The Spanish federation's treatment of its female players after complaints against the manager shows the fight for equality is far from over
We can talk of small margins: Lauren Hemp’s shot hit the bar before the first goal. But ultimately, England never coped with Spain’s gameplan. Japan sat back and beat Spain 4-0 with 22 per cent of the ball by deliberately soaking up pressure and hitting a high defensive line on the break. Sarina Wiegman’s team seemed caught between two ideas, aware that countering Spain has been successful but still pressing high up the pitch.
Wiegman’s changes were decisive, but not constructive. If the aim was to stretch the play, that worked. But it gave England less control in central midfield, not more. A ragged match can suit a team that is chasing, but Spain are too savvy and too controlled to be irked for long. It is telling that the best chances of the endless stoppage time all fell to Spain. “Lionesses looked knackered” could be the three-word summary of the last 30 minutes.
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