World Cup Final Preview

After a month of thrilling soccer, it comes down to two teams. England and Spain. One team who’s overcome injuries and another who’s overcome their coach.

After two thrilling semi-finals, with Spain’s winner coming in the 90th minute off the foot of Olga Carmona 90 seconds after Sweden had leveled it at 1–1 and England breaking Australia’s heart in beating the Matilda’s 3–1.

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La Roja’s offense has been the best in this tournament (17 goals) and England’s defense has been the stingiest, allowing just three. The Three Lionesses are the only undefeated team remaining and are just the second English side to reach a World Cup Final, the first being the men’s 1966 side who won it on home soil.

Spain’s run has been remarkable because several players initially refused to play for the manager Jorge Vilda, but later relented and now are in the final. Pairing Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, two talented midfielders, slowed down Sweden in the semi’s and he’ll probably start them in the final.

England’s 4–4–2 lineup has worked for top manager Sarina Wiegman, who has guided a second squad to a Final, having done so with the Netherlands four years ago, where they lost to the USWNT. She gets Lauren James back after a two-game suspension from a red card in the round of 16 match with Nigeria. Ella Toone scored the opening tally against Australia Wednesday in place of James.

Vegas has Spain has the slight favorite. However, if the old axiom, ‘defense wins championships,’ is true, England should win. Mary Earps could become the first goalkeeper to win the Golden Boot award if she posts another strong performance between the posts.