By Samindra Kunti in Sydney
August 18 – On Sunday, either England or Spain will win the Women’s World Cup for the first time, reflecting the more level-playing field as well as the growth of the women’s game.
After 62 matches, a wave of golden-green support across Australia, upsets galore and high-stakes drama throughout the tournament, Spain or England will be crowned world champions to conclude the ninth edition of the tournament, the “best ever” in the words FIFA president and Instagrammer Gianni Infantino.
When Japan, 2011 winners, crashed out at the quarter-final stage, the pathway opened up for a new champion. England and Spain are deserved finalists. Following a slate of injuries, including one to Keira Walsh during the tournament, as well as the suspension of Lauren James for (almost) stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, England manager Sarina Wiegman had to adapt and tweak her team, but she did so with great success.
Her charges scrapped past Nigeria in the round of 16, but grew. Against both Colombia in the quarter-finals and co-hosts Australia in the last four, the English demonstrated a degree of control and composure that suggests they will be hard to beat in the final. The Lionesses may not have enchanted in this tournament but they know how to win matches.
“She’s a phenomenal coach, she’s a genius, she doesn’t get enough credit, she’s great to play for,” said Rachel Daly of Wiegman. “Great to work under, she’s so honest and her knowledge about the game is a joke, as is everybody on the staff.”
Spain, however, may represent their most difficult opponent yet.
On the back of victories in the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups in 2022, their success at these finals has not been a surprise. They bounced back from a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Japan in their final group game to eliminate Switzerland, Netherlands and Sweden en route to the final.
During the tournament, Salma Paralluelo became Spain’s breakout star, grabbing the winner against the Netherlands.
In the lead-up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, 15 of Spain’s best footballers (Las 15) were so disgruntled with support and conditions that they said they would not play under coach Jorge Vilda – in the end three were selected but some big names in the European club game were left out.
On the eve of the Sweden semi-final, Vilda said: “You’re asking about the past. I would like to indicate the backing and the support of the president… a president who is reacting with courage. He put his trust in me. We are happy with the whole process, and have great unity.”
On Saturday, co-hosts Australia will wrap up their unprecedented campaign against eternal bridesmaids Sweden in the third-place playoff.
Contact the writer of this story at samindra.kunti@moc.l1734841030labto1734841030ofdlr1734841030owedi1734841030sni@o1734841030fni1734841030