World Cup glory to Spain! Spain 1-0 England: Olga nets winner, Earps saves pen

Spian defeat European champions Lionesses to reach Women's World Cup glory.

Match Report

For the first time in their history, Spain have won the Women’s World Cup. They have defeated England 1-0 in Sunday’s final in Sydney, with captain Olga Carmona scoring the only goal of the game.

Head coach Jorge Vilda made the bold decision to drop Alexia Putellas for the showpiece event, with 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo starting in her place. The teenager had a huge chance to score early on, but she missed the ball completely with the goal gaping.

Fortunately for La Roja, they weren’t left to rue that miss, and it was the captain Carmona that took it upon herself to make the difference. She drove forward from left-back and fired an unstoppable effort past England goalkeeper Mary Earps.

Spain had a golden opportunity to double their lead in the second half, as Barcelona’s Keira Walsh was adjudged to have handled in the area. However, Jennifer Hermoso’s effort was saved by Earps.

It mattered little in the end, as Spain held on to secure victory, securing immortality in the process.

Line-ups

Spain XI: Jenni Hermoso, Irene Paredes, Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmati, Alba Redondo, Cata Coll, Ona Batlle Pascual, Olga Carmona, Teresa Abelleira, Laia Codina, Salma Paralluelo

Subs: Esther Gonzalez, Ivana Andrés, Alexia Putellas, Claudia Zornoza, Irene Guerrero, Rocío Gálvez, Eva Maria, Enith Salón, Athenea Del Castillo, Oihane Hernández Zurbano, Misa Rodríguez, María Pérez

England XI: L. Bronze, A. Greenwood, M. Earps, R. Daly, M. Bright, J. Carter, K. Walsh, G. Stanway, L. Hemp, A. Russo, Ella Toone

Subs: J. Nobbs, E. Roebuck, C. Kelly, L. Coombs, K. Zelem, B. England, C. Wubben-Moy, H. Hampton, Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles, Lauren James, Katie Robinson