CAPTAIN CARMONA LEADS SPAIN TO FIRST WORLD CUP TRIUMPH

Lionesses fall short as Spain narrowly beat them in Sydney. Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game to bring the World Cup to Spain in just their third Women's World Cup appearance.

With England looking to bring the World Cup home for the first time since 1966 and Spain hoping to become just the second side in history to secure a World Cup with both the women's and the men's teams, the final in Sydney was set up to be a great one.

Both sides had great chances to go ahead early on, with England being denied by the crossbar and Spain not being able to convert from close range; however the score remained goalless until the half-hour mark.

Olga Carmona broke the deadlock with a pinpoint drilled finish across to the far corner. The Spanish left back made a great run and followed it with an even better finish to give her side the lead going into the break. Spain even had a chance to double their lead with the final action of the half as 19-year old forward Salma Paralluelo's attempt brushed past the near post.

England fought and fought in the second half but couldn't get their goal, all hope looked to be lost when Spain were awarded a penalty due to a handball in the box but Mary Earps stepped up to give her side a boost and prevent her opponents from making it two. Unfortunately for the Lionesses this boost wasn't enough and they couldn't find a way back into the game, resulting in Spain becoming the new World Champions!

Hemp's strike crashes against the crossbar

The first big chance of the final fell to Lauren Hemp, and the England forward came so close to breaking the deadlock. The original cross from Georgia Stanway had been dealt with however not effectively, the ball came back out to Rachel Daly who set Hemp up for a shot on goal.

The Manchester City winger wrapped her foot around the ball with a sweet first time left-footed strike. Spanish goalkeeper Cata Cou was beaten, although it wasn't meant to be as Hemp's effort crashed giants the crossbar, denying the Lionesses the opener.

Caldentey denied from point blank range

Hemp was inches away from giving her side the lead, and was nearly instantly punished for not taking the chance; Spain rushed up the other end and had a clear goal scoring opportunity themselves.

Mariona Caldentey burst down the left flank before whipping the ball into the penalty area, she was searching for young star Salma Paralluelo to turn the cross goawards. The 19 year old couldn't get there but the attack was kept alive by Alba Redondo whose strike on goal seemed to be impossible to save - from close range and the odds against her, Mary Earps made herself big to prevent Redonda from scoring, a spectacular save!

Captain Carmona breaks the deadlock

On the half hour mark, Spain skipper Olga Carmona scored an exquisite goal to put the home side ahead. The move started when Lucy Bronze was dispossessed in the middle of the park and Spain quickly sprayed the ball out to the wing where Bronze would usually be.

Captain Carmona made a lung-bursting overlapping run from left back before drilling the ball into the far corner past Mary Earps, a perfect and unstoppable finish into the side netting. The Spanish skipper's second goal in successive matches, and what a time to get it!

Paralluelo comes close to doubling the lead

The final action of the half fell to the home side once more, using their strengths on the wings before firing the ball into the penalty area to test Jess Carter, Millie Bright and Mary Earps.

Ona Batlle aimed for the penalty spot and found Paralluelo, she didn't get enough clean contact on the strike, causing her effort to graze the outside of the post.

Hemp sqaunders incredible chance

Ten minutes after the interval Hemp had another chance to get a goal, this one arguably easier than the one in the first half. Substitute Chloe Kelly brought a breath of fresh air to the Lionesses side and created a great opportunity for them to equalise.

Kelly's low cross found Hemp at the back post and looked certain to claim an assist, it seemed that Hemp's attempt was destined for the back of the net. However she got a poor connection, striking the ball against her shin pad; sending the ball wide of the near post. A golden opportunity wasted, Hemp can't believe it!

Mary Earps keeps England in it

It wouldnt be a World Cup Final without a little appearance from VAR! Referee Tori Penso was called over to the screen to have a look at a potential Kiera Walsh handball in the 18-yard box; after a long look, Penso pointed to the spot: penalty for Spain.

Lucy Bronze does her best to get in Jenni Hermoso's head, complaining to the referee about her ball placement, it was clearly successful as she was unable to convert from 12 yards. Earps dived the correct way and holds onto Hermoso's tame attempt. A big boost for England, and an even bigger 20 minutes to follow.

Spain are Champions of the World

Carmona's goal was the difference in a tight contest between two fantastic sides. A great display and despite the result, the Lionesses will have something to be proud of: they've inspired a generation and will be inspirations for many for years to come. Jubilation for Spain, who win their first Women's World Cup in history, despite only qualifying for their first WWC campaign 8 years ago. Spain are just the 2nd nation ever to have won the men and women World Cup tournaments, a fantastic achievement. VAMOS LAS ROJAS!

Starting XI's

Spain - Cata Cou, Olga Carmona, Laia Codina (Ivana Andres 73'), Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle, Teresa Abelleira, Aitana Bonmati, Jenni Hermoso, Mariona Caldentey (Alexia Putellas 90'), Alba Redondo (Oihane Hernandez 60'), Salma Paralluelo

Bookings - Salma Paralluelo (78')

Goalscorer - Olga Carmona

England - Mary Earps, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Lucy Bronze, Kiera Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly (Chloe Kelly 45'), Ella Toone (England 87'), Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo (James 45')

Bookings - Lauren Hemp (55')

Goalscorer - N/A

Referee - Tori Penso

Attendance - 75, 784

Man of the Match - Olga Carmona 

Written by Isabelle Newnham