Spain World Cup win reality check for Wiegman and triumph for Vilda
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England went into the Women's World Cupfinal dreaming of global domination but their 1-0 loss to Spain — and the nature of it — was a reality check that will haunt them and Sarina Wiegman.
England's Dutch coach admitted Spain were the better team in front of nearly 76,000 in Sydney to lift the WorldCup for the first time in their history on Sunday.
Spain's deserved triumph over the European champions came even with them missing several top players because of a mutiny in the camp that broke out 11 months ago.
Fifteen players said in September last year that they no longer wished to represent their country because of numerous objections, chief among them to coach Jorge Vilda.
Three returned for the World Cup but the rebellion meant that Patri Guijarro, who struck twice in the final for Barcelonaas they won the Champions League, and club team-mates Mapi Leon and Sandra Panos were all missing.
United States World Cup exit marks the end of an era
FootballVilda's critics would say that Spain won the title in Australia and New Zealand in spite of him, not because of him.
Whatever the truth, Spain were full value for their victory, having taken the lead in the 29th minute through skipper Olga Carmona and they also hit the outside of the post in the first half.
They then had Jennifer Hermoso's penalty saved by goalkeeperMary Earps in the second half and overall carved out 14 attempts at goal to England's seven.
Spain also had more of the ball, more completed passes and more corners.
England did threaten at times, including hitting the bar in the first half, and can also point to missing captain Leah Williamson and star striker Beth Mead.
Both missed the World
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