The Spain Women’s World Cup 2023 squad have reached the final of the tournament.
La Roja has been on a journey during this World Cup so far. Jorge Vilda’s side got off to the best possible start with back-to-back 3-0 and 5-0 wins over Costa Rica and Zambia respectively, before things came crashing back down to earth with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of fellow tournament rivals Japan.
But they got back on track with a convincing 5-1 win against Switzerland in the second round and while they are still looking for the magic formula in defence, things look better further forward, with Aitana Bonmati, Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo all finding the net three times each during their four games to date.
With two assists to go with her goals, Barcelona star Bonmati has taken on the mantle left by Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas who has played more of a bit part role so far, starting just two of Spain’s six games. Bonmati’s brilliance and elegance on the ball gives Spain every chance, while in front of her youngster Salma Paralluelo has brought a new dynamic to the front line.
A 2-1 win after extra time against the Netherlands saw them reach the semi-finals, where drama continued for La Roja. Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono scored what seemed destined to be the winner in the final 10 minutes of the match, but Sweden equalised with just minutes remaining in the tie. No bother, though, because left-back Olga Carmona stepped up and rifled a shot in off the bar to allow Spain to regain their lead in the 90th minute of the game - and they refused to squander it thereafter.
The final of the Women's World Cup 2023 is on Sunday, and kicks off at 11am BST.
Spain Women's World Cup 2023 squad
Spain Women's World Cup 2023 squad
- GK: Maria Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
- GK: Enith Salon (Valencia)
- GK: Cata Coll (Barcelona)
- DF: Irene Paredes (Barcelona)
- DF: Ivana Andres (Real Madrid)
- DF: Ona Battle (Barcelona)
- DF: Laia Codina (Barcelona)
- DF: Olga Carmona (Real Madrid)
- DF: Rocio Galvez (Real Madrid)
- DF: Oihane Hernandez (Athletic Bilbao)
- MF: Teresa Abelleira (Real Madrid)
- MF: Irene Guerrero (Atletico Madrid)
- MF: Aitanna Bonmatti (Barcelona)
- MF: Maria Perez (Barcelona)
- MF: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
- MF: Claudia Zornoza (Real Madrid)
- FW: Mariona Caldentay (Barcelona)
- FW: Eva Navarro (Atletico Madrid)
- FW: Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
- FW: Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid)
- FW: Esther Gonzalez (Real Madrid)
- FW: Jennifer Hermoso (Pachuca)
- FW: Marta Cardona (Atletico Madrid)
Spain manager
Who is Spain's manager?
Jorge Vilda has been a controversial figure within Spain. His entire managerial career has been based within the Spanish women's set up whilst his family have long held important roles in the Spanish federation. Having worked up through the youth age groups to the senior role, there has been significant concern about Vilda's ability to manage at this level. However, the RFEF (Spanish federation) have relentlessly backed him.
Top scorers
Who has scored for Spain?
Three goals
Aitana Bonmati
Jennifer Hermoso
Alba Redondo
One goal
Teresa Abelleira
Laia Codina
Esther Gonzalez
How many players are Spain allowed to take to the World Cup 2023?
Jorge Vilda will be able to take 23 players with him to Australia and New Zealand. This is partially why the future of Las 15 is so crucial. If Vilda adds all 15 of those players back into his squad, he will be jettisoning most of those who have played for him this season. How he chooses to prioritise it will be one of the key things to keep an eye on ahead of the tournament.
