The Lionesses came to the World Cup as European champions. But in the end, England couldn’t counter Spain’s never-flinching pressure on the pitch in Sydney. Spanish captain Olga Carmona made history by scoring the only goal of the match – she only learnt after the game that her father had died on Friday. Today’s newspaper front pages make clear that the Lionesses can come home with their heads high –“Proud of you” says the Daily Mirror, while the Sun says: “We still think the world of you.” Goalkeeper Mary Earps, crowned the best goalie of the tournament, said the team “will probably be able to look back and feel proud”. The tournament has brought women’s football to new heights of recognition in global sport – but some things still leave a sour taste. Exhibit a) Nike’s statement this morning that it was “working towards solutions” after it failed to release a replica shirt for Earps. Exhibit b) Spanish fans condemning Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), for kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation. Hermoso said she “didn’t like” the interaction, although later played it down in an official statement. Rubiales’ response? “We can’t listen to idiocy.”
Spain win women’s World Cup final