Team Spain celebrate winning the FIFA Women's World Cup final in Sydney, Australia, August 20, 2023. /CFP
Spain won the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 after beating England 1-0 in the final on Sunday, becoming the fifth team to be crowned champions in the 9th edition of the quadrennial event.
Olga Carmona of Spain (L) scores the only goal of the FIFA Women's World Cup final against England in Sydney, Australia, August 20, 2023. /CFP
Spanish captain Olga Carmona scored in the 29th minute set up by Mariona Caldentey in a counter-attack, drilling in from the left.
However, Jennifer Hermoso failed to expand their lead when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by English midfielder Keira Walsh after the hour mark. Goalkeeper Mary Earps lived up to her FIFA Best Women's Goalkeeper title which she won last year, diving left to keep up the Lionesses hope of winning their first World Cup title.
England's goalkeeper Mary Earps (C) saves a penalty during the FIFA Women's World Cup final against Spain in Sydney, Australia, August 20, 2023. /CFP
Spain's keeper Cata Coll, who had never played a senior international until the knockout stage of this World Cup trip, denied England's last chance at the end of an intense 13-minute stoppage time to seal the victory for her side, jumping high to save a free-kick.
The Spanish team held slight advantages overall: in possession, 46 percent - 37 percent (with 17 percent in contention); attempts on goal, 14-7; and shots on target, 5-3, to beat the Euros champions who outclassed them in the quarterfinal last year.
England coach Sarina Wiegman, who finished with her native Dutch team as runners-up in 2019, made a number of changes, including bringing on forward Lauren James, but they struggled to find an equalizer. Wiegman became the first coach to take two different teams to the finals.
As the event draws to a close, the awards for individuals are settled, as Japan's midfielder Hinata Miyazawa won the Golden Boot with five goals, Spain's Aitana Bonmati won the Golden Ball, Spain's 19-year-old former track star Salma Paralluelo won the Young Player award, and England's goalkeeper Mary Earps won the Golden Glove.
Earlier on Saturday, Sweden beat hosts Australia 2-0 to clinch third place.
(With input from Reuters)