After a historic run through the ninth Women’s World Cup, Spain took home the championship on Aug. 20 in Sydney, Australia for the first time in RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) history. 

The Women’s World Cup took place in the continent of Oceania, across the two countries of New Zealand and Australia.  

After a tough championship game against England, Spain won with a final score of 1-0.

“I think Spain deserved their win because they proved throughout the tournament that they were the best team,” Tessa Grim, junior soccer player, said. 

One score was made in the championship game by 23-year-old Olga Carmona. Scoring in the 29th minute, she helped keep the edge for her country. She also scored in the 89th minute during the semifinal victory in their 2-1 victory over Sweden. Carmona is also the first player to score in the World Cup semifinal and final since Carli Lloyd in 2015.

Following the championship, Carmona found out about the death of her father after a long fight with an undisclosed illness.

“I know that you have given me the strength to achieve something unique. I know that you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me,” Carmona said. “Rest in peace, papa.”

England had the advantage throughout this tournament after winning the European championship last year. However, Captain Leah Williamson and players Beth Mead and Fran Kirby were out with injuries. 

“With the English captains being injured, the strong commanding presence for England was missing,” Grim said. “It gave Spain the edge as they had a complete and healthy team while England was lacking in leadership.”

Grim has been a huge fan of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) since she was a kid. 

“[The USWNT] has inspired millions worldwide and left a mark on the soccer world,” Grim said. 

America ended up losing to Sweden 5-4 in the round of 16, a historic low for the back-to-back World Cup winning team. 

“I think the U.S. losing was something I saw coming but was hoping wouldn’t happen,” Grim said. “I think head Coach Vlakto [Andonovski] didn’t implement a winning mentality into the team and was more worried about doing just enough to keep going and this showed on the field.” 

As World Cups continue to get more popular, the Women’s soccer federation will become more competitive with a higher skill level. 

“I think that the U.S. losing was disappointing but also showed how the rest of the world is becoming just as strong if not stronger than our women’s team,” Grim said. “It shows the growth in women’s soccer.”