Even amidst the magnificent victory, signs of dissent were directed at Jorge Vilda.
While the Spanish players were reveling in their first-ever World Cup victory, having beaten England 1-0, jeers could be heard from the crowd as images of a joyful Spanish coach being congratulated by Queen Letizia of Spain were displayed on the big screen at Stadium Australia.
Just moments before, Vilda had looked heavenward, lifting his hands, and shouted in happiness as the referee’s whistle signaled Spain’s coronation as the world champions.
The tournament was fraught with controversy for Vilda, and even in success, it continued to shadow him.
This victory will be remembered as one of the most astonishing in Women’s World Cup history. Spain came into the competition amidst turmoil and dissatisfaction among players with Vilda, who had weathered a mutiny within the team to retain his position.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) disclosed that 15 players had sent identical emails, refusing to play for Vilda unless substantial worries regarding their “emotional state” and “health” were addressed.
Dubbed “Las 15,” these players denied wanting the 42-year-old Vilda removed, but anxiety persisted, with allegations of unsatisfactory training techniques and poor game preparation.
Nevertheless, in Australia and New Zealand, the players overcame their differences to win the world championship in remarkable fashion in only their third World Cup. This led Spain’s official Twitter to announce: ‘VILDA IN.’
“The girls are now eternal, and they will forever bear a star on their chest,” Vilda commented. He added, “Managing the group has been very easy. We’re a family of world champions.”
Spain’s celebration was delayed until the 105th minute, following 13 minutes of stoppage time at the end of regulation play.
Some of Spain’s players were stunned, while others were tearful, as they absorbed the enormity of their accomplishment. They had entered the competition with key players missing due to the player revolt, including several from Barcelona’s Champions League-winning squad.
Even after losing 4-0 to Japan in their last group match, Vilda’s belief never wavered, and he spoke of the defeat as a “turning point.” Spain then defeated Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Sweden to reach the final, where they outplayed European champions England.
Former England striker Ellen White praised the Spanish team’s courage, hard work, and incredible performance. “The way this Spanish team played today was just unbelievable,” she said.
Jorge Vilda, undeterred by the surrounding controversy, made daring decisions, including giving senior debuts to young talents.
Spain’s players excelled on the field despite distractions. Veteran forward Jenni Hermoso reflected emotionally on the progress in women’s football, culminating in winning the World Cup before 75,000 spectators in Sydney.
Spain now boasts world titles at the senior, under-17, and under-20 levels. “What they have achieved in women’s football over the last two years is phenomenal,” White added.
When asked about his future after leading Spain to World Cup success, Vilda, whose contract with the national team runs until 2024, focused on celebrating the victory. “We are going back to Spain to see our loved ones, and we will see,” he stated.
Carmona, meanwhile, praised her “unstoppable” team, saying, “We have suffered a lot over the past 12 months. This has made us a stronger team. We had the feeling we were going to do it; this is unstoppable.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Women’s World Cup 2023
Who won the Women’s World Cup in 2023?
Spain won the Women’s World Cup in 2023, defeating England 1-0 in the final.
Who is the coach of the Spanish women’s national team that won the World Cup?
Jorge Vilda was the coach of the Spanish women’s national team that won the World Cup in 2023.
Why were there sounds of disapproval directed at Jorge Vilda during the celebration?
Despite the victory, controversy had followed Vilda throughout the tournament, with a number of players initially unhappy with him, leading to tension and unrest within the team.
What was the “player revolt” against Jorge Vilda about?
15 players, known as “Las 15,” sent identical emails refusing to play for Vilda unless significant concerns over their emotional state and health were addressed. There were reports of concern over training methods and inadequate game preparation.
How did Spain’s journey to victory unfold in the Women’s World Cup 2023?
Spain entered the tournament amid unrest but managed to overcome their differences to defeat Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and finally England to win the World Cup. Their victory was marked by impressive play and a tactical masterclass.
What was the significance of the victory for Spanish women’s football?
Spain’s victory marked a phenomenal achievement in women’s football, especially considering the turmoil before the tournament. They now hold world titles at senior, under-17, and under-20 levels.
Who were some key players missing from Spain’s team due to the player revolt?
Key players missing included Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro, and Sandra Panos, all due to the player revolt before the tournament.
How many people attended the World Cup final?
75,000 spectators were present at the World Cup final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England.
What did Jorge Vilda say about his future after winning the World Cup?
Vilda, whose contract with the national team runs until 2024, avoided commenting on his future plans, stating that he would celebrate the victory first and then decide.
5 comments
That player revolt thing though? It makes you think what was really going on behind the scenes. Can’t deny Vilda’s skills as a coach, but there’s a lot to unpack here.
I feel bad for England, but Spain truly deserved this. they played like champions from start to finish. Also, 13 minutes of stoppage time? what was that about?
Didn’t see Spain coming as the winners at all, especially with the player revolt. But Vilda and his team proved everyone wrong, this is unstoppable indeed!
I was there in Sydney, the match was incredible, the way Spain played was just unbelieveable, Go Spain!
Wow Spain finally won the Womens World Cup! Vilda must be on cloud nine right now, and his players too. all the controversy seems so unimportant now.