Spain emerged triumphant in the tournament, signaling a significant advancement for women’s soccer as a whole. Gone are the days of American dominance, where athleticism and individual skill reigned supreme. Spain’s victory represents a new era of refinement and technique. Aitana Bonmati, the midfield maestro and standout player of the tournament, mesmerized fans with her subtle flicks and visionary through balls, while her teammates moved around her with intricate precision.
This World Cup final showcased everything that critics claimed the women’s game lacked. It was a captivating clash of tactics, played with speed, intensity, and finesse. The women’s game proved its worth, silencing those who dismissed it. Indeed, the entire tournament displayed a heightened level of skill and sophistication across the globe. While Spain walks away with the trophy, it is women’s soccer as a whole that emerges victorious.
Spain may very well be at the forefront of the game’s next phase. Many players, including Bonmati, were nurtured in FC Barcelona’s esteemed academy, alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Xavi Hernandez. Barcelona instills an artistic approach to the game, emphasizing short passing and denying the opposition prolonged possession.
The core of Spain’s women’s team consisted of players from Barcelona. Their experience within a thoughtful and well-resourced club compelled them to demand the same standards for their national team. However, reports suggest that the Spanish women faced subpar treatment, enduring long bus journeys and insufficient preparation time. The manager, Jorge Vilda, imposed rules that were condescending and invasive, such as keeping hotel doors unlocked and restrictive monitoring of their outings. Last year, 15 Spanish team members even went on strike to protest the poor conditions dictated by their national federation. It is essential to recognize their triumph and resilience, as they battled against these unfavorable circumstances while achieving success on the field.
Unfortunately, such behavior is not uncommon in women’s soccer, where male coaches often exploit their positions of power, and federations turn a blind eye. The Spanish team’s protest and the refusal of some of their star players to participate in the World Cup until reform was implemented is both commendable and impactful. In the spirit of the U.S. women’s team, they managed to excel on the pitch while fighting for their rights.
Women’s soccer has transcended solely seeking fair wages. It has become a broader movement for equal opportunities and improved working conditions that allow players to thrive. The World Cup showcased the undeniable progress in the quality of women’s soccer, largely driven by this widespread spirit of protest.
Despite this progress, the presence of Jorge Vilda, the manager despised by many Spanish players, remains a glaring reminder of how far the game still needs to evolve. The crowd booed him before the final, and several players refrained from celebrating with him after their victory. Vilda’s stubborn tenure highlights the long journey that women’s soccer still has ahead of it.
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