Across the sun-kissed southern plains of Oceania, from the iconic Syndey harbours and the vineyards of Adelaide to the Melbourne metropolis and the rolling pastures of Hamilton, this World Cup will be forever etched in the tapestry of women's football. A memorable tournament, marked by glorious tales of jubilation and heartache, the exquisite football on display has captured the hearts of nations. There have been standouts inevitably, yet the final contest within the electrifying atmosphere inside Stadium Australia was breathtaking...
The final.
The disquiet and controversy behind the scenes have been well documented, yet Spain have been the standout performers at this World Cup. A blend of tactical fluidity and sublime technical ability, they have dominated, exhibiting a mesmeric display against the European Champions to lift the treasured World Cup trophy.
Spain's first Women's World Cup victory was hard-fought, and decided by a single moment, when Mariona Caldentey played in Olga Carmona, whose elegant drive across goal proved decisive. Salma Paralleulo, young player of the tournament, excelled up front, sparking excitement with her every touch, an embodiment of Spain's spectacular brand of football.
Throughout the tournament however, viewers marvelled at the scintillating touch and otherworldly technique of playmaker supreme, Aitana Bonmati, deserving player of the tournament.
This was just England's second loss under Weigman's management but represents a consecutive World Cup final loss for the Dutch manager, following Netherland's disappointment in 2019. England's recent achievements are still tremendous, ascending to the pinnacle of international football, and perhaps worthy of the title of 'favourite' in upcoming major tournaments. However, this performance was undoubtedly not illustrative of England's immense quality, failing to grasp any semblance of control on the game. Weigman's bold substitutions, relying on the impressive Lauren James and England's recurrent match-winner Chloe Kelly, failed to breach the ruthless organisation of the Spanish team.
The Lionesses had chances nonetheless, Lauren Hemp rattled the woodwork, before spurning a guilt-edged chance in the second half, while Lauren James had a chance of her own. England pushed on relentlessly, awaiting a moment of magic from the impressive left boot of Alex Greenwood, or the persistence of Lauren Hemp, but their best efforts were in vain. The jubilation of Mary Earps' momentous save to deny Jenni Hermoso's penalty was short-lived, and a wave of disappointment descended over the Lionesses' camp.
The future remains bright for this terrific England generation, but for Spain, a crown to adorn Alexia Putellas' remarkable trophy cabinet and a tremendous achievement for an incredible team.
The Lionesses roar to the final
England's World Cup began in unremarkable fashion, with successive 1-0 wins against Haiti and Denmark, before Lauren James' masterful performance blew away China. The 21 year-old grabbed the headlines with two goals and three assists, in a sensational, standout display more representative of the Lionesses' sublime quality. Nigeria awaited in the round of 16 and a remarkable underdog performance gave England an almighty scare.
Nigeria stifled the European champions, and the frustration was palpable. Lauren James lashed out and England were down to ten. Yet as they so often have under Sarina Weigman's astute leadership, England were resilient, and ultimately found a way. The Finalissima against Brazi, the spectacular winner against Germany in the Euros, Chloe Kelly, once again delivered for the Lionesses, blasting in the winning penalty against Nigeria. Columbia, who were excellent in their victory over Germany, contended fiercely, yet England held firm, with goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sealing the victory and setting up a massive semi-final clash against the home favourites Australia.
Syndey lay in anticipation, an entire country, standing as one. Stadium Australia reverberated with the national anthem, scores of supporters rallying behind their team. England faced an almighty test, not against eleven, or twenty-three but the against the weight of a nation, and prevailed. The Matildas' enchanting journey through this World Cup came to a poignant end, and the dream of a World Cup victory on home soil came to a heartbreaking close. Though the air will be rife with disappointment, the impact of this World Cup on a nation, and on women's football has been tremendous.
