Captain Olga Carmona scored the only goal as Spain beat England 1-0 to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time in an action-packed final in Sydney on Sunday.

Carmona fired her side ahead in the 29th minute and they were only denied a second when England goalkeeper Mary Earps saved a second-half penalty from Jennifer Hermoso.

Spain, who had never won a knockout game at the Women’s World Cup until this tournament and had lost 4-0 to Japan in the group phase, went ahead just before the half-hour mark.

Mariona Caldentey threaded an inch-perfect pass for defender Carmona, who came flying unmarked down the left before lashing into the bottom corner.

Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the Golden Ball for the best player. The versatile 25-year-old Barcelona star had a phenomenal tournament, playing in every game and was a cornerstone of Jorge Vilda’s side.

“I don’t have the words. I am so proud, we had a great tournament,” Bonmati told the BBC.