The Spanish women's national team lifted the World Cup for the first time in its history on Sunday after beating England 1-0 in the final in front of 75,784 spectators in Sydney, Australia.
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Spain arrived to the match as somewhat of an underdog, but outperformed throughout the contest (holding the ball 57% of the time and registering 13 shots on goal compared to the reigning European campions' 8).
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Spain lifts Women's World Cup for the first time after beating England
(Photo: FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
They secured the victory thanks to a 29th-minute goal by captain Olga Carmona, who also scored the winning goal in the 2-1 semi-final victory over Sweden. The 23-year-old Real Madrid left-back was the final destination of a dangerous counterattack - one of many Spain had in the first half - and she drove the ball low from inside the box, beating Mary Earps in the English goal.
Jenni Hermoso had the chance to double the lead with a 70th-minute penalty, but her shot was saved by the English goalkeeper. Even in added time, which stretched to 13 minutes, Spain remained highly dangerous.
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Olga Carmona celebrates scoring against England in the Women's World Cup Final
(Photo: EPA/DEAN LEWINS)
After defeating Costa Rica 3-0 and trouncing Zambia 5-0, Spain finished the group stage with a 4-0 loss to Japan, despite holding possession for 77% of the match. However, in the Round of 16, they bounced back with a resounding 5-1 win over Switzerland. In the next round, they edged out the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time, thanks to a winning goal by Salma Paralluelo, who also scored in the 2-1 semi-final triumph over a formidable Swedish side.