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Spain defeated England 1-0 in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday in Sydney, Australia, and became world champions for the first time in their history.
Olga Carmona’s strike in the 29th minute proved to be the difference. The 23-year-old fullback had a perfect low effort into the bottom corner that Golden Glove winner Mary Earps couldn’t keep out.
OLGA CARMONA HAS DONE IT!
SPAIN TAKES THE 1-0 LEAD pic.twitter.com/zqJBDRXngJ— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
Earps kept England in the game with several big saves including stopping a Spain penalty in the 70th minute.
SHE'S BEEN DENIED ❌
Jenni Hermoso's effort has been saved by Earps pic.twitter.com/gNwN1RezFH— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
In the end England couldn’t find an equalizer and the Spanish players celebrated their historic triumph after a year of so many emotions and controversy around the national team.
LA ROJA ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD pic.twitter.com/FwvemwTRTL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
La Roja defied the odds and the inner turmoil within their federation to pull off an unforgettable moment for women’s soccer in Spain.
Last year 15 of Spain’s regular starters announced they would boycott the national team due to head coach Jorge Vilda and his coaching. The players said he fostered a toxic environment that severely impacted their physical and mental health.
Vilda rejected the complaints, and the Spanish federation shockingly backed the coach instead of the players. The RFEF made the complaints of the players public against their wishes and told them to beg for forgiveness if they ever wanted to play for Spain again.
Only three of those 15 players were selected for the World Cup roster. Those three were Ona Batlle, Mariona Caldentey and Golden Ball winner Aitana Bonmatí.
The Golden Ball Award has been given to Spain's midfield maestro Aitana Bonmatí pic.twitter.com/xgqu6ndQEf
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
Spain’s victory is not a testament to Vilda’s coaching but the strength and resilience of the players and the depth of Spain's player pool.
It’s been clear throughout the Women’s World Cup that the players celebrate with each other and rarely with the coaching staff. That was apparent again after the final when Vilda awkwardly danced in the middle of the players, and they all ignored him.
this has ended me pic.twitter.com/Ddksw73IzF
— Jonathan Liew (@jonathanliew) August 20, 2023
This looks like when that one person no one invited tagged along with the group during a night out and everyone is pretending they’re invisible.
Here were some other instances of the players not celebrating with Vilda or his staff.
Hoy las jugadoras de la selección de fútbol femenino han hecho historia y se clasifican para las semifinales del Mundial. Ninguna fue a abrazar a Jorge Vilda, entrenador impuesto por la Federación de Rubiales, el Real Madrid de Florentino y Marca.pic.twitter.com/MID7Q65UMv
— Fonsi Loaiza (@FonsiLoaiza) August 11, 2023
Alexia Putellas was, apparently, not happy to be subbed off pic.twitter.com/Z2f000uEok
— (Stephanie) (@statsandedits) August 15, 2023
As my excellent colleague @jbraidwo points out, a celebration to sum it up. Coaching staff one side, players another pic.twitter.com/ATvNVn1Iyv
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) August 20, 2023
During the trophy celebration fans inside Stadium Australia cheered for each Spanish player’s name announced. They then heavily booed Vilda when his name came over the speakers.
Spanish coach Jorge Vilda's name is announced in the stadium, to widespread boos. The name of every player was cheered.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) August 20, 2023
Jorge Vilda is booed by the crowd once more as he gets his medal.
But these #ESP players are exceptional, and deserve to celebrate. #ESP #FIFAWWC #BeyondGreatness pic.twitter.com/zu4eQMdHZv— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) August 20, 2023
Congratulations to the Spanish players on their triumph. As for Vilda, well, let’s keep our fingers crossed he gets left behind in Australia.
