Spain and England are just one win away from being immortalised in women’s football history.

The two nations will contest the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final on Sunday (20 August) at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Spain were the first side to book their spot in the final, having won their maiden semi-final against an experienced Swedish side.

All three goals in their 2-1 victory came in the final 10 minutes – Salma Paralluelo opened the scoring late on for what looked to be a late winner.

Moments later, however, second-half substitute Rebecka Blomqvist’s sublime cushioned finish got Sweden back on level terms.

Their joy was short-lived, as a routine short corner saw Olga Carmona unleash a thunderous strike from range to fire La Roja into their first-ever final.

They will now face England, with the Lionesses also appearing in their first final at a Women’s World Cup.

Sarina Wiegman’s side faced co-hosts Australia in the semi-final, with a sensational Ella Toone goal opening the score in the first half.

Sam Kerr equalised after the interval with arguably one of the goals of the tournament, but Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo both got on the scoresheet to secure safe passage into the final for the English.

Ahead of Sunday’s main event, here is the head-to-head history between these two sides..

England and Spain have met 11 times in women's football internationals prior to the 2022 Women's World Cup final  - and the Lionesses will be enthused by the knowledge that they hold the advantage with six victories, the last coming just over a year ago.

Spain have won just two, while three draws have been contested.

Spain vs England
Games played: 11

Spain wins: 2

England wins: 6

Draws: 3

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: What happened last time the two met?
The last time these two met was also at a major international tournament. Rewind just over a year ago, the pair descended on the south coast of England, Brighton to be specific, to contest the European Championship quarter-final.

Esther Gonzalez’s strike just before the hour mark gave Spain the lead, and just when it looked as though they might grind out the victory, super-subs Alessia Russo and Ella Toone combined for Toone to socre and pull England level with minutes to go. The game headed into extra time and it was Georgia Stanway’s thumping effort from range that gave the Lionesses the advantage, and sent them through to the semi-finals. England went on to win the Euros crown.

If that game is anything to go by, this match-up on the world’s biggest stage is set to be a show-stopping spectacle.

Source: online

BDST: 0951 HRS, AUG 20, 2023
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