Even with the absence of 12 key players, due to a protest that disrupted preparations, Spain’s squad remains within sight of the championship.
Twelve months ago England halted Spain’s dream of lifting Europe’s crown. Spain faced a dramatic quarterfinal in Brighton, conceding a late equalizer and then falling after extra time. The memory of that heartbreak lingered as the team regrouped for a new campaign.
A year on, the mood has shifted. Spain has shown resilience by clawing back late results against formidable foes in the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup. A draw against the Netherlands in a quarterfinal thriller and a similar late rescue against Sweden in the semi-final demonstrated a squad learning to compete under pressure, turning nerves into resolve and turning close calls into victories.
La Roja have demonstrated growth that goes beyond results. The year between the two major tournaments tested the team in ways no one could have predicted. Off the pitch there was turmoil as several players signaled a desire for internal change, and the squad was temporarily affected by the absence of many top-tier names who stepped away in protest. Yet the collective heart of the team endured, and history began to tilt in their favor once more.
In New Zealand, the team achieved a breakthrough that marked a new era: Spain progressed to the knockout stage for the first time, reached the quarterfinals for the first time, and then advanced to a first ever World Cup final. The stakes now rise higher as the team prepares to cross the Tasman Sea and head to Australia, driven by the ambition to claim all the honours. The prospect of facing England in Sydney next Sunday adds a dramatic layer to this pursuit of glory.
With the full arc of the year behind them, the question remains how a squad endured such upheaval yet still managed to exceed expectations and push toward a historic achievement. The answer lies in a blend of tactical adaptation, collective resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose that has carried Spain through adversity toward championship contention.
Notes of the journey are clear in every match, from late equalizers turned wins to the unity that carried the team through a volatile period. The narrative is more than results; it is a testament to the power of belief in a squad that refused to surrender and chose to pursue greatness despite the odds.