Clash of styles as England, Spain eye summit

SYDNEY: Women’s football will crown a first-time champion on Sunday when the ninth Women’s World Cup concludes with England and Spain, both proud footballing nations, facing off in an intriguing final in Sydney. The highly-successful tournament in Australia and New Zealand was destined to have a fresh winner from the quar-terfinals when Japan joined the United States, Germany and Norway in making a premature exit.

For all the excitement that accompanied Australia’s run to the semifinals and Japan’s brilliance in the early rounds, the consensus is that England and Spain are worthy first-time finalists.

“I think it’s going to be a brilliant game,” England captain Millie Bright enthused on Saturday.

“Two top teams coming head-to-head. And ultimately the game is about getting the ball in the back of the net and executing the game plan. So find a way to win.”

The tournament has showcased the development of the women’s game but the finalists do present a contrast in styles -- England pragmatic, ruthless, resilient and Spain displaying all the technical skill the country’s football is famed for. Agencies

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