Spain Triumphs Over Sweden Amidst Sexism Scandal Fallout
Spain’s World Cup-winning women’s team marked their return to the soccer field with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sweden in Gothenburg. This match was their first appearance since their historic Women’s World Cup win in Australia last month. The triumphant return, however, was overshadowed by a recent sexism scandal involving former Spanish soccer federation president, Luis Rubiales, who had kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the World Cup awards ceremony.
In the lead-up to the match, players, the federation, and government mediators engaged in intensive negotiations to address the controversy. This effort culminated in an agreement that Spain’s players believe will initiate substantial reform within the beleaguered federation and mark a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality.
Despite the distractions and scrutiny, Spain displayed resilience reminiscent of their off-field battle, overcoming a deficit to secure victory with a late penalty by Mariona Caldentey. The victory was celebrated as a testament to their unity and determination.
Before kickoff, players from both teams displayed a banner reading “Se Acabo” (“this is over”), emphasizing their commitment to the global fight for gender equality.
Spain’s star player, Alexia Putellas, led the team as captain, with seven starters from the World Cup final. Jenni Hermoso was notably absent from the lineup, as a measure to protect her during this tumultuous period.
Spain’s next match, as world champions, will be against Switzerland on Tuesday. Meanwhile, three national team players have been summoned as witnesses in the ongoing investigation into Luis Rubiales’s controversial kiss, highlighting the continued fallout from the scandal. Additionally, the Spanish soccer federation has made organizational changes in response to player demands and the boycott that followed the incident.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The score
