Sydney, Australia, Aug 20 (EFE).- Spain were crowned world champions for the first time on Sunday after they deservedly beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Queen Letizia of Spain hand the Winner’s trophy to Ivana Andres of Spain after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final soccer match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, 20 August 2023. EFE/EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Olga Carmona’s goal was enough to separate the two European powerhouses, the left-back firing a low shot past Mary Earps in the England goal after half an hour.

Spain celebrate winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final soccer match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, 20 August 2023. EFE/EPA/DAN HIMBRECHTS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

While reigning European champions England struck the bar early on, they were largely outplayed by a classy Spanish side that dominated the ball and could easily have extended their lead were it not for an inspired performance in goal from Earps.

Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final soccer match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, 20 August 2023. EFE/EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Jenni Hermoso saw her second half penalty, awarded after a long Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for a handball by Keira Walsh, saved by Earps.

Mary Earps of England makes a save during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final soccer match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, 20 August 2023. EFE/EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

The win marks a remarkable turnaround for the Spain team, which had to overcome an internal dispute with the Spanish football federation a year ago that saw 12 senior players frozen out of the squad after a revolt against manager Jorge Vilda.

Millie Bright of England reacts to losing the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final soccer match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, 20 August 2023. EFE/EPA/DAN HIMBRECHTS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Spain’s Queen Letizia and Princess Sofia joined the players on the pitch to lead the celebrations following their historic win, which Vilda said afterwards would help transform the women’s game in Spain. EFE

Spain’s coach Jorge Vilda kisses the winner’s trophy after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final soccer match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, 20 August 2023. EFE/EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

spo-ks