August 15, (THEWILL) – In a stunning display of resilience and determination, the Spain women’s national football team has defied all odds to reach the pinnacle of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Their remarkable journey has been one marked by a crisis that threatened to derail their ambitions, but through unwavering unity and perseverance, they stand on the brink of a historic victory.
The crisis unfolded in September 2022 when 15 players within the squad boldly announced their intent to leave unless head coach Jorge Vilda was replaced. Their grievances spanned from the coach’s methods to the Spanish Football Federation’s inadequate support for women’s football. The players spoke out about the toll the situation had taken on their emotional well-being and health, while also asserting that they had lost faith in Vilda’s management.
In a decisive move, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) rallied behind Vilda, prompting a showdown of wills. The RFEF refused to bow to the ultimatum, demanding an apology from the players who stood in opposition. Vilda, hurt and defiant, challenged any dissenting voices to come forward with their concerns while lamenting that the players had been misguided and were hiding behind accusations.
This clash of ideologies resulted in the departure of some of Spain’s star players, including Patri Guijarro, who struck twice for Barcelona as they won the UEFA Champions League, and club team-mates Mapi Leon and Sandra Panos, and other luminaries from esteemed clubs like Manchester United, and Manchester City. Vilda was tasked with assembling a new squad, free from the influence of the dissenting players, for upcoming matches against formidable opponents like Sweden and the USA.
Beyond the immediate turmoil, this crisis exposed the deeper fissures within Spanish women’s football. A chorus of demands for respect, recognition, and increased investment echoed through the controversy. The players yearned for a football landscape that would evolve with the times, shaking off the outdated and controlling patterns they perceived within their coach and Federation.
As Spain’s Women’s World Cup campaign beckoned, stone of these players returned to the squad including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who was returning to fitness after a lengthy injury, they were drawn into a group alongside Brazil, China, and New Zealand. Despite topping their qualifying group with a perfect 10 out of 10 wins, the turmoil had cast a shadow over their tournament prospects. However, Spain emerged from the darkness, defying the odds and turning adversity into a rallying point.
Their journey in the 2023 World Cup has been nothing short of exceptional. Spain’s initial history-making run to the semi-finals has seen them overpower Switzerland 5-1 in the second round and edge out the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time in the quarter-finals. The stage was now set for a showdown against Sweden on August 15 at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. The victor was certain to proceed to face either Australia or England in the final on August 20at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Remarkably, despite the initial loss of some of their key players, Spain’s resilience has shone through. Heading into the semis, the team had netted an impressive 15 goals while conceding only six across their five matches. Aitana Bonmati, Jenni Hermoso, and Alba Redondo have orchestrated a fluid and captivating attacking style. Bonmati’s standout performance includes three goals and two assists, while Hermoso and Redondo have each contributed three goals to the tally. At the defensive end, Irene Paredes has been a formidable captain, bolstered by the steady presence of goalkeeper Catalina Coll.
Spain’s journey from crisis to the cusp of victory stands as a testament to their unwavering determination and unwavering unity. Their accomplishments have not only rewritten the narrative of their World Cup journey but also garnered global admiration and respect. As they prepared to face the challenge of Sweden in the semi-final, their stance promised a thrilling encounter between two teams whose passion and skill have lit up the tournament.
In their edgy semi-final match on Tuesday, Spain triumphed over Sweden with a final scoreline of 2-1. Captain Olga Carmona’s late-game heroics clinched the victory, propelling Spain into the Women’s World Cup final for the very first time. Their achievement marks an incredible turnaround for a team that had never advanced beyond the quarter-finals before. Against the backdrop of off-field upheaval and player withdrawals, Spain has united under coach Vilda’s leadership to deliver a performance that defies all expectations.
For Sweden, the heartbreak continues, having fallen short at the semi-final stage in the last two World Cups. Despite their best efforts, they could not stifle Spain’s late-game surge, which saw substitute Salma Paralluelo putting Spain ahead in the 81st minute, even though Sweden’s Rebecka Blomqvist drew them level three minutes later. The final word belonged to Spain’s captain, Carmona, whose magnificent strike from the edge of the box found the top corner in the 90th minute.
With their place in the finals secured, Spain now readies itself to take on either Australia or England in a championship match brimming with promise. Powered by the brilliance of Nations Caldentey, Carmona and Paralluelo, and the alertness of Coll between the sticks, Spain’s journey from crisis to triumph is an embodiment of resilience, perseverance, and the incredible heights that can be achieved through unity and determination.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
