Olga Carmona sealed Spain’s glory at the Women’s World Cup in Sydney with a first-half goal in a 1-0 victory over England.
Carmona scored a stunning late goal in Sweden’s 2-1 semi-final victory, and the left-back scored again to secure Spain’s first women’s world title and ensure the country became the first to win both the women’s and men’s World Cups.
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European champions England entered the match as slight favorites after beating Spain on their way to Euro 2022 last year.
The Lionesses came close to opening the scoring early in the game when Lauren Hemp hit the crossbar with a left footed shot from a Rachel Daly pass from 20 yards.
Spain responded immediately when Alba Redondo forced goalkeeper Mari Erbis to save her after two minutes.
But after Hemp saw another chance snagged with a poor effort from close range, Spain took the lead when Lucy Bronze took advantage of losing the ball in midfield.
Spain launched a quick counter-attack and saw the ball find Carmona, after Mariana Caldente’s exit, and sprinted forward down the left.
Real Madrid defender Femenino controlled the ball before chipping in with his left foot behind Erbes into the far corner to put Jorge Vilda’s side ahead.
England struggled to gain a foothold in the match as Spain dominated possession and La Roja They nearly doubled their lead before half-time when Selma Baraloilo hit the post in the 45th minute.
Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegmann made a half-time change in an attempt to turn the tide by replacing Alicia Russo and Daly with Chloe Kelly and Lauren James, but the switch had little effect as Spain continued to dominate the match.
Caldente got a fine shot which was saved by Erbes and Aetana Bonmati headed in an effort from 20 yards before Kira Walsh’s handball resulted in a penalty for Spain after a lengthy VAR review.
Jenny Hermoso failed to score from the penalty spot, as Erbes jumped to her left to avoid the Spain striker’s penalty.
Although their keeper threw them a lifeline, England could find no way to get back into the game with a draw.
Spain held out to win the match and lift the Women’s World Cup at Stadium Australia.
