Getty Image / Robert Cianflone
In a battle of world football titans, Spain and England, in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in Sydney, Australia, Spain came out with a 1-0 win on a goal by Olga Carmona in the 29th minute. It is the first Women’s World Cup crown for Spain.
Spain was definitely the better side, out-possessing England 57%-43%, out-shooting them 13-8, and having the vast majority of good chances.
Still, there was only one goal in the match, as Spain’s left back scored the goal of her life, and one of the biggest goals in her country’s illustrious history in the sport.
A goal that Olga Carmona will never forget 👏👏
Spain takes the lead in the first half of the Final 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/NiMRCF0qX4
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
Spain had a chance to go up 2-0, but England goalkeeper Mary Earps saved a penalty from Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso midway through the second half.
SHE'S BEEN DENIED ❌
Jenni Hermoso's effort has been saved by Earps 🧤 pic.twitter.com/gNwN1RezFH
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
But, England simply could not muster great chances all match long, and once again, football is not coming home.
The sports world lit up with reactions to the match.
Congrats to Spain, getting that FIRST WORLD CUP win at senior level. They've completely dominated the youth Level for last 5 years. So much success at U17 and U20 level. & then, to do it w/o all of their top players here. Their domination is just getting started. So impressive.
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) August 20, 2023
BREAKING: Our women can’t bring it home either.
Good effort @Lionesses but the better team won. Congrats to Spain.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 20, 2023
Imagine supporting Manchester United and the England women’s World Cup team this weekend. OUCH 💀
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) August 20, 2023
I feel sorry for the English team. Nothing to do with the soccer game, just that they have to go back to England after this.#FIFAWomensWorldCup
— These Daves (@TheseDaves1) August 20, 2023
SPAIN WIN WORLD CUP 🇪🇸🌏🏆 Not just an astonishing sporting achievement, but an incredible human achievement. A team that has had to run the gauntlet of global football's biggest tournament, but do so while at odds with their own federation. Historic, indelible. VAMOS, LA ROJA pic.twitter.com/mPwRPqOz8b
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 20, 2023
Spain becomes the second country, alongside Germany, to win the both the men’s and women’s World Cup. The Spanish men won in 2010.