Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
JESSICA’s goal in the first half secured an unforgettable victory for England over reigning world champions Spain.
England’s spirited performance at Wembley reversed the scoreline after a heartbreaking defeat by Spain in the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Last night’s win was even more sweet because the two teams had not played each other since their fateful encounter.
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AlessiaRusso’s brilliant play, which saw her navigate past Spanish defenders and set up an easy tap in, led to Park’s decisive strike.
Lucia Garcia hit the bar at the 12th minute.
After the halftime break, the Spanish forward failed to convert a one-on-1 opportunity with England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
This moment became the highlight of the match. English defensive heroism kept out a Spanish squad who was wasteful.
Salma Paralluelo and Aitana Bonmatí, two of Spain’s most dangerous players, frequently tested England’s defense but often opted for long-range efforts rather than trying to break through inside the box.
Lauren James came very close to scoring on several occasions, including one strike that was cleared in the 87th minutes.
Spain had a few chances to level in stoppage-time, but England’s defensive resilience and tenacity sealed the well-earned victory.
Millie Bright & Lucy Bronze, along with Park, James & Hampton, were also outstanding in their defense and were relentless at keeping out the Spanish attackers.
After the game, members of the victorious side spoke of a ‘proper’ English performance, including Bright and Sarah Wiegman, the team’s manager.
“We fought for every yard,” said Wiegman, and Bright referenced ‘that fight and that desire to defend for each other, to work hard for each other and to be hard to beat’.
Bright’s comments were accompanied moments later by the iconic ‘Sweet Caroline’ blasting through the stadium, while Spanish players looked deflated.
The second round was held of the Nations League, with England, Spain Portugal, and Belgium being in the same Group.
With four points each, England and Portugal are joint-top, followed by Spain with three, with Belgium at the bottom with zero.
Both teams will meet again in June just before Euro 2025, in Switzerland, when England will be looking to defend its title and keep Spain away.
