A nation will be titled world champion for the first time this Sunday. The Women’s World Cup, which has broken records on and off the field, will reach its climax on Sunday for an unprecedented final between England and Spain. Some 75,000 supporters are again expected at Stadium Australia in Sydney for the culmination of the World Cup, where attendance records in Australian and New Zealand stadiums have been linked since July 20.
Beyond the popular enthusiasm, remarkable also by the audiences in Australia – 17.15 million cumulative viewers for Australia-England -, the competition was the scene of some surprises: many favorites were eliminated prematurely, in a historic way . Germany lost in the group stage with Brazil, Italy and Olympic champions Canada. Then the United States, double defending champions, fell to the trap in the round of 16 – their earliest elimination in history. Conversely, nations emerged: South Africa, Jamaica and Morocco all reached the round of 16 for the first time. And Colombia, supported by thousands of supporters, made their first appearance in the quarter-finals, losing with honors (2-1) to England.
The exploits of the lower-ranked teams prove that the gap has narrowed considerably in women’s football. Even if in the end, two of the best teams in the world will face each other in the final. Sarina Wiegman’s England are the reigning European champions at home and Spain, who are only playing their third World Cup, have already won the U20 and U17 World Cups in 2022. This remains an unprecedented final because the two teams, who met in the quarterfinals at the Euro last year (2-1 for England in extra time) have never reached this level of the World Cup.
Lionesses coach Wiegman is also breaking records. The Dutchwoman is about to experience the final of a major competition for the fourth time in a row after Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup at the helm of the Netherlands and therefore Euro 2022 with England. Already highly respected in her adopted country, she is now just one victory away from joining Alf Ramsey, who led England to the men’s title in 1966, the only World Cup for England. “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like living in a fairy tale,” she explained.
Before a possible Holy Grail, the English were not quite perfect but used their experience, especially in the round of 16 during the penalty shootout against Nigeria. Spain also experienced some difficulties, beaten dryly (4-0) by Japan in their last group match. La Roja also defied turbulence off the pitch as preparations for the World Cup were disrupted by the dispute between 15 players and coach Jorge Vilda, who was criticized for his management.
Despite 12 fewer players, including at least five starters – three players have returned – the Spaniards are one step away from dominating the world. Like the injured England players (Leah Williamson and Beth Mead), players who refused to play under Vilda barely missed the call, proof of the extent of the resources of both teams. Reigning double Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has also been reduced to a secondary role as she tries to regain her fitness after a left knee injury. In her place, FC Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati, who was among the 15 protesters, emerged as Spain’s creative force, as did youngster Salma Paralluelo, who made two sensational debuts against the Netherlands and Sweden.
