Spain is aiming to win their first big trophy, and both teams are hoping to grab the Women's World Cup for the very first time. Spain's journey in the tournament has been quite memorable. They started with comfortable wins over Costa Rica and Zambia. But then, they suffered a tough 4-0 loss to Japan in their last group game, which made it seem like they might struggle in the competition.
However, they bounced back strongly in the round of 16 against Switzerland, winning 5-1. This marked their first-ever win in the knockout rounds of a major tournament. In the quarter-finals against the Netherlands, they had to fight back after conceding a late goal in regular time. Salma Paralluelo's extra-time goal secured their place in the semi-finals against Sweden, a team that had already beaten former champions the USA and Japan.
In the semi-final, Spain looked like they might miss their chance when Rebecka Blomqvist equalized Paralluelo's opener. But Olga Carmona's fantastic long-distance shot quickly put them back in the lead, sending them to the final.
In the group stage, England got all the points they could. They faced a tough challenge in the round of 16 against Nigeria, with England eventually winning in a penalty shootout. Their quarter-final match against Colombia ended in a 2-1 victory with goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
In the semi-final against Australia, England initially led with Ella Toone's first goal of the tournament. However, Sam Kerr's long-range strike for Australia equalized the game. The Lionesses then showed their determination, retaking the lead through Hemp and sealing a 3-1 win with Russo's late goal.
Sarina Wiegman, England's coach, has now reached four consecutive major tournament finals, but she's aiming to avoid a repeat of the 2019 final when her Netherlands team lost 2-0 to the USA.
For inspiration, England can remember that they defeated Spain in last year's European Championships quarter-final after extra time.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Even though they've been dealing with injuries, Alba Redondo and Paralluelo are expected to be ready for the final match. Paralluelo might be used as a substitute for the third time in a row.Oihane Hernandez, who played in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, will be back from suspension for the final game. However, Carmona performed well while Hernandez was absent, so she might keep her starting spot.
Esther Gonzalez, who started on the bench in the semi-final, is a possibility to return to the Spanish forward line.
On the other side, for the current European champions, Wiegman has to choose between starting Toone or Lauren James. James is available after serving a two-match suspension, but Toone is likely to start after scoring in the semi-final against Australia. This means England will probably stick to the same lineup.
Both Russo and Hemp have scored three goals each in the tournament, and they will be looking to increase their goal tally in the final match.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Spain Women possible starting lineup:Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Codina, Carmona; Bonmati, Abelleira, Hermoso; Redondo, Caldentey, Gonzalez
England Women possible starting lineup:
Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Stanway, Walsh, Daly; Toone; Russo, Hemp
EXPERT PREDICTION
Spain 2-3 England
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