SPANISH WOMEN'S ARMADA CONQUERS ENGLAND

 

SPANISH WOMEN'S ARMADA CONQUERS ENGLAND

Germany-has both the men's and women's World Cup. Captain Olga Carmona's 29th-minute goal turned out to be the match-winner in the final against England at a packed stadium of over 75.000 people in Sydney on Sunday. The 1-0 scoreline doesn't fully reflect how La Rojas dominated the game. On every statistical parameter, the fitter, faster and technically superior Spaniards outplayed the Lionesses. But for England's Golden Glove goalie Mary Earps, who also saved a penalty, and some desperate defending the outcome wouldn't have remained in suspense till the end. It was both redemption and vindicationfor coach Jorge Vilda, who had faced a major player rebellion last year.

This World Cup saw 32 teams for the first time. Three African teams made it to the last 16. And Japan thrashed Spain 4-0 in the group stage. The tournament was watched by a record two million spectators and generated $570m in revenue, the highest ever. Fifa boss Gianni Infantino called it the "best and biggest and greatest