The Facts
On Sunday, Spain defeated the reigning European champions and pre-match favorite, England, 1-0 in the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Spanish captain and left-back Olga Carmona scored the winning goal in the 29th minute, ensuring La Roja could lift the team's maiden Women's World Cup trophy. It was Spain's women's third appearance and made them the fifth country ever to win the tournament.
The Spin
Narrative A
It's a shame for the UK that the lionesses' valiant efforts ended in defeat, but the dedication from all teams and hosts involved in the tournament has delivered a remarkable contest, jettisoning women's football to its highest peak yet. There is still much more to achieve, as funding from FIFA for the contest remains a comparative slither of the money put into the men's game. However, the potential for new markets in this sport is now evident and there is much to look forward to for the future of women's football.
Narrative B
This is certainly a high for the women's game, but it's one that has unfortunately been overshadowed by the controversy concerning Spanish coach Jorge Vilda. The muggy atmosphere around the figure — whose tenure has seen worrying allegations over players' treatment and welfare, even resulting in key players missing out on Sunday's glory — has contaminated this competition. It is not enough to shine the spotlight only on FIFA when toxicity and problematic cultures may already be at the top of women's football.