Spain vs England: Which side will make history on Sunday?
The final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to get underway as Spain and England battle for a chance to be crowned victors on Sunday. The USWNT’s early exit means that for the first time since 2011, the Women’s World Cup will have a new champion this summer. This is unchartered territory for both England and Spain, as neither side have ever gotten to a final in team history, and certainly, both the Lionesses and La Roja will be feeling the pressure ahead of such a momentous occasion.
Spain, who are featuring in their third World Cup appearance after making their debut in 2015, have had an excellent competition so far. Despite facing a lot of off the pitch drama prior to the competition due to a dispute between players and the country’s football federation, Jorge Vilda’s side kicked off their group stage campaign in convincing fashion with two comfortable 3-0 and 5-0 wins over Costa Rica and Zambia. However, they were knocked down a perch as Japan pulled off a surprise 4-0 win on matchday three, meaning that Spain headed into the round of 16 as runners-up in Group C.
However, it actually turned to be a blessing in disguise, as they faced a Switzerland side who, despite topping Group A, had scored just two goals in their three group stage games. After cruising to a 5-1 win – with one of Switzerland’s goals actually being the result of an unfortunate own goal by Laia Codina – Spain were paired against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, where they were able to overpower the Oranje to secure a 2-1 win and head into the semi-finals for the first time in team history. Codina would redeem herself by scoring one of Spain’s goals, making her the first player to score for both sides in a women’s World Cup match. She joins the likes of retired Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic, who scored for both France and Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final that was eventually won 4-2 by France.
In the semi-finals, Sweden, as expected, did prove to be a stern opponent, but Spain managed to find a breakthrough. In a frantic 10 minutes to end the match, three goals were scored that ultimately decided the match in La Roja’s favor, 2-1. With that task now concluded, Spain will certainly look to cap off what has been a very impressive tournament by beating England, but the Lionesses certainly have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in this competition.
England, who came into this competition having won the EURO 2022 competition last summer, were rated as a serious contender despite suffering injuries to several key players. The Lionesses, who are under the guidance of Sarina Wiegman, did start this competition off on less than solid footing. Indeed, England struggled in their tournament opener as they had to work a lot harder to see off debutant side Haiti, but were able to grab a narrow 1-0 win after getting to retake a penalty. They also recorded another gritty 1-0 victory over Denmark to put themselves in good stead to qualify for the round of 16.
Clearly saving the best for last, Wiegman’s team were absolutely imperious as they demolished China 6-1 on matchday three, with Chelsea star Lauren James receiving plenty of deserved plaudits for her top class showing. James, however, would find herself involved in a bit of controversy as she was sent off during England’s tense round of 16 tie against Nigeria. Although the Lionesses had to play well over 30 minutes with a player disadvantage, they were still able to see off the Super Falcons following a tense penalty shootout. Following that, their experience and better tactical nous helped them to beat a stubborn Colombia side who despite making their first ever quarter-finals appearance, were determined to give the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 winners a tough battle.
England next faced Australia in the semi-finals in front of a mostly pro-Matildas crowd. Despite facing intense pressure especially following Sam Kerr’s brilliant equalizer to bring the scores level at 1-1, England were able to crank up the tempo and score two goals sans reply to win that tie 3-1.
Now, one year after winning their first major title, England are on the cusp of adding a second. Should the Lionesses win, it will mark the first World Cup success for England in nearly 60 years, with the men’s team winning the nation’s only World Cup title back in 1966.
Whoever wins this match will make history, that’s for certain. So far, Germany are the only nation to have won both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles (and on multiple occasions). As such, either Spain or England will help their country become the second nation to achieve this rare honor, and all eyes will be on what should be an entertaining spectacle on Sunday.
