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Spain's victory, women's win - 23rd August 2023
Spain were crowned champions of the 2023 Women's World Cup, having defeated England 1-0. The match drew crowds of fans to the main venue, Stadium Australia in Sydney, seating 76,000 fans, who were joined by millions more, glued to screens around the world. Cheering on their team to the end, fans hung onto every move, missed or saved goal of the match.
Olga Carmona, the Spanish team captain, sent the ball into the back of the net early on in the match securing their win. Given a second opportunity with a penalty kick, Spain failed to widen their lead as English goalkeeper Mary Earps caught the ball before it hit the back of the net. At the final whistle, Spanish fans erupted in jubilation, while England fans were left disappointed and in tears.
Elena Kerstjens: "It was amazing since minute one. It was great."
Arturojimenez De Parga: "I think overall we had more chances. England had one post, I think. We had a couple of chances. Their goalkeeper was really good but we missed a penalty. So I think we're, yeah, we deserved the victory."
Juliet Mason: "It was so close, could have gone another way. And yeah we were just, just a little bit unlucky on the day. Just didn't quite click, but yeah we're so proud of the girls, just disappointed for them because it was, it could have gone the other way. Fine margins in football."
The best attended Women's World Cup yet, which was hosted across New Zealand and Australia, the month-long tournament came to a close with a tightly contested match. With tens of millions tuning in worldwide, it's hoped this growing success will translate into greater equality in the sport for the women, many of whom remain in dispute with their national federations over better compensation and conditions.
A sport which 50 years ago banned women's participation, even in the UK, is now seeing unprecedented public support. However, as some countries continue to ban football for women, the significance of the moment is not lost on Jolie Hill, a student from London.
Jolie Hill: "Everyone thought I was crying cause we lost, but I'm crying cause we done, they done us so proud. As women in society today, we can prove that we can do better than what the men -- well, as good as what the men can do, you know. Like, we've got, come to a final. The fact that like 50-60 years ago, we weren't even allowed to play football in this country, and now we're here in the final of the Women's World Cup... I'm so proud of them. Like, genuinely, it, it does bring a tear to my eye."
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