Spanish Duo Dominates: Carmona and Bonmati Shine as England Succumbs
Spain clinch their inaugural Women's World Cup title with a gritty 1-0 triumph over England Olga Carmona's 29th-minute strike was pivotal, while Aitana Bonmati and Salma Paralluelo played crucial roles Lauren Hemp threatened to level for the Lionesses but fell short
Olga Carmona and Aitana Bonmati shone for Spain as they beat England in the World Cup. Mary Earps was the Lionesses' standout player once again.
England
Mary Earps - 9
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Mary Earps celebrates triumphantly after successfully saving Jennifer Hermoso's penalty kick. Gaining her well-deserved title as the "Mary Queen of Stops," Earps' divine save in the 69th minute showcased her majestic skills. The presence of Spanish royalty, Jennifer Hermoso, only added to the significance of her performance. Earps exhibited unwavering composure as she secured the ball tightly, protecting her team's chances of victory. Her remarkable attentiveness persisted throughout the second half, ultimately earning her the prestigious Golden Glove award.
Millie Bright - 7
The Chelsea defender immediately engaged in a physical battle with Ona Batlle from the very beginning, leaving no moments for herself to settle. She exhibited excellent skills in organizing Spain's most prolific defender.Lucy Bronze - 5
Regrettably, the right-back's mistake during the play leading to Olga Carmona's goal might haunt her as well as the entire nation for weeks to come. Mariona Caldentey astutely observed Bronze's hesitation in midfield, taking advantage of the situation, and Spain swiftly seized the opportunity to break the deadlock. Bronze appeared unsteady thereafter, but undoubtedly, she played with unwavering determination.Alex Greenwood - 7
Despite having a repertoire of impressive crosses, the Manchester City defender was unable to display them all. Greenwood demonstrated her determination by continuing to play until the very end, even after receiving a knee to the face from Salma Paralluelo.Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
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Jess Carter - 7
Carter had a turbulent start to the game, constantly drifting out of position and causing challenges for her team by failing to keep up with opposing players on the counter-attack. However, once Sarina Wiegman switched to a back four, Carter's performance improved significantly.Rachel Daly - 6
Although Daly had a relatively quiet game, it was primarily due to her intense battle against Spain's attacking-minded full-backs on the right flank. Wiegman opted to substitute Daly at half-time, bringing in Lauren James to facilitate a formation change.Keira Walsh - 6
The central spaces were occupied by a frustrated figure, and everything escalated when she mishandled in the box while trying to control Caldentey. If not for Earp's remarkable save from the penalty spot, the final 20 minutes could have turned out completely differently.Georgia Stanway - 6
Similarly to Walsh, Stanway found herself lost among the cluster of Spanish midfielders and was unable to perform at her usual level.Ella Toone - 5
Toone's presence on the field during the semi-final victory against Australia was relatively subdued compared to her previous performances. Spain's defensive line effectively limited her chances to make significant contributions, resulting in primarily offside opportunities and mere token passes to Lauren Hemp.Lauren Hemp - 7
Despite that near miss in the 15th minute, with her shot narrowly grazing the bar, Toone came incredibly close to etching her name in English football history. Nevertheless, these hairline differences represent the slim margins within which a World Cup final operates. On the whole, Toone showcased an audacious display, a performance that the Manchester City attacker can certainly take pride in.Alessia Russo - 6
In an attempt to pose a threat against Spain's defensive line, Russo's positioning proved unsuccessful due to Spain's aggressive tactics. Wiegman made the decision to substitute the Arsenal striker with Chloe Kelly during halftime, allowing for a tactical change to three forwards.Substitutions
Lauren James - 6
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Lauren James made her return for England, but was unable to find the equalizing goal. Despite being expected to make a significant impact, she only managed one shot in the 75th minute, which was saved by Catalina Coll and hit the crossbar. She was unable to create any other opportunities.
Chloe Kelly - 8
Kelly wasted no time in making her mark. She swiftly took charge on the right side, making explosive sprints forward. Was she deserving of a starting spot against the ever-irritating mid-block of the Spanish team? That remains a subject of speculation.Bethany England - N/A
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Spain
Cata Coll - 7
Coll made her moments count and had her defence to thank for only having to thwart a handful of shots. What more can you ask for?Ona Batlle - 8
The performance of Batlle served as the foundation from which all of Spain's attacking triangles of possession blossomed. It is truly perplexing that Manchester United allowed her to join Barcelona, considering the glimpse she showed of her formidable attacking prowess in peak form.Irene Parades - 8
Parades effectively commanded the left flank and successfully contained Russo, adding to Spain's collection of quietly remarkable stars.Laia Codina - 7
Codina's exceptional control over the defensive line and midfield areas was absolutely remarkable. A truly awe-inspiring performance.Olga Carmona - 8
The victorious goal scorer, who not only guided her team to triumph but also led them as the captain. She proved to be the game-changer once again this week, replicating her outstanding performance from Tuesday when she dashed Sweden's aspirations in a similar fashion.
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Aitana Bonmati - 9
Bonmati, despite not finding the back of the net, showcased a dazzling performance in the midfield. With effortless dribbles that effortlessly surged through England's defensive half and curling shots that nearly eluded Earp's grasp, she appeared to possess an unrelenting drive. Her skills were truly extraordinary.Teresa Abelleira - 7
Teresa Albelleira proved to be a valuable asset in Spain's midfield press, seamlessly blending in with the chasing pack. Her presence was absolutely crucial, contributing significantly to the team's performance.Jennifer Hermoso - 7
As Hermoso witnessed Earps confidently repel her lackluster penalty kick, she couldn't help but visualize what could have been. However, she refused to let that miss define her game, exhibiting an unrestrained freedom on the field that was simply unstoppable.Mariona Caldentey - 8
Caldentey was a dominant force, overwhelming Bronze with her exceptional passes down the left flank and showcasing her agility and ball control. Additionally, she unleashed a powerful shot in the second half that Earps had to make a spectacular save to deflect.Salma Paralluelo - 7
Paralluelo continued to shine after her impressive performance against Sweden in the semi-final, even though she received a yellow card in the final 10 minutes of the game. Alongside Bonmati, she effortlessly outplayed Walsh and Stanway, leaving no doubt about their superior skills.
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