Top five moments of Spain’s Women's World Cup triumph
We take a look at the five most memorable moments on Spain’s journey to immortal glory.
Spain defied all the odds to win their first Women’s World Cup on Sunday beating England 1-0 in an engrossing final courtesy of a fine finish from captain Olga Carmona.
We have taken a look at the five most memorable moments on Spain’s journey to immortal glory.
5. Spanish shock against Japan
After two wins in their opening two games, Spain were favourites to overcome Japan and seal top spot in Group C, presenting them with a more favourable draw in the Last 16.
Things didn’t quite go to plan however, as after keeping two clean sheets in games against Costa Rica and Zambia, their defence was carved open time and again against the Japanese as they suffered a 4-0 defeat in Wellington.
Few could have predicted that just under three weeks later Spain would win the whole tournament. Whilst it was a chastising loss, it seems to have been a wake-up call that Spain needed as they certainly provided a response in their next game.
4. Five-star Spain thrash Switzerland
Reeling from that defeat against Japan, Spain looked much more like their old selves in the Last 16 game against Switzerland at Eden Park.
Aitana Bonmati, one of Spain’s stand out players of the tournament, netted twice, with Alba Redondo’s goal sandwiched in between. Laia Codina added a fourth before the break, making amends for their earlier own goal she had scored to equalise for the Swiss, with Jenni Hermoso completing the win in the second half.
3. Salma Paralluelo announces herself to the world
Few outside of Barcelona had heard of Salma Paralluelo before the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup. Now she is the name on everyone’s lips following a remarkable breakout tournament.
The 19-year-old has had quite the career already. She is an Under-17 World Cup winner, an U-17 Euros winner, an U-20 World Cup winner, a Primera División and Champions League winner, and now a World Cup winner before she has even left her teens.
Her impact in this tournament was immense, despite her not starting a game until the final.
With Spain drawing 1-1 in extra time with the Netherlands, Paralluelo provided the spark they desperately needed, collecting a pass from Hermoso before driving into the box, jinking past two defenders and firing into the far corner for her first international goal. What a time to score it, as Spain moved into the final four.
2. Paralluelo strikes (again)
Not content with being the star of the show in the quarter final, Paralluelo stole the headlines again in the semi-final against Sweden.
After a cagey opening 80 minutes against Sweden in Auckland the game exploded into life when Paralluelo scored to put Spain in front.
Whilst her last goal was a stroke of individual brilliance, this one was more of a case of right place right time, as she swept home a low cross to put Spain ahead.
Her cameo in that game, after Carmona scored the winner, was enough to her earn a starting spot for the final in Sydney ahead of Alexia Putellas.
She had a tournament she could only have dreamt of.
1. The crowning moment
From ecstasy to agony, Sunday 20th August 2023 was the best and worst day of Olga Carmona’s life.
The Spanish captain guided her country to their first World Cup success, scoring the winning goal in the final and putting in a true captain’s display as a well drilled Spanish side edged out European Champions England.
Yet, just as it began to sink in for the Real Madrid midfielder the enormity of her achievement, she was hit with a sucker punch, the news of her father’s passing.
Carmona, who won player of the tournament, poignantly wrote on social media after the game:
“And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started. I know that you have given me the strength to achieve something unique. I know that you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace Dad.”
Olga Carmona's original post in Spanish.
A courageous woman, who will enjoy and endure in the days to come. She, like many in this Spanish squad, overcame every obstacle to reach the pinnacle of football.