SYDNEY, Aug 19 (Reuters) - 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.
For all the excitement that accompanied Australia's run to the semi-finals 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.
"This was a game we know were on top of, but it's the result that counts," said Spain coach Jorge Vilda.
Our team has evolved, our team has grown in this World Cup and mentally we've taken a step up."
Persons:
Australia's, Millie Bright, Aitana Bonmati, Salma Paralluelo, Lauren James, Lauren, England's standouts, Jorge Vilda, Sarina Wiegman, Wiegman, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford
Organizations:
SYDNEY, Japan, England, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Thomson
Locations:
England, Spain, Sydney, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Germany, Norway, Japan, Nigeria, Brighton