Sun 20 Aug 2023 Women’s World Cup- Final

Spain.  1            England 0Carmona (29’)

Spain captain Olga Carmona slotted the winner past goalkeeper Mary Earps after 29 minutes after England’s Lucy Bronze lost possession in midfield.

Earps won the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper at the tournament, had made several saves, including the penalty shot to deny Jenni Hermoso in the second half, as she moved early to her left and caught Hermoso’s effort, the penalty having awarded for handball against midfielder Keira Walsh following a lengthy video assistant referee review.

Spain with Barcelona stars who won their second Women’s Champions League title thi season, imposed their quality and worked out how to deal with England’s media publicity. They dominated most of the game, exposing spaces left by England’s attacking fullbacks and took their chance when Bronze cut inside from the right and gave the ball away when she was stopped by a wall of red in the centre circle. Spain switched play to their left as Carmona ran on to a simple pass from Mariona Caldentey before stroking the ball low past a diving Earps. Spain several chances to extend their lead as Earps blocked shot from Ona Batlle, Caldentey and Alba Redondo in each half.

It was missed opportunity for the Lionesses, who have found a way to reach the finals under Wiegman but could not find answers in their final hurdle.