After making history by knocking out Sweden in the semifinals, Vilda’s team will pursue the trophy. The stage is set for a decisive moment that fans in Canada and the United States will be watching closely. The 2023 Women’s World Cup final pits Spain against England in Australia and New Zealand, the grand finale that every team aimed for at the outset of the tournament.
Spain arrived in the final with a strong comeback narrative. After a group stage setback against Japan, La Roja regrouped with a commanding round of 16 win over Switzerland and a hard-fought quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands after extra time. In the semi finals, Salma Paralluelo and Olga Carmona helped Spain edge Sweden 2-1, showcasing a bold performance from Jorge Vilda’s side.
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Live summary: Spain vs England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final — lineups, goals, videos and statistics
Minute 60 brings a close call from Aitana. A strike from the Spain area nearly struck the crossbar, signaling that Spain must renew its attacking pressure late in the game.
Minute 55. Lauren Hemp earns the first booking of the match for a foul on Carmona, stepping into a tactical duel with the Spanish defense.
Minute 49. MARY EARPS must be alert. A sharp sequence from Spain ends with Mariona firing from close range, forcing the England keeper into action and signaling Spain’s intent at the start of the second half.
BEGIN THE SECOND HALF IN AUSTRALIA!
Spain takes the lead courtesy of Carmona. England presses early, but the Spanish side, guided by Vilda, steadies itself and begins to control the pace on the counter. A flowing midfield surge turns into Carmona’s strike on goal, energizing the Spanish supporters. Hemp remains dangerous for England, twice forcing Cata Coll into action, with one shot hitting the crossbar and making the goalkeeper wobble. Salma Paralluelo later sought a second for Spain, but her effort went just wide.
HALF-TIME IN SYDNEY! Spain heads to the locker room with a one-goal advantage thanks to Olga Carmona’s finish.
Minute 45+1. SO CLOSE TO A SECOND! A shot from Paralluelo clatters the post, leaving Spain agonizingly close to a 2-0 cushion.
Minute 37. SMOOTH WALLS! A rehearsed move from Spain sets up Carmona, Irene Paredes collects and fires a shot that narrowly misses the target.
Minute 28. GOAL FOR OLGA CARMONA! Spain extends its lead. Mariona plays on the edge, feeds Carmona who moves into space and dispatches a cross-shot past Earps.
Minute 23. The match pauses briefly as a ball boy enters the field of play in a stoppage moment, a reminder of the nerves surrounding a World Cup final.
Minute 16. SPANISH REPLICA! Alba Redondo makes a timely run as Paralluelo delivers, but Earps stands tall with a superb save. Spain’s resurgence is evident as they push for the opening goal.
Minute 15. ENGLAND TESTS THE SPANISH DEFENSE. Hemp’s pace creates a dangerous moment, with a crossbar-hit shot underscoring the closeness of the match’s opening exchanges.
Minute 4. CATA COLL PULLS OFF A KEY SAVE! England’s early pressure yields a rebound that the Spanish keeper gathers under pressure.
THE FINAL OF THE WORLD CUP BEGINS IN SYDNEY! The ball is rolling as fans in North America and beyond tune in to this conclusive clash.
The match referee is American Tori Penso, ready to oversee a match charged with intensity and high stakes. England, chasing a crown as reigning European champions, aims to become only the second nation after Germany to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup while defending their continental title. The winner will join the ranks of a select group that has lifted the trophy multiple times alongside the United States, Germany, Norway and Japan. Spain makes history as they contest their first final, with England seeking a second finals appearance for a European pair in the last two decades.
With the exception of the inaugural edition in 1991, this final marks the first time two European teams face off in a World Cup final in Canada and the United States era. It also represents the third final between European teams, following Norway vs Germany in 1995 and Germany vs Sweden in 2003.
Attribution: Goal