World Cup: Spain makes it sure it was never going home to England

Goodbye football, it’s never coming home.

England played out their hearts in the Women’s World Cup to make sure the trophy eventually went home with them, but Spain proved the ultimate nemesis to hold Sarina Wiegman’s side from their goals.

The top 2 European sides played out a class final that ultimately fell on tactical game play to deny the English side any chance of going home with the World Cup trophy.

Spain emerged victorious over England in the nail-biting final, securing a 1-0 triumph that left the Lionesses shattered as 75,000 spectators crammed the Stadium Australia in Sydney.

The showdown between two of the world’s premier passing teams saw an early struggle for control as both sides jockeyed for dominance on the pitch.

The first genuine opportunity of the game arrived around the 15-minute mark when Lauren Hemp of England skillfully curved the ball from the edge of the penalty area, only to be thwarted by the crossbar’s unyielding embrace.

Spain retaliated shortly thereafter, launching a fierce attack that forced a stunning save from Mary Earps to deny Alba Redondo’s close-range strike.

The deadlock however was finally broken when Spain through a swift sequence of play, allowed Olga Carmona’s surging run into the area to nestle a finish into the bottom-right corner, beyond Earps’ reach.

Minutes into the halftime whistle, Spain’s Salma Paralluelo was close to doubling the lead for the Spanish side following a powerful attempt that left the Lionesses thankful for the goal post.

The return to play in the second half wasn’t much of a breather for England however as the restart mirrored the conclusion of the first, with La Roja orchestrating slick passages of play that was close to allowing Mariona Caldentey through on goal,  only to see her attempt deflected by the England goalie, Mary Earps.

Lauren Hemp had an opportunity to level the score for the Lionesses, but her effort from close range begged to differ when it veered wide to leave the English side in desperation.

Misfortune compounded for the England side again in the 67th minute when Keira Walsh was judged for an handball that resulted in a penalty.

The penalty was close to being the sealer of the tie had Jennifer Hermoso not being thwarted by the impressive Mary Earps.

Lauren James’ timely introduction into the game gave the Lionesses renewed vigor in getting back to level terms when her attempt on goal was tipped over by Cata Coll.

While the Spanish side stood resolute on pressing the Lionesses, Mary Earps stood tall to keep the team’s hopes alive for an equalizer.

However, England’s consistency in not making something out from their attacking chances, compounded more to the frustration as Spain grew further into confidence to hold on to the slender 1-0 lead.

After a grueling 103 minutes of play, referee Tori Penso’s final whistle signaled Spain’s coronation as World Cup champions, sending England back home without the World Cup trophy.

Once again, England returns home from the World stage but not with the World Cup.