Women's World Cup holders Spain eye Nations League glory
Spain's World Cup triumph in Sydney last August ended up being somewhat overshadowed by Spanish football federation boss Luis Rubiales's forced kiss on midfielder Jenni Hermoso after the final against England. Rubiales recently had a three-year ban from football upheld by FIFA and is also set to go in trial over the kiss, while the Spain team - led by Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati - have tried to keep the focus on football.
Under new coach Montse Tome, Spain comfortably topped their Nations League group ahead of Italy, Sweden and Switzerland, and then defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in Seville in last Friday's semi-final. Winning through to the final also allowed them to take one of two qualifying spots open to European nations for the women's football tournament at the Olympics. It is the first time they have qualified for the Games.
However, star Barcelona midfielder Bonmati believes Spain's World Cup success has not had the hoped-for impact on the women's game in the country.
"Unfortunately I can't say a lot of things have changed," Bonmati said in an interview with French sports daily 'L'Equipe'. "We have the example of the English, when they won the Euro (in 2022). We saw a real change following their success at a nationwide level.
"It had repercussions, and there was more investment in the domestic league. The stadiums are full when England play. It makes me jealous because I can't say the same thing has happened here. There are still so many things to do here and I have the impression that the World Cup has not served any purpose."
She complained that the match against the Netherlands was moved at short notice from Cadiz to Seville, where the final will also be played. "We were supposed to play in Cadiz and in the end
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