Spain have made history by advancing to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, something which the country hasn’t ever achieved. In addition, they also managed to keep their first ever clean sheet at a Women’s World Cup.
Two stats that reflect the state of where Spain are at. La Roja only qualified for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015, where in qualifying stages they won nine out of ten matches. Meaning, this is just the country’s second World Cup, their competitive tournament record isn’t as strong as the men’s national team for many reasons.
Spain haven’t ever qualified for an Olympic games either, despite their strong team filled with players from FC Barcelona (10) and Atletico Madrid (5). There is just one who plays football outside of Spain and that is the central defender Irene Parades, who’s at Paris Saint-Germain.
The standard is starting to rise domestically, which in turn will only help the national team. Last season, it was Barcelona who became the first Spanish team to reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League final. For them to advance out of the group stage at France 2019 is a reflection on just how far this country is progressing.
Long may it continue.
