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The Spanish joy about reaching the World Cup final for the first time knew no bounds. The disillusionment in Sweden was great.
“It’s a historic day,” said Spain coach Jorge Vilda after his team reached the final of a women’s World Cup for the first time. The way in which the 2-1 win against Sweden came about was also historic. Captain Olga Carmona scored the winning goal with a remarkable long-range shot in the 89th minute – just one minute after the Swedish equalizer.
“It was a very tough game. It could have been difficult to recover from her goal, but we showed that the team can handle anything,” said 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo, who almost made it 1-0 again in the 81st minute would have risen to become a match winner.
His team played “with all their soul and magic”, praised coach Vilda. “We’re in the final, that’s what we wanted.” Now the “ultimate challenge” awaits. Opponents in the final (on Sunday at 12 noon) are either hosts Australia or England. The Spaniards beckons the first major title.
The Swedish suffering
On the opposite side of the sentiment were the minds of the Swedes. “I think everyone is just sad and very disappointed,” said Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson. The Swedes’ ambitions were high, which is understandable because:
- In the round of 16, defending champions USA and in the quarter-finals, Japan, eliminated the 2011 world champions.
- The Swedes were in a World Cup semi-final for the fifth time.
However, it shouldn’t be. For the 4th time, “Tre Kronor” failed in the round of the last 4. In 2003 the team reached the World Cup final, but lost to Germany in the fight for the World Cup.
I’m tired of shedding tears at big tournaments.
So the European champion title in 1984 remains the only major title for the Swedes. “I’m tired of shedding tears at big tournaments,” complained Sweden’s captain Kosovare Asllani.
New world champions
While the Swedes are playing for third place on Saturday, it is clear that there will be a new world champion at the 9th edition of the World Cup. The previous title holders USA (4), Germany (2), Norway and Japan had already said goodbye before the semi-finals. Neither Spain nor Australia nor England have yet received the trophy.