Spain wins Women’s World Cup 2023 making a special record. They are now the first team ever to win the under-17, under-20, and senior world titles all at once. The victory also marks Spain’s first ever Women’s World Cup title, joining Germany as the only two nations to win both the men’s and women’s titles. In this blog post, we will take a look at how Spain achieved this remarkable feat, and what it means for the future of women’s soccer.
Table of Contents
Spain wins – The road to the final
Spain started their campaign in Group C, along with Japan, Zambia and Costa Rica. They opened with a convincing 4-0 win over Zambia, with goals from Olga Carmona, Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas. They then faced Japan, the reigning under-20 world champions, in a thrilling match that ended in a 3-3 draw. Spain came back from a 2-0 deficit, thanks to a brace from Jenni Hermoso and a goal from Lucia Garcia, but Japan equalized in the last minute with a penalty from Mana Iwabuchi. Spain secured their spot in the knockout stage with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica, courtesy of a goal from Mariona Caldentey.
In the round of 16, Spain faced Nigeria, the runners-up of Group A. Spain dominated the game, creating 23 shots and 10 corners, but only managed to score one goal, from Patri Guijarro in the 13th minute. Nigeria defended well, but could not find a way past Sandra Panos, who kept her third clean sheet of the tournament.
In the quarterfinals, Spain met France, the winners of Group B and one of the favorites to win the trophy. France had won all their group games, scoring 10 goals and conceding none. However, Spain proved to be a tough opponent, and took the lead in the 36th minute with a goal from Lucia Garcia. France equalized in the 64th minute with a header from Wendie Renard, but Spain regained the lead in the 71st minute with a stunning volley from Alexia Putellas. France pushed for another equalizer, but Spain held on to win 2-1 and advance to their first ever Women’s World Cup semifinal.
In the semifinals, Spain faced Sweden, the winners of Group F and another strong contender for the title. Sweden had also won all their group games, scoring nine goals and conceding one. They had also eliminated Canada and Brazil in the knockout stage. The game was tight and tense, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert them. The deadlock was finally broken in the 89th minute, when Olga Carmona scored her second goal of the tournament with a low shot from outside the box. Spain celebrated their historic win, while Sweden were left heartbroken.
Spain wins – The final showdown
Spain faced England in the final, which was held at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20th. England had finished second in Group D behind Australia, but had impressed in the knockout stage by beating Norway 3-0, Germany 2-1 and Australia 1-0. England had never reached the Women’s World Cup final before, and were hoping to emulate their male counterparts who won the World Cup in 1966.
The final was an open and entertaining game, with both teams playing attractive and attacking soccer. Spain had more possession and shots on goal, while England relied on their pace and physicality. The only goal of the game came in the 29th minute, when Olga Carmona scored her third goal of the tournament with a left-footed strike from inside the box. The goal was set up by a fast-breaking counterattack after Lucy Bronze lost possession in midfield.
England tried to respond in the second half, but Spain defended well and kept their shape. Spain had a chance to double their lead in the 68th minute, when they were awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Keira Walsh in the box. However, Jenni Hermoso’s spot kick was saved by Mary Earps, who dived to her left and pushed the ball away.
England continued to press for an equalizer, but could not find a way past Sandra Panos, who made several crucial saves. Spain also had some opportunities to seal the game, but Earps was equally impressive in goal. After four minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle and Spain erupted in joy. They had made history by winning their first Women’s World Cup title.
Spain wins Women’s World Cup – The aftermath
The Spanish players piled on each other in front of their goal, celebrating their historic achievement. They were dancing on the field until the trophy presentations, kissed the trophy and raised their arms in triumph as golden glitter descended from the sky above. They also received the congratulations of their opponents, who showed great sportsmanship and respect.
Spain’s coach Jorge Vilda was full of praise for his team, saying that they had fulfilled their dream and that they deserved to be world champions. He also thanked the fans for their support and said that this was a victory for the whole country. He said that Spain had shown that they had a great generation of players, who could compete with anyone in the world.
Spain’s captain Olga Carmona was named the player of the match, and also received the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament. She said that she was speechless and that she could not believe what had happened. She said that she was proud of her teammates and that they had worked hard for this moment. She also dedicated the win to her family and friends, who had always supported her.
Spain’s goalkeeper Sandra Panos won the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. She said that she was happy and honored to receive the award, but that it was a collective achievement. She said that Spain had a great defense, and that they had helped her a lot. She also said that Spain had a great attack, and that they had scored beautiful goals.
Spain’s forward Jenni Hermoso won the Golden Boot award as the top scorer of the tournament, with six goals. She said that she was happy to win the award, but that it was secondary to winning the title. She said that she did not care about missing the penalty in the final, because it did not affect the result. She said that Spain had played with passion and courage, and that they had made history.
Spain wins Women’s World Cup – The impact
Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup 2023 has been hailed as a historic and monumental achievement, not only for Spanish soccer, but also for women’s soccer in general. Spain has shown that they have a talented and cohesive team, who can play with flair and finesse. They have also shown that they have a strong and supportive soccer federation, who have invested in the development of women’s soccer at all levels. They have also shown that they have a passionate and loyal fan base, who have followed them throughout the tournament.
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Spain’s victory has also inspired many young girls and women around the world, who aspire to play soccer at the highest level. Spain has demonstrated that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and belief. They have also demonstrated that women’s soccer is exciting, entertaining and competitive, and deserves more recognition and respect.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Have a nice day! 😊