Spain reign in Women’s World Cup extravaganza
Sydney’s Stadium Australia lit up for the closing ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The glamorous curtain closer dazzled with fireworks, live music, dancers, drummers and stilt walkers as tens of thousands soaked in the festival atmosphere. Australian entertainer, Tone and I took the world by storm with a spine-tingling performance.
Spotted dignitaries in the stadium included the likes of legendary French manager, Arsene Wenger, FIFA Chief, Gianni Infantino and Queen Letizia of Spain with her 16year-old daughter, Infanta Leonor. Prince William, who is the head of the English Football Federation faced a backlash on social media platforms for not being physically present to support the Lionesses.
The British Queens could have done with his royal support given the fact that the team reached the final for the first time in their football history.
After winning the 2017 Euros and losing the 2019 World Cup finals as the head coach of the Netherlands, Sarina Wiegman was hoping for better fortunes with England; a team she led to their first Women’s Euro title in 2022.
Their opponents, Spain were also participating in their first ever World Cup final under the tutelage of coach Jorge Vilda. The La Roja boss came into the tournament under enormous pressure and without a handful of his top players that were involved in a heated dispute with the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
There was no evidence of any drama behind the scenes as the likes of Salma Celeste Paralluelo, Jennifer Hermoso, Olga Carmona & co. ensured that the absence of the missing stars was not felt. On the road to the final, Spain scored 17 goals in 6 matches, while England scored 13 goals in 6 matches.
Despite being the highest goal scorers in the tournament, Spain’s unexpected 4-0 capitulation against Japan in the group stages was proof that La Roja can be well beaten on a bad day. In the quest to become the first England senior side since the men’s team in 1966 to win the World Cup, their challengers were undefeated in 6 matches before the final.
The third place match saw Sweden clinch the bronze medal after defeating the tournament’s co-hosts, Australia. With more at stake between England and Spain, the first 23 minutes of the final could only be described in one word – ‘explosive’. By the 28th minute of the match, Spanish fans on the streets of Madrid, Barcelona and around the country erupted in elation as Olga Carmona smashed home the winning goal. Jennifer Hermoso missed a chance to extend La Roja’s lead from the penalty spot in the 65th minute. Despite bringing on Lauren James to add more firepower in the second half, the Lionesses failed to find an equalizer before the final whistle blew.
Like the 2010 Men’s World Cup in South-Africa, Spain were crowned the champions of the world! It was heartbreak in England but pure delirium in Spain. The nation beamed with pride as The Golden Ball and the Young Player of the tournament awards were handed to La Roja’s Aitana Bonmati and Sam Paralluelo respectively. England left the shores of Australia with the consolation prize of goalkeeper, Mary Earp awarded with the Golden Glove award.
After 107 goals, three weeks of thrilling action and intense drama watched by 1.12 billion viewers, it is clear as day that the Women’s game is here to stay!