Spain and England saw 13 minutes of stoppage time, and England substituted in Beth England for Ella Toone in the 87th minute.
There was a pause in the game after England’s Alex Greenwood was hit in the face by Spain’s Salma Paralluelo, resulting in a gash and blood on Greenwood’s forehead. Her injury took some time to tend to, likely leading to additional stoppage time.
Mary Earps made a crucial save of a penalty kick from Jenni Hermosa after a handball by England’s Keira Walsh, as confirmed by VAR. Earps guessed correctly and smothered the ball to deny Spain a second chance.
Tori Penso, an American referee, led the officiating crew for the World Cup final. This marked the first time that U.S. Soccer referees have officiated a senior World Cup final.
Spain made their first substitution in the second half, bringing in Oihane Hernández for Alba Redondo in the 60th minute, while Lauren Hemp of England received a yellow card in the 55th minute for a tackle on Spain’s Laia Codina.
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