England narrowly missed out on the chance of being crowned world champions as they were narrowly beaten in the final of the Women’s World Cup. In what was seen as a golden opportunity to win some silverware, the Lionesses were beaten 1-0 by Spain at the final which took place at Stadium Australia or the Accor Stadium in Sydney. It was an extremely tensely contested match which was played in front of a sell out crowd. It was widely being anticipated as England’s chance to win their first piece of major silverware since the men’s team won the World cup in 1966.
Spain deservedly triumphed in the contest having been on top of all the action for most of the game. The goal came in the first half when Spain captain Olga Carmona slotted home the winner past England keeper Mary Earps. This came after the Spaniards capitalised after Lucy Bronze lost possession in midfield.
England manager Sarina Wiegman, has now lost two concessive World cup finals introduced Lauren James and Chloe Kelly at half-time but Spain maintained control despite the Lionesses’ best efforts.
Mary Earps was later awarded the Golden Glove award having been recognised as the best goal keeper at this year’s tournament. She made a variety of stunning saves which included a save from the penalty spot to deny Jenni Hermoso in the second half.
The Manchester United stopper moved early to her left and caught Hermoso’s effort, the penalty having being awarded for handball against midfielder Keira Walsh following a lengthy video assistant referee review.
It was a step to far for the team who only won the European Championships last year so this was seen as a genuine next step for them to take to achieve greatness and a place in history.
“I’m just deflated,” said England defender Lucy Bronze. “Obviously we went into the World Cup wanting to win it and we were so close, but in the end we couldn’t quite get it over the line.
“I am proud of what we have achieved but I think everybody that knows me, knows that I only like gold medals.”
Bronze, 31, was in tears lying on the pitch at full-time and had to watch on as many of her Barcelona team-mates danced for the cameras while they prepared the stage for the trophy celebration.
She has won almost everything in the game but still cannot get her hands on the most desired trophy of them all.
“The goal is always to win tournaments with this team. We have shown that we can do that,” added Bronze.
“We have made a final. There is no reason why the team can’t go and create more legacies and more winning legacies.”
Spain have now been crowned World Champions for the first time despite going in to the tournament in a cloud of controversy after a dispute between players and the Spanish Football Federation.
Although they didn’t win, the Lionesses have done them selves proud as they can now be seen as role models to young girls who would like to go in to a sporting career in the future. Sports is an area which is mainly seen as male dominated, especially football so there is not much exposure of women or girls taking part in such sports. There needs to be greater exposure of sports aimed at girls and women so that we can build a better level playing field to provide equal opportunities in sport for all. This will help reduce ant risk of discrimination and prejudice and reduce any risk of legal disputes later in a person’s career if they are successful in potentially gaining a foot hold.
