The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has come to a close after an electrifying win by Spain over England in last night’s final match. With a final score of 1-0, in favour of Spain, the close game was filled with emotion and moments that will go down in women’s sport history.
Spain’s Olga Carmona captured the only goal in the 29th minute, while England suffered a heartbreaking loss. Nevertheless, players from both sides gave a strong fight and had fans at the edge of their seats until the very end.
Spain’s Olga Carmona’s winning goal
Securing Spain’s first ever World Cup win, Carmona scored the game’s only goal in a low driven strike to the corner.
It was an unforgettable moment, and in her post-goal celebrations, the 23-year-old lifted her shirt to reveal the word “Merchi”- a tribute to a friend’s mother who passed away recently.
Following the final game, however, Carmona was informed that her father had passed away. The cruel twist of fate has brought on an outpouring of support and messages of condolence for Carmona and her family.
Spain’s Ona Batlle comforts England’s Lucy Bronze
In a beautiful display of sportsmanship, Spain’s Ona Batlle sat with her shoulder around England’s forlorn player, Lucy Bronze, following Spain’s winning goal.
While many moments throughout the game contributed to Spain’s win, it was Bronze who gave away possession in the lead up to Carmona’s winning goal.
Following the trophy presentation, Batlle– who is teammates with Bronze on the club level with the Spanish club Barcelona– approached to offer the English player comfort as she sat with her head down on the benches.
The moment was emblematic of the high ethics and class shown by players throughout the 2023 World Cup and women’s sport in general.
Lucy Bronze refuses to shake hands with FIFA president
In a second noteworthy moment of the night, Bronze refused to shake hands with FIFA president Gianni Infantino while being presented with her runner-up medal.
Widely criticised for his disrespectful remarks before the women’s game, Infantino is quoted commenting: “I say to all the women that you have the power to change.”
“Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights. You have the power to change. You have the power to convince us men what we have to do and what we don’t have to do.”
Queen Letizia celebrates with Spain after World Cup win
In less patronising, and more supportive news– Queen Letizia of Spain celebrated with her national team in attendance at their historic World Cup win.
Queen Letizia, 50, was joined by her 16-year-old daughter, Infanta Sofia, as the pair congratulated the Spanish champions and gave well wishes to England’s team.
In a widely drawn comparison to Queen Letizia’s display of support, many pointed out Prince William’s absence from the match as the British women’s team partook in their first World Cup since the men’s team last reached one in 1966.