DESPITE CONTROVERSY SPAIN CONTINUES CELEBRATION AFTER WINNING WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

Despite controversies between players and the Spanish Football Federation, Spanish women suffered England heartbreak to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time defeating the Lionesses to their knees in tears.

England’s players were on the verge of making history since the men’s team won the 1966 World Cup but Spain’s captain Olga Carmona made the difference as she slotted the winner past Goalkeeper Mary Earps in the first half, capitalising after Lionesses Lucy Bronze lost possession in midfield.

England manager Sarina Wiegman, had seen her team starting brilliantly despite the penalty which the Manchester United stopper moved early to her left and caught Hermoso’s effort after the referee had awarded handball against Keira Walsh following a lengthy video assistant referee review.

Spain afterwards showed class why they deserve the trophy, promptly changing the momentum of the game against the European champions, who just lost their second match in two years under Wiegman.

This creatively Spain added some bit in the cohesion and offensive play, typically of Barcelona style thanks to good number of the Spanish club side players in the team. They dominated large chunks of the game, exposing the spaces in both the left and the right wing back of England.

Their possession of the ball in the midfield was delight to watch coupled with progressing attacking flair. Spain’s intelligent play paid off with the switched play to their left which captain Carmona ran on to simple pass from Mariona Caldentey before stroking the ball low past a diving goalkeeper Earps to the jubilation of Spain’s supporters.

Spain continued the pressure but more goals were far from near despite creating several chances to extend the lead. The match ended 1-0 and Spanish ‘powers of women’ smiled home. And for England defender Lucy Bronze was deflated.

‘’I’m deflated,’’ the England defender said. ‘’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.