CHRISTIAN RADNEDGE in SYDNEY: Football history will be registered in all directions when Spain meet England in the FIFA Women’s Cup Final in Sydney on Sunday.

Neither side have ever reached the final before so a new name is certain to follow that of outgoing titleholders United States into the roll of honour after the most hyped and successful tournament in its 32 years.

Spain reached the final by defeating Sweden 2-1 on Tuesday while England’s Lionesses, semi-finalists in both 2013 and 2019, were deserving 3-1 winners over cohosts Australia in front of a raucous 75,784 crowd in Sydney.

The first all-European final since 2003 is unchartered territory for both sets of players but England coach Sarina Wiegman will make history as the first coach to lead two different countries to the final; she led her native Netherlands to a runners-up finish in 2019. 

Wiegman’s record is remarkable. England have lost only once in 38 matches since she took charge two years ago.

Midfielder Ella Toone provided England with a first-half lead but fit-again Sam Kerr equalised with a magnificent solo striker just after the hour. Hemp and Russo then silenced the home fans with ruthless strikes in the closing 20 minutes.

The Lionesses may see less of the ball against technically proficient Spain. The Spanish dominated possession against Sweden in their semi-final in Brisbane and have former Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas in fine form, having missed the Euros last year through injury, in their midfield. 

However, England are high on confidence thanks to the attacking pairing of Russo and Hemp. The duo both scored in the 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia as well as in defeat of Australia when Hemp was official player of the match.

In the final England will have the luxury option of being able to replace either off the bench with Euro final hero Chloe Kelly. They will also have Lauren James available after suspension.

But England are not the only team in the final capable of a dramatic, match-winning finale. Spain demonstrated their own explosive potential in victory over Sweden in Auckland.

A game of few chances had sparked into life when substitute Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead with 10 minutes remaining. When Swedish levelled through Rebecka Blomqvist the duel appeared to be heading for extra-time.

But then Spanish captain Olga Carmona scored an 89th-minute winner to spark wild scenes of jubilation – and book their plane tickets for Sydney.

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