FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on Optus Sport – It’s day 32 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in Australia and New Zealand, and we’re down to the tournament’s final day.
It all comes down to the last match in Australia and New Zealand with the final night of football, as England take on Spain at Stadium Australia.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 32nd day of action.
Highlights from Matchday 31:
- Sweden 2 – 0 Australia
The Matildas fell to their European rivals in Brisbane, putting an end to their Women’s World Cup campaign.
Australia finished fourth following the result, marking the second time under Tony Gustavsson they have reached the top four at a major international tournament.
A clumsy penalty in the first half changed the “momentum” of the match and then a top Swedish strike doubled the damage on Saturday night.
What’s on today
It’s a first and second-place playoff! We have a massive game live on Optus Sport with a World Cup trophy on the line.
England v Spain (8pm AEST)
A lot is on the line for both team’s heading into Sunday’s final.
Both teams will be eager to win their first Women’s World Cup and be the first new name on the trophy since Japan’s win in 2011.
But whatever the result in Sydney, the winner will join Germany as only the second nation to win both the women’s and men’s tournaments.
England, who won the European championship 12 months ago, last lifted World Cup in 1966 with the men’s side.
Whereas for Spain it hasn’t been as long a wait, with their men’s side winning the tournament in 2010.
Sarina Wiegman’s side have not dropped a point during the tournament, in comparison to Jorge Vilda’s squad who lost 4-0 to Japan in the group stage.
The Lionesses will be favourites heading in, after having only lost one match in their 38 games under Wiegman.
Meanwhile, Spain – who have made it this far despite this – have been dealing with internal issues under Vilda. Twelve of the country’s star players boycotted the tournament due to his and their federation’s treatment of the team.
Player to watch
Lauren James (England)
Despite missing England’s last two matches, following her red card for violent conduct against Nigerian forward Michelle Alozie, Lauren James is likely to star against Spain.
The 21-year-old has scored three goals in her four appearances for Sarina Wiegman’s side and will be eager to add to that on Sunday.
Prior to her marching orders in the 87th minute of her country’s first knockout game at the World Cup, she was on an upward trajectory with two goals, three assists and a player-of-the-match performance against China.
She missed England’s successful penalty shootout with Nigeria 0 (4) – 0 (2), then their 2-1 victory over Colombia in the quarter-finals, and the 3-1 victory of Australia.
The Chelsea star has the chance to rewrite her World Cup narrative on two fronts.
She could grab the tournament’s Golden Boot off of Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa (five goals) with a brace at Stadium Australia and in turn help England lift their first World Cup since the men’s 1966 win.
Where to watch
Like every game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, England v Spain will be shown live and on-demand on Optus Sport.
Live coverage begins from 5.30pm (AEST) on Optus Sport 1, before kick-off at 8pm (AEST).
Media Release – Optus Sport
Link to Optus Sport HERE
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