Izuchukwu Okosi
England’s wait to win a first Women’s World Cup title goes on as their ill luck struck again on Sunday afternoon in Sydney as Spain beat the Three Lionesses 1-0 to win the tournament.
The Lionesses were looking to become the first England senior side since the men’s team in 1966 to win the World Cup but suffered heartbreak after being outplayed by a Spanish side full of flair and creativity.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelEngland’s players fell to their knees in tears at the final whistle as Spain celebrated inside their penalty area after dealing with a final corner kick in the 14th minute of nerve-wracking stoppage time.
Spain captain Olga Carmona slotted the winner past goalkeeper Mary Earps in the first half with a low shot to the bottom left corner, capitalising after England’s Lucy Bronze lost possession in midfield and Lara Russo unable to chase her down.
England manager Sarina Wiegman, who has now lost two successive World Cup finals, introduced Lauren James and Chloe Kelly at half-time but Spain maintained control despite the Lionesses’ best efforts.
Earps who was crowned the winner of the golden gloves, made several stunning saves, including one from the penalty spot to deny Jenni Hermoso after Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh, teammate of Super Falcons’ Asisat Oshoala had been penalised for handball following a lengthy video assistant referee review.
But it was one step too far for the European champions, who lost just their second match in two years under Wiegman.
Spain are crowned champions for the first time despite going into the tournament under a cloud of controversy following a dispute between players and the Spanish football federation.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
