Spain are in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, and at the same time, it makes complete and zero sense.
Why does it make sense? They have two of the best players in the world, according to the most recent Ballon d’Or rankings, in Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí. They are supported by a host of the Barcelona players who have won two of the last three Champions Leagues, including teenager Salma Paralluelo, who has had a breakout tournament. It was just a matter of time before their success at youth level — back-to-back U17 world champions and the holders of the U20 World Cup — translated into success at senior level.
– Women’s World Cup: Landing page | Bracket | Schedule | News
And why doesn’t it make sense? Prior to heading to Australia and New Zealand, Spain had never won a knockout game at a major tournament, while Putellas is yet to complete 90 minutes at the tournament since recovering from an ACL injury.
More significantly, though, Spain’s preparation for the finals over the last year has been marred by a dispute between the players and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and coach Jorge Vilda. As a result, some of their best players did not make themselves available for the World Cup, including defender Mapi León and midfielder Patri…
