Some 75,000 spectators packed into Sydney's Australia Stadium to cheer on Spain and England. Thousands of fans had travelled from the other side of the world to support their favourite team, despite the nine-hour time difference. There was no certainty of winning, just a lot of love for football and respect for the 11 players who, whatever happens, will make history.
It seems like a fairy tale, but it is real. Spain has really made history. Despite the difficulties, technical problems this year, absences and injuries, the girls managed to become world champions. This is the same Spain that had only qualified for three previous editions of the tournament and had never before managed to reach the last 16. Yet it was precisely this Spain that took home a well-deserved victory, proving that nothing is impossible.
Sunday, 20 August 2023 will be a historic day that Spain will never forget, because history was made, barriers were broken down and dreams came true.
The Women's National Team has shown that they are on a par with great rivals such as the USA, England and Japan, marking a turning point in the World Cup. Yes, La Roja has entered a new phase: the championship phase.
The game got off to a flying start in the first 30 minutes, with the decisive goal coming from Real Madrid CF defender Olga Carmona, who has been a key player in this World Cup. This goal was reminiscent of Andrés Iniesta's in the 2010 World Cup final, and Carmona is now one of only two Spaniards to have scored in a World Cup final.
Carmona also scored the decisive goal against Sweden, taking Spain to the final.
Despite Jenny Hermoso missing a penalty, which was saved by Mary Earps — the goalkeeper who was voted the best of the World Cup — the Spaniards managed to maintain their pace until the final minutes of the match.
England, the reigning European champions who had not lost a single match before the final, finished second in this World Cup. This is the same England team that eliminated Spain in the quarter-finals of the European Championship.
Spain also won three women's World Cups in one year: Under-17 and Under-20.
Salma Paralluelo is the first player in history, male or female, to win all three World Cups.
Spanish fans were therefore able to go to sleep with full hearts and a thousand adrenaline rushes after achieving the much-desired prize of World Champions.
The effort of travelling to the other side of the world was worth it for a 10 cum laude night!
