SPAIN: Leading up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Spain wasn’t the frontrunner to grab a spot in the final.
The team faced various challenges, including disagreements related to the Spanish football federation and tense relationships between players and their manager, Jorge Vilda. Amid these difficulties, the scenario painted a picture of the possibility of Spain facing an early exit from the tournament.
However, beating all the odds, La Roja defied expectations and now stands on the verge of making history by winning the World Cup for the first time. Their remarkable journey reaches its pinnacle as they prepare for a crucial face-off against England in the upcoming Sunday’s final match.
Here is how Spain paved its way into the Women’s World Championship final:
Group Stage
Spain stormed through the group stage with remarkable momentum. In their initial match, they effortlessly defeated Costa Rica 3-0, displaying an astonishing first-half performance that saw them net three goals in just six minutes.
Their following encounter was against Zambia, a newcomer to the World Cup, where they triumphed even more convincingly with a 5-0 win. Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo’s braces sealed the Spanish team’s advancement to the knockout stage.
However, the momentum it had built was abruptly halted by a devastating Japanese counterattack. Despite Spain controlling 78% of the possession, the Asian team managed to secure an impressive 4-0 victory.
Round of 16
To Spain’s credit, it swiftly bounced from the collapse of the Japanese team by defeating Swiss rivals in a goal-fest. Early on, Vilda’s team gained the lead, but the Swiss swiftly tied the score.
Afterwards, the game was dominated by the Spanish team, as they scored an additional four goals, securing a 5-1 victory and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinal
Spain was stretched to its limits by the Netherlands, resulting in the game extending to extra time due to a 1-1 tie at the end of regular play.
The Iberian country believed it secured victory with a penalty goal from Mariona Caldentey in the 81st minute. However, the Dutch team responded during injury time to extend the game.
Spain’s saviour emerged in substitute Salma Paralluelo, who delivered a fantastic individual goal, securing their first-ever entry into the tournament’s semifinals.
Semifinal
In the last four matches, Spain faced the seasoned Sweden team, who had recently knocked out the formidable USA side from the competition.
In a match that came alive in the final 10 minutes, Paralluelo once again propelled her team ahead during the late stages, having been substituted onto the field. Despite the Swedes’ determination, they managed to equalise in the 88th minute, appearing poised to extend the game into extra time.
However, Spain swiftly reclaimed the advantage within moments, employing a creative short-corner strategy to secure the lead through Olga Carmona.
Spain is set to compete against European champion England in the final on Sunday. England, which eliminated host Australia in the other semifinal, will face the Spanish team in a match scheduled to begin at 3.30 PM IST.
Also Read: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Complete Schedule, Groups, and Live Streaming Guide
