Iconic moment of class as Spain’s Ona Batlle comforts England’s Lucy Bronze after World Cup final
As Spain’s players celebrated their victory in the final of the Women’s World Cup on Sunday night, one of their fiercest opponents, England defender Lucy Bronze, cut a forlorn figure.
Bronze was the player who gave away possession in the lead-up to Spain’s goal in the first half, which eventually proved to be the only score of the game. It was a small error, one of hundreds made by every player on the pitch, but the only one to be punished.
After the trophy presentation, while the jubilant Spanish players enjoyed their triumph, Bronze sat alone on England’s bench, her head downcast.
Until, in a moment of astonishing class, Spanish defender Ona Batlle approached Bronze to offer comfort, first kneeling in front of the heartbroken English star, then sitting alongside her with an arm around her shoulders.
It was an instantly iconic moment of sportswomanship, ranking alongside such famous images as England’s Andrew Flintoff comforting Australian Brett Lee after the Edgbaston Ashes Test in 2005, or New Zealander Grant Elliott consoling South African Dale Steyn after the Cricket World Cup semifinal in 2019.
Bronze and Batlle are teammates at club level, where both play for Spanish club Barcelona.
In a cruel twist of fate, the Englishwoman will be surrounded by the players who just defeated her when she returns to the club – though if they all show her as much compassion as Batlle, the pain may be lessened.
The mistake from Bronze that led to the final’s lone goal arguably did little to change the eventual result, as Spain was the better team throughout, and England failed to mount much of a challenge in the dying minutes.
Still, it was a major talking point at halftime, when hope remained for the Lionesses.
The moment happened
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