PREVIEW | Look, the world is watching
Look, the world is watching; Look, the world is watching you; look, your star is waiting; look and you´ll know when. As the old nursery rhyme that is reverberating around the ears and hearts of 23 players goes, not only are they called on to make history, but to change it forever.
At noon this August 20 (Spanish peninsular time, live on La1 TVE), Spain will arrive at the final stop on its date with destiny, squaring up against England in the most important match of its life.
With the epicenter in Sydney's Stadium Australia the National Team will face its most anticipated rival on a crucial day. However, the match’s shockwaves will be felt 17,000 kilometers away on the hundreds of giant screens that will occupy squares, cultural centers and sports centres all over Spain, including the WiZink Center in Madrid, the National Team will face its most anticipated rival on the crucial day.
The match can be followed live from 12:00 (Spanish peninsular time) on La 1 TVE and will be followed minute by minute on this official website.
Sarina Wiegman's England, reigning European champions and the team that knocked Spain out of last years’ European Championships in a controversial quarter-final in, aim to be the party poopers for our heroines in Spanish colours.
After a shaky start to the World Cup, and with fortune favouring them in a penalty shootout win against Nigeria in the last 16, after which they came out comfortable winners in the semifinal against the co-hosts and with a squad confident in its playing style, the British appear as the toughest test yet for the talented Spanish internationals.
England dominates the historical head to head record against Spain, with six wins, six draws and only three victories for our national team.
The Lionesses, without Beth Mead, Williamson or Fran Kirby due to injury, are relying on the scoring ability of their attacking trio of Hemp, Russo and Lauren James, who returns after a two-match suspension.
Click here to listen to coach Jorge Vilda and player Irene Paredes’s comments before the match.
Jorge Vilda can also count on a full squad of 23 players, including full-back Oihane Hernandez, who already missed the semifinals due to accumulating yellows.
The coach has revealed that Spain will be faithful to their playing style and that the only goal is to be world champions, thus putting the icing on the cake of a tournament that has already changed women’s football in Spain for good and for the better.
The match will be officiated by American Tori Penso, with compatriots Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt as assistant referees.
Many girls on football pitches in towns and cities all across Spain are already dreaming of emulating Cata, Irene, Ona, Tere, Aitana, Alexia, Jennifer, Salma or Esther. Names that in many decades will be remembered as those who inspired many generations to passionately play for the Spanish red shirt like their heroines. With respect to the past, the team are shining at this World Cup and painting a future full of hope, ideally one with a star shining on their shirts.
