Spain vs. England: Previewing the Women’s World Cup Final
The stage is set for an epic Women’s World Cup final between two powerful soccer nations to decide who will be the new World Champion. England and Spain represent a contrast of styles, with both nations proving that there are multiple ways to win the beautiful game. Both teams have also overcome their own issues to get this point making a win even more important in this match. Let’s preview the World Cup final between Spain and England.
Spain vs. England: Sunday, August 20 at 6:00 AM ET/3:00 AM PT on FOX
Road to the Final
Spain was one of the favorites to get to the final in spite of the issues that stars have had with the Spanish Football Federation. After dispatching Switzerland in the Round of 16 5-1, they followed it up with two dramatic wins over the Netherlands and Sweden. Both of those games were contested until the end, with Spain showing they had that extra bit of quality necessary to advance.
England’s issues were with injuries, but they were also able to overcome adversity to get to the final. After surviving a penalty shootout with Nigeria, they did just enough in the second half to beat both Colombia and Australia. Neither team was perfect, but they’ve proven to be the two best in the field, and it’s fitting that they face off in the final.
The Players
Spain has captivated everyone with how they possess and move with and without the ball. Their technique, footwork, and balance are something to behold. Aitana Bonmati and Jenni Hermoso have been incredible and overshadowed Alexia Putellas to some extent. Salma Paralluelo has announced herself on the world stage with two clutch goals in their last two wins. La Roja’s one weakness is parts of their backline and goalkeeping. Sandra Panos staying home has impacted their ability to keep clean sheets in the knockout stage.
England have dealt with similar issues due to injuries with their defense, but multiple 1-0 wins suggest they have a slight edge in a tight game like this. Lauren James returns from suspension, but Alessia Russo has been fantastic in her place. Whether it’s James or Russo if England sits back and lets Spain possess, the Lionesses have a deadly counterattack with James or Russo and Lauren Hemp or Ella Toone.
The Women’s World Cup final
Hopefully, both teams come out and play free and fast rather than conservative and defensive because of the occasion. Ultimately, England has just a little bit more depth overall, and while the team with more talent doesn’t always win, this team has the experience of winning the Euro last year. England is one win away from sweeping both competitions, and Sarina Wiegman surely has the final from four years ago on her mind when she managed the Netherlands.
If Spain had all their stars here, they’d be heavily favored to win this game, but England knows how to manage and win big games like this. This is a new experience for Spain, and while they have big game experience in the Champions League Final, the World Cup Final is even bigger.
This will be a battle of epic proportions, and we hopefully see a few goals between both teams, but I’m taking England to win it all and break the curse that has haunted English football since 1966.
Prediction: England Wins 3-2
Featured image via @fifawomensworldcup on Instagram
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
