12 Moments You Probably Missed In The Rollercoaster That Was The Women's World Cup Final

From surprise appearances to much-needed hugs.
Mary Earps #1 of England walks dejected and disappointed by the World Cup trophy with her silver medal.
Mary Earps #1 of England walks dejected and disappointed by the World Cup trophy with her silver medal.
Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos via Getty Images

The Women’s World Cup final was full of highs and lows – no matter which team you were supporting.

England’s Lionesses may have lost 1-0 to Spain’s La Roja, but even before a single player had stepped foot on the pitch, it was already going to be a historic game, as neither side had ever won the international tournament before.

This year’s championship also appears to have drawn in a whole new set of fans to the game, meaning women’s football has finally been getting some the attention it has long deserved.

Here’s a look back at some of the key moments of that final match...

1. Olga Carmona revealed her subtle tribute to her friend’s late mother after scoring the match’s only goal.

Will Murray via Getty Images

2. A protester wearing a t-shirt with the words ‘Free Ukraine’ and ‘Stop Putler’ ran onto the pitch.

Stephanie Meek - CameraSport via Getty Images

3. Goalkeeper Mary Earps became a viral gif for her... err... passion after stopping a penalty.

Dame Mary Earps. NOW. pic.twitter.com/VTXioejlvA

— Count Binface (@CountBinface) August 20, 2023

4. England’s Alex Greenwood astonished everyone by playing on – even after receiving a head injury.

NurPhoto via Getty Images

5. England’s Lucy Bronze and Bethany England fell to the ground as the final whistle blew and the Lionesses’ fate was sealed.

Zac Goodwin - PA Images via Getty Images

6. Ona Batlle from Spain comforted England’s Lucy Bronze after the match.

Future Publishing via Getty Images

7. Queen Letizia of Spain greeted England’s goalkeeper Mary Earps after their loss.

Harold Cunningham - FIFA via Getty Images

8. The world’s former no.1 tennis player, US ace Billie Jean King, made an unexpected appearance with the victors.

Maryam Majd via Getty Images

9. Spain’s Salma Paralluelo had a moment of quiet celebration on the pitch.

via Associated Press

10. A hug of condolence for England’s Millie Bright.

Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos via Getty Images

11. Social media erupted after the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after their team’s win.

She later said she “did not enjoy that”, but shortly afterwards suggested it was a “natural gesture of affection”, and that she and Rubiales have a “great relationship”.

Spanish fédération président loses control......'😮😮😮😮 pic.twitter.com/OuLV7S1GeM

— Saïd belfakir (@Sadbelfakir) August 20, 2023

12. In a moment of heartbreak, Olga Carmona found out after the match that her father had died on Friday.

She later posted on social media: “I know that you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace dad.”

Y sin saberlo tenía mi Estrella antes de que empezase el partido. Sé que me has dado la fuerza para conseguir algo único. Sé que me has estado viendo esta noche y que estás orgulloso de mí. Descansa en paz, papá 🌟❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/Uby0mteZQ3

— Olga Carmona (@7olgacarmona) August 20, 2023
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