Spain wins the Women’s World Cup in a rout

Spain became the sixth side to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy after defeating England 1-0 here on Sunday, adding a new name to the trophy.

After Germany, Spain became the second nation to have won both the men’s and women’s World Cups thanks to Olga Carmona’s goal in the 29th minute, according to Xinhua. Spain’s men had won the tournament in 2010.

Salma Paralluelo and Aitana Bonmati, both of Spain, took home the Golden Ball and Best Young Player honors, respectively. The Golden Glove was went to Mary Earps of England, while Hinata Miyazawa of Japan won the Golden Boot for her five goals, which was the most in the whole tournament.

With England defeating co-hosts Australia 3-1 and Spain defeating Sweden 2-1, two teams were making their maiden appearances in the competition final at the jam-packed Stadium Australia.

While England maintained their starting lineup unaltered after Lauren James’ return from suspension, Spain switched Alexia Putellas for Paralluelo in a 4-3-3 formation.

The most recent match between the two teams took place in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, when England prevailed 2-1 after extra time to claim the championship.

Both teams had opportunities early on after putting together a series of plays. In the 16th minute, Lauren Hemp almost gave England the lead, but her left-footed effort hit the crossbar.

A minute later, Spain answered. After Paralluelo was unable to connect with a cross from Carmona, it dropped to Alba Redondo, whose shot was stopped by Earps.

When La Roja regained control of the ball in midfield in the 29th minute, they took the lead. Mariona Caldentey sent the ball to Carmona after Teresa Abelleira had stretched the play down the left, and Carmona then launched a rocket shot from the penalty spot that went past Earps.

On the cusp of halftime, Spain had an opportunity to increase their advantage, but Paralluelo’s shot brushed the post.

After the interval, the Lionesses added Chloe Kelly and James to bolster their assault, but Spain was the team that really had opportunities, as Caldentey caused Earps to make a one-handed save and Bonmati missed the target.

when a thorough VAR review, the referee gave a penalty in the 64th minute when the ball hit Keira Walsh’s hand, but Earps pulled off a remarkable save to deny Jennifer Hermoso.

In the 76th minute, James attempted to challenge Spain’s Cata Coll, but her shot was parried away.

As time ran down, Spain continued to pose a threat, and Earps again made a stop to block Ona Batlle’s deflected shot.

Earps ran into the Spain area for a stoppage-time corner in an effort to perform a miracle, but it was too late.

Spain is competing in the Women’s World Cup for the first time; the country had previously been eliminated in the round of 16 and failed to go beyond the group stage.