The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was a momentous occasion, demonstrating the pinnacle of women’s soccer. Australia and New Zealand jointly hosted this event, marking the debut of 32 teams in the tournament. The grand finale, on August 20, 2023, in Sydney’s Stadium Australia, saw a thrilling match between Spain and England. Spain clinched their inaugural World Cup trophy with an exquisite goal from Olga Carmona, assisted by Jennifer Hermoso, in the 63rd minute, leaving the English goalie, Carly Telford, stunned. Spain won the world cup, defeating England by 1-0.
Despite England’s efforts, Spain’s superior ball possession and opportunities defined the game. An unparalleled crowd of 83,000 spectators witnessed this historical moment as Spain joined the elite club of World Cup victors, following the US, Germany, and Japan. Heartbreakingly for England, this marked their second successive runner-up finish since their 2019 defeat against the US.
Moreover, the championship was filled with unforgettable milestones: the Philippines marked their presence with a goal against Switzerland; Zambia’s Barbara Banda achieved a record with two hat-tricks against Japan and China PR; Megan Rapinoe of the USA celebrated her 50th international goal; France’s Wendie Renard set an impressive defensive record; Australia’s Sam Kerr emerged as the top scorer, and New Zealand’s Ria Percival made history with her participation across six World Cups. To relive these highlights, check out FIFA+ or FOX Sports.
Let’s look at the award winners of the tournament:
Young Player of the Tournament: Salma Paralluelo, Spain. Spain’s young sensation, 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo, clinched the Young Player of the Tournament award, having netted crucial goals coming off the bench in both the quarterfinal and semifinal matches. Her remarkable performance earned her a starting position in the final against England, overshadowing two-time Ballon d’Or recipient, Alexia Putellas. The shot will stay with me forever remarked Salma Paralluelo, reflecting on her pivotal goal against the Netherlands and her role in Spain’s historic achievement.
Golden Glove: Mary Earps, England. There is no doubt that Mary Earps is the best goalkeeper in the world, the just concluded FIFA world cup proved that. The Manchester United standout, aged 30, delivered exceptional performances for the Lionesses, keeping a clean sheet in three out of seven games. Only Mackenzie Arnold from Australia surpassed Earps’s feat. Earps dived agilely to save a goal for her country, in the finals against Spain.
Golden Boot: Hinata Miyazawa, Japan. Even though Japan didn’t get past the quarterfinals, Hinata Miyazawa won the Golden Boot by scoring the most goals in the tournament, five in total. Two of these goals were in Japan’s 4-0 victory over Spain, which went on to win the cup.
Silver Boot: Kadidiatou Diani, France.
Bronze Boot: Alexandra Popp, Germany.
Golden Ball: Aitana Bonmati, Spain. The Golden Ball was fittingly awarded to the standout player from the top-performing team in the tournament. The midfielder from Barcelona played a crucial role in Spain’s journey from the beginning, contributing three goals and two assists. While she didn’t directly score or set up a goal in the World Cup final, she significantly influenced the game, successfully making 42 out of her 44 pass attempts.
Silver Ball: Jennifer Hermoso, Spain.
Bronze Ball: Amanda Ilestdt, Sweden.