Sarina Weigman, now the first manager to reach World Cup finals with two different teams, named an unchanged eleven, while the welcome return of Sam Kerr sparked Australian hopes and dreams alike. Nonetheless, the European champions, reeling from the key injuries of Beth Mead, Fran Kirby, skipper Leah Williamson, and missing Lauren James from suspension, were undeterred. Ella Toone rifled one in to break the deadlock, and England were up and running.
England always seemed in control, but when Syndey erupted in awe of Sam Kerr's wonder goal, a mazy run and a sumptuous strike to match from the talismanic skipper, it waned. With England lacking attacking firepower, Lauren Hemp rose to the occasion, pouncing on Elly Carpenter's calamitous error to retake a well-deserved lead. Australia powered on, willing for an equalizer, a chance, but in injury time, England sealed the victory. A magical pass from Hemp, Alessia Russo was in, and scored. The heroic Mackenzie Arnold beaten. The deafening Australian roar silenced. England a step away from history...
The Matildas' captivating tale
Australia's journey to the semi-final this tournament has been exuberant, topping their group, before defeating Denmark in the Round of 16. The Matildas have become a national obsession, and Tony Gustavsson's team have consumed Australia, dominating headlines around the country, but their wild ride reached new heights in an outstanding quarter final victory over France. A journey of perseverance, the victory over France one of unbridled chaos, in keeping with this World Cup's late twists and surprise endings.
Mary Fowler denied on the goal line, Sam Kerr's return greeted with overwhelming excitement, the quarter final was enthralling right from the first whistle. An alluring match epitomized by a roller coaster penalty shootout. One goalkeeper subbed on just for penalties, another with the chance to score the winning one. For 21 penalties, Australia inhaled, before Cortnee Vine's winning penalty sent the nation into elation. By the time it was over, three tense, fraught hours later, Brisbane erupted, and Australia as a nation emulated its joy.
Australia finally succumbed to England's calmness and quality on the day of the semi-final, yet the Matildas' have etched a story so compelling into the memoirs of women's football.
Spain's road to the final
On the other side of the draw, Spain powered to a first Women's World Cup final in a dramatic semi-final clash against Sweden at Eden Park. Spain's remarkable performances, barring a shock defeat to Japan, have been displays of tactical ingenuity and supreme individual quality. A victory over Netherlands thanks to a Salma Paralleulo extra time winner, followed by an impressive, yet dramatic clash against Sweden.
For a majority of the game, Spain failed to break down a well-drilled Sweden defensive block, lacking the finishing touch to convert a multitude of chances. Sweden counterattacked with pace, and disrupted Spain's rhythm. Salma Paralluelo impressed, clinically dispatching the opening goal, before Carmona's spectacular late winner sunk Sweden, and put Spain ninety minutes away from the ultimate prize.
Sweden and Japan impress
Sweden have flourished this tournament, advancing to the semi-finals with resilience, knocking out the holders and firm favourites, the United States, before overcoming a formidable Japanese hurdle. Japan had been the eye-catching team of this World Cup, excelling notably in an exceptional 4-0 demolition of Spain in the group stage. Hinata Miyazawa was captivating, claiming the prized Golden Boot, while the Japanese team overall exhibited sublime technical quality, only halted by Sweden's ironclad defensive performance.
The USA falter at the triumvirate
The USA had been uncharacteristically unimpressive all tournament, with injuries and suspensions forcing wholesale changes from their World Cup winning starting lineup, yet even a much improved failed to a find a breakthrough. Sweden's encounter with the USA was remarkably less convincing, but a resolute display to stifle the star-studded defending champions, before wholesomely outshining a high-flying Japanese team in the quarter finals. Sweden were dominant, championing a gameplan of creativity, aggression and control, but significantly a
thorough exploitation of set piece quality. Amanda Ilestedt fired home her fourth goal of the tournament, Filippa Angeldal's converted a pressure penalty, and Japan were stunned in Auckland.
This World Cup has been spectacular, Australia as a nation, enchanted by the Matilda's successes, but its impact has reverberated worldwide. The standing of the Women's game has never been higher, and the future is exciting...
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