It has become history. Spain achieved the summit in Sydney on Sunday, defeating England 1-0 to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time against all odds and against a turbulent background.
Given the turbulent year the national team endured, it was amazing that Spain had made it to the final. This accomplishment is exceptional since La Roja defeated the defending European champion and pre-match favorite despite the disagreements and divisions that have dogged the national team throughout the competition.
Olga Carmona’s spectacular goal in the 29th minute ended up being the game-winner. Spain, who became only the second nation, after Germany, to win both the men’s and women’s World Cups, could even afford to miss a second-half penalty.
Many English players were in tears as their aspirations of becoming the nation’s first senior soccer global champion since 1966 were dashed by a superb Spain, who celebrated by making a happy heap of red on the Stadium Australia surface.
There was just one team in it for possession and shot attempts; Spain outperformed England. The team has advanced further than ever in this competition, so there is some consolation for England, which, like Spain, was taking part in its first Women’s World Cup final. The Lionesses had accomplished history even while losing.
Prince William praised the Lionesses’ “spirit” by writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud, even though it’s the result none of us wanted.”
But Spain is the one who rejoices, and Spain’s future is the one that shines the brightest, especially if off-pitch difficulties can be rectified, since the Iberian nation has now miraculously become a Women’s World Cup champion at the Under-17, Under-20, and senior levels.
Some of the most well-known people in the nation celebrated the team’s victory. Rafael Nadal, a tennis player who has won 22 grand slam titles and is perhaps Spain’s best athlete, wrote on Instagram: “Let’s goooooo!!!! WORLD CHAMPIONS, please accept my congratulations.