In a thrilling showdown, Spain emerged victorious, defeating England 1-0 in the final match of the Women’s World Cup 2023. This gripping contest not only captivated fans worldwide but also marked a historic moment for the tournament. Co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, this ninth edition of the global spectacle became the first-ever Women’s World Cup held in the southern hemisphere.
The tournament, which shattered attendance and TV records, has kindled hopes of a surge in interest for women’s soccer. As the final whistle blew, a crowd of 75,784 spectators filled the stadium, joining nearly two million fans who had already flocked to the nine host cities throughout the event.
The defining moment of the game came courtesy of Olga Carmona, whose goal set Spain on the path to victory. In a match brimming with excitement, Spain consistently fashioned the most promising scoring opportunities.
Hours before kick-off, Stadium Australia in Sydney buzzed with thousands of enthusiastic fans. Drummers and stilt walkers added a festive atmosphere to the event, turning it into a grand celebration of women’s football.
Both England and Spain made their debut appearances in a Women’s World Cup final, marking a significant milestone for their respective teams. Meanwhile, England’s quest for a trophy, their first since the men’s tournament triumph in 1966, remains unfulfilled.
Australia’s dramatic semi-final against England earlier in the week attracted a staggering average viewership of 7.13 million on Seven Network channels, setting a new record for the highest viewership in OzTAM’s history. The Matildas’ matches had been sold out for months in advance, and organizers anticipate the average attendance to surpass 30,000 once all 64 matches conclude.
Comparing this Women’s World Cup to the previous edition in France four years ago, the growth is evident. The tournament in France drew over 1.1 million fans across 52 matches, boasting an average crowd of 21,756 spectators. However, New Zealand experienced somewhat subdued demand, with their team exiting in the group stages. To bolster attendance, FIFA distributed thousands of tickets, and while some matches saw as few as 7,000 attendees, White Ferns’ games set new records for soccer attendance in the country.
The Women’s World Cup Down Under has undeniably marked a turning point for women’s football, with record-breaking figures and an electrifying atmosphere that has left fans eager for the next chapter in this captivating journey.
