About 75,000 fans will pack Stadium Australia in Sydney for the final of a World Cup that began with 32 teams, compared to 24 four years ago, and saw many of the favourites fall early.
SYDNEY - A Women's World Cup that has broken records on and off the pitch will reach a suitable climax on Sunday when England or Spain are crowned champions for the first time.
The exploits of the lower-ranked sides are evidence that the gap has closed significantly in international women's football, but in the end, it is two of the leading sides who will contest the final.Sarina Wiegman's England are European champions and came into the World Cup as favourites along with the United States.
Wiegman has a world-class squad to call upon, but it is the coach herself who is arguably England's biggest asset. "Having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special," the 53-year-old said after her side defied a partisan crowd to defeat co-hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday's semifinal.Wiegman is already hugely respected in her adopted country but now she is one victory away from joining Alf Ramsey, who took England to the men's title in 1966, in winning a World Cup for England.
Spain then thrashed Switzerland 5-1 and squeezed past the Netherlands and Sweden by identical 2-1 scorelines, the victory over the Dutch coming in extra time.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ruthless England beat Australia to set up World Cup final with SpainEngland now face a final on Sunday, against a dangerous Spanish side that beat Sweden 2-1 in the last four.
Read more »
England break co-hosts Australia's hearts to reach World Cup finalEngland have broken Australian hearts and in the process advanced to their first ever FIFA Women's World Cup final.
Read more »
England's Stokes ends ODI retirement ahead of Cricket World Cup
Read more »
England eye 'incredible' chance to end 57-year World Cup droughtThe Lionesses powered into Sunday's final in Sydney against Spain after a ruthless 3-1 dismantling of co-hosts Australia, with their relentless energy grinding down a Matildas side that had few answers.
Read more »
England eye 'incredible' chance to end 57-year World Cup drought
Read more »