Spain were crowned world champions for the first time in Women’s World Cup history as they beat England in the final in Sydney.
It was Jorge Vilda’s side who came out with the greater intensity, and they scored the only goal of a frictional final at Stadium Australia when Teresa Abelleira released Mariona Caldentey to assist Olga Carmona, who fired low past Mary Earps in the 29th minute.
England rode their luck and were buoyed by Earps’s penalty save from Jenni Hermoso after Keira Walsh had been harshly punished by VAR for a supposed handball in the box.
But the Lionesses were second-best throughout the final, and Spain held on to seal their greatest day.
Dom Smith rated the Spanish players’ performances...
Catalina Coll — 7
Made a vital one-handed save when substitute Lauren James hammered on goal from a tight angle.
Ona Batlle — 7
Really impressive performance from the ex-Manchester United right-back. Could have sealed the win late on.
Irene Paredes — 6
Volleyed wide with a decent chance to double Spain’s lead. Defended diligently.
Laia Codina — 6
Mopped up well at the back but dived really poorly to get Lauren Hemp booked.
Olga Carmona — 8
Netted the first goal of the final with piercing accuracy off her favoured left foot. Nutmegged Chloe Kelly for good measure.
Aitana Bonmati — 6
Quiet first half, but grew into the game as Spain closed out their fine win. Had an excellent tournament.
Teresa Abelleira — 8
Produced some excellent marauding runs forward and made the game’s only goal with an oustanding cross-field ball that allowed Caldentey to assist.
Jenni Hermoso — 5
Busy display in midfield. But when Spain needed her to convert from the spot, she couldn’t.
Alba Redondo — 6
Should have scored early in the first half when Earps denied her from a tight angle.
Salma Paralluelo — 6
Somewhat quiet outing from the teenage superstar, but struck the post just before half-time.
Mariona Caldentey — 7
Came into her own in this final, assisting the only goal and testing Earps with a second-half curler.
Subs:
Oihane Hernandez (Redondo, 60’) — 7
Came on and made a real impact, defending well and moving Spain up the pitch.
Ivana Andres (Codina, 73’) — 6
Couldn’t really get into the game as it became frought late on.
Alexia Putellas (Caldentey, 90’) — N/A
Subs not used: Galvez, Gonzalez, Navarro, Rodriguez, Del Castillo, Perez, Zornoza, Guerrero, Salon
