Spanish prize

Glenn Moore reports on another groundbreaking women's tournament, as Spain overcome England to lift their first major international trophy

- Glenn Moore

Long before Ivana Andres hoisted the trophy towards the night sky in Sydney, some aspects of the Women's World Cup had become abundantly clear: the expansion to 32 teams had been fully justified, women's football is now a major revenue-generator, and the era of US hegemony is over. As for the final itself, it added another pointer: perhaps a Spanish reign of dominance is beginning.

Prior to these finals, La Roja had not won a major tournament knockout tie. Now, with that mental hurdle smashed after four in succession, culminating with their 1-0 final win over England, they could have a period of dominance like their men did after breaking through with victory at Euro 2008.

Not only is the core of the team also at Europe's leading club side, Barcelona, there is also plenty more talent coming through: in the last 12 months, Spain have also won the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups.

It may be that Spain's biggest problems will be internal, though even then the quality of the player pool may overcome the schisms between the players and the federation, as it did in New Zealand and Australia.

Spain went to the finals with a clutch of key players absent having refused to play under coach Jorge Vilda. There was more controversy after their triumph with federation boss Luis Rubiales, Vilda's protector, kissing Jennifer Hermoso inappropriately.

"I did not like that," said Hermoso afterwards, only to retract the following day via a federation statement released on her behalf. Rubiales later apologised: "I was completely wrong, I have to admit it...I have to apologise, learn from this, and understand that when you are president you have to be more careful."

Pachuca forward Hermoso had emerged as one of the key players in a team that overcame a shock 4-0 humbling by Japan to ease past Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden and England in a series of confident performances.