Spain's players and staff's frosty relationship continues in training
Spain’s players and their coaching staff’s frosty relationship continues in training as they prepare to face England in the Women’s World Cup Final…days after Alexia Putellas swatted away the hand of her coach after being substituted in latest conflict
- Spain booked their place in the final thanks to a dramatic 2-1 win against Sweden
- Members of the squad were spotted being put through their paces at training
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The Spanish team have been seen being put through their paces ahead of the Women’s World Cup final showdown with England on Sunday.
La Roja were the first side to book their spot in the showpiece event with a dramatic 2-1 win against Sweden on Monday.
While the Lionesses toppled hosts Australia a day later, thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
Both sides will be contesting their first final in the competition when they meet at Stadium Australia on Sunday morning.
And Spain have wasted no time in making sure they are prepared for the considerable threat of Sarina Wiegman’s side, who agonisingly beat them in the quarter-finals of the European Championship last summer.
Members of the Spain squad including star player Alexia Putellas (far right) were spotted training ahead of the clash with England
Spanish forward Mariona Caldentey looked relaxed as she went through her stretching program in Sydney on Sunday
Head coach Jorge Vilda has maintained the support of the Spanish FA, despite being the subject of a 15 player-strong mutiny
Players were put through their paces in Sydney ahead of the nations first Women’s World Cup final
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Spain’s passage to the final, which has seen them score 17 goals in the competition – more than any other team, is all the more remarkable considering the upheaval that has taken place in the camp in recent years.
From rules over bedroom doors, letters to the Spanish football federation and a player revolt involving 15 national team stars, head coach Jorge Vilda has been at the heart of all the drama.
As a result, Spain have been without Barcalona trio Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Lola Gollardo, who did not make themselves available for selection.
Considering that the three Barca stars featured for a team that dominated Liga F and won their second Champions League in three years, it’s scary to think how strong they might have been with particularly Leon and Guijarro in their roster.
These images of the squad provide no indication of whether there has been a thawing of tensions after Monday’s semi-final win.
Spain’s players also took part in sessions with the ball during Thursday’s workout in Sydney
Spain go into the final against England looking for revenge for the heartbreaking Euros loss
Jennifer Hermoso, Athenea del Castillo (left) and stopper Cata Coll (right) take part in training
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas was upset by her 57th minute substitution and slapped away the hand of one her Spanish coaches.
With the scores locked at 0-0 at the time of her removal, it was a bold choice from Vilda and though it did not resonate well with the Barcelona star it ultimately proved correct.
Spain go into Sunday’s tie looking to exact revenge against Wiegman’s side. During last summer’s Euros, England staged a stunning late comeback to keep their tournament hopes alive, with goals from Toone and Georgia Stanway in the 84th and 96th minute respectively.
Sunday will see the sides reunite hostilities as each nation bids to win their maiden Women’s World Cup crown.
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