The Spain women’s national team played in its first Women’s World Cup in 2015. Eight years later, La Roja have won their first title.
Olga Carmona provided the lone goal of the game for either team in the 29th minute. The Real Madrid defender sent a low strike across the goalmouth and into the far corner past England goalkeeper Mary Earps. While Earps made several spectacular saves from that point to keep the Lionesses within striking distance, they never found the equalizer.
Spain played the entire tournament under the shadow of a dispute between players and the national federation. In September 2022, 15 players sent a letter to the Spanish federation calling out issues within the program, including with the coaching staff; just three of those players were selected to coach Jorge Vilda’s World Cup roster.
FINAL: Spain 1, England 0
La Roja win their first World Cup title and their first major international trophy, avenging their loss to England in the quarterfinal round of the 2022 Euros.
90′: Alexia Putellas enters as substitute for Spain
The two-time reigning Ballon d’Or winner comes in from the bench for extra time, replacing Mariona Caldentey.
76′: England’s Lauren James comes close to equalizer
Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll leapt to get a hand on James’ shot from the left side, tipping the ball up and over the crossbar.
Lauren James has been a difference maker for England in the second half 🦁 pic.twitter.com/c2CIeszWY6
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
69′: England’s Mary Earps stops penalty kick
Spain received a penalty kick courtesy of a handball by England midfielder Keira Walsh, but Earps wrapped up Jenni Hermoso’s shot.
“I do my own research and I’m not going to reveal it here,” Earps told The Athletic earlier in the tournament. “It is a free shot from 12 yards so the striker should score every single time. My job is to make it as difficult as possible and give myself the best chance to save it. We definitely prepared for penalties.”
SHE'S BEEN DENIED ❌
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
Jenni Hermoso's effort has been saved by Earps 🧤 pic.twitter.com/gNwN1RezFH
After a VAR check, a handball is called against England and a penalty is awarded to Spain 🇪🇸
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
Do you agree with the call? pic.twitter.com/8RbAc9iW5z
46′: England brings in Lauren James as substitute
England manager Sarina Wiegman brings on fresh legs, sending in James and Chloe Kelly in place of Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly. Spain sticks with its first-half lineup.
HALF: Spain 1, England 0
Spain dominated the first 45 minutes, controlling possession for 64% of the first half. While Hemp managed several chances for the Lionesses, La Roja used their speed and pinpoint passing to get behind the defense.
England’s come-from-behind win against Colombia in the quarterfinal round stands as the only come-from-behind win of the knockout stage. Can the Lionesses repeat that performance in the championship match?
29′: Spain takes 1-0 lead courtesy of Olga Carmona
Carmona scored the game-winner against Sweden in the semifinal, and she struck first in the World Cup final, giving her team a first-half lead over England.
The 23-year-old forward lifted her jersey in celebration to show a message penned in marker on her Adidas undershirt: “MERCHI,” a tribute to a good friend’s mother who recently passed away.
A goal that Olga Carmona will never forget 👏👏
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2023
Spain takes the lead in the first half of the Final 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/NiMRCF0qX4
17′: Spain nearly scores on counterattack
A breakout start for La Roja at the 2023 World Cup, Salma Paralluelo had a look at the goal, but her shot missed wide right. Alba Redondo followed with a shot of her own, but England goalkeeper Mary Earps made the stop.
16′: England’s Lauren Hemp hits crossbar
The 23-year-old forward created another chance for the Lionesses, but the ball bounced off the crossbar.
5′: England’s Lauren Hemp notches first shot
Lauren Hemp, who has three goals in the tournament, sent the first shot of the match toward Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll, but Coll handled it easily.
Starting XI: Spain’s Alexia Putellas and England’s Lauren James start on bench
- Spain
- Goalkeeper: Cata Coll
- Defenders: Olga Carmona, Laia Codina, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle
- Midfielders: Jenni Hermoso, Teresa Abelleira, Aitana Bonmatí
- Forwards: Mariona Caldentey, Salma Paralluelo, Alba Redondo
- England
- Goalkeeper: Mary Earps
- Defenders: Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright, Jessica Carter
- Midfielders: Rachel Daly, Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Lucy Bronze
- Forwards: Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo
Each team faced one big question heading into the World Cup final. For Spain: Should two-time reigning Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who is still working her way back to full fitness from an ACL tear, get the nod? For England: Should Lauren James, who is returning from a two-game red card suspension, move back into the starting lineup?
Each team ended up with the same answer: No. Both Putellas and James are starting the match on the bench in favor of Spain’s Salma Paralluelo and England’s Ella Toone.
What to know about Spain
- Spain is caught up in World Cup controversy, with players and the national federation at odds. In September, 15 Spanish players declined call-ups until their issues with coach Jorge Vilda and the national team were met. While some players have since returned, others remained off the roster.
- While the controversy has overshadowed Spain’s World Cup run, USWNT star Christen Press still is finding a way to root for La Roja, saying: “I think that the hope is that the more success the team has, the bigger voice and the more respect that they get from their country.”
- Salma Paralluelo has had a magical tournament for Spain. The 19-year-old forward has scored off the bench in each of the last two games, and she’ll look to continue her scoring streak in the World Cup final.
What to know about England
- England head coach Sarina Wiegman is in her second consecutive World Cup final after leading the Netherlands to a runner-up finish in 2019. And she’s planning to stick with the Lionesses, she said Friday, despite her name being connected to the open USWNT head coaching position.
- Lauren James will return for the Lionesses from the two-game ban she received for her red card against Nigeria, which she earned by stepping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the Round of 16. Before missing the last two rounds of the World Cup, the 21-year-old forward had been electric for England, leading the team with three goals and assisting on three more.
- Alessia Russo represents not just England but also a long legacy of North Carolina Tar Heels legends, including USWNT stars Mia Hamm and Crystal Dunn. She shared the No. 19 Tar Heels jersey with both players, and she honored them while playing for UNC with patches on her sleeves.
When and how to watch
- Sunday, Aug. 20 @ 6 a.m. ET
- Spain vs. England (Stadium Australia, Sydney)
The 2023 World Cup final is available to watch on Fox, Telemundo and Universo. It also can be streamed on the Fox Sports app and on Peacock.
