Spain conquer England 1-0 to claim first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup championship
Spain has made history after winning its first FIFA Women's World Cup with a 1-0 victory over England at Stadium Australia.
England threw everything at the encounter but Spain's dominant first-half in possession allowed La Roja to run out the match.
In just their third appearance at the tournament, Spain's women join their male counterparts as winners of football's pinnacle competition.
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Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati celebrate after Spain's victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Getty
Putting on a masterclass in transition, Spain's captain Olga Carmona scored the opening goal to notch a 1-0 advantage after 30 minutes.
Hitting low and hard towards the bottom-right corner, England's goalkeeper Mary Earps never came close to stopping it.
Spain's Olga Carmona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the final of Women's World Cup soccer between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) AP
Fresh from her standout performance in England's semi-final win over Australia, Lauren Hemp earlier fired off the first shot on goal for the match.
While Hemp's left-footed strike proved little challenge for Spain's goalkeeper Cata Coll, she soon gave the Spaniards quite the scare when another attempt went crashing into the crossbar.
Despite dominating possession early, Spain failed to register a shot on target until Alba Redondo bungled a near-certain attempt with England's goal empty.
Near misses to Irene Paredes, Ella Toone and Salma Paralluelo rounded out the first half as both sides traded major opportunities, but in the end, England was unable to capitalise.
Wonder coach Sarina Wiegman made a host of changes at half time to spark the Lionesses.
In her return from suspension, Lauren James entered the game for Alessia Russo while Chloe Kelly replaced Rachel Daly.
Spain v England in pictures: Match-winning star explains touching reason behind goal celebration
Spain v England in pictures: Match-winning star explains touching reason behind goal celebration
Continuing to pepper the goal, Hemp was shown a yellow card for a professional foul on Laia Codina.
After a lengthy deliberation, it was determined that England midfielder Keira Walsh had completed a handball with Spain awarded a penalty kick in the box.
With a poorly hit penalty by Jennifer Hermoso, Earps lunged to her left to make a heroic save.
Salma Paralluelo was also shown a yellow for a challenge on Alex Greenwood which left the Manchester City star bleeding from her brow.
After a long stoppage and rocking a similar look to Australia's Caitlin Foord in the third-place playoff, Greenwood was able to play on, but with heavy strapping around her head.
A handy inclusion from the bench, two-time Ballon d'Or Feminin winner Alexia Putellas was subbed into the match before 13 minutes of added time.
As the Spaniards attempted to wind down the clock, England had one last opportunity to score the equaliser.
In one last roll of the dice, Earps left her box to help her teammates forward but it did not eventuate to anything and the scoreline remained the same.
