Spain broke English hearts with a 1-0 victory at Stadium Australia in Sydney to win their first Women's World Cup.

The Lionesses walked away empty-handed despite an inspirational campaign down under, overcoming an injury crisis to reach the pinnacle of the beautiful game. Olga Carmona's 29th-minute driven strike was enough to seal it but England had their chances, with Lauren Hemp hitting the bar and Lauren James forcing an excellent stop from Cata Coll.

It was not to be for England - and here is what you might have missed as Spain etched their name on the trophy.

Spain's rollercoaster ride to becoming World Cup winners

Spain looked like the finished article at Stadium Australia, retaining possession comfortably and holding firm to keep England out under pressure in the closing stages. However, they had to overcome adversity to win their first World Cup.

Before a ball had even been kicked down under, their hopes were thrown into turmoil. Fifteen La Roja players protested against manager Jorge Vilda, and 12 of those were left out of the World Cup squad altogether.

Then, in their third group game against Japan, they were trounced 4-0, meaning they only finished second in Group C. At that stage, chances of them lifting the trophy in Sydney looked slim. But Spain turned a negative into a positive and did not look back, coming together as a squad to go all the way and beat the high-flying Lionesses in the final.

READ MORE: England vs Spain RECAP: Heartbreak for Lionesses after World Cup final defeat

Mary Queen of Stops

Spain were awarded a penalty with 23 minutes left of normal time to play which could have all but ended English hopes of their own first World Cup win. It was a tight call but Keira Walsh was adjudged to have handled following several minutes of deliberation between the referee and VAR.

It was eventually given, and Jennifer Hermoso seemed destined to seal the deal. However, Mary Earps had other ideas. She read the Spaniard like a book, guessing the right way to keep her side in the game.

BBC commentator Robyn Cowen, who battled through a hoarse voice in the early stages, leapt at the opportunity to make a one-of-a-kind call, labelling the Manchester United stopper as 'Mary Queen of Stops'. Cowen's wordplay lifted English spirits on Twitter despite a disappointing morning for the Lionesses. And Earps was rewarded with the tournament's Golden Glove award after full-time.

Barcelona dominate the domestic and international game

Barcelona have won two of the last three UEFA Women's Champions League titles, and now their players have made a massive impact on the World Cup final. England stars Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh both play for the Spanish giants and were spotted exchanging pleasantries with their clubmates before kick-off.

However, Barcelona have an even bigger contingent in Spain's squad. Barca stars Irene Paredes, Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, Alexia Putellas, Laia Codina, María Pérez, Salma Paralluelo and Coll Lluch were all in the squad for the final, with only Pérez not making it onto the pitch.

They will again be the team to beat when club football returns – particularly with so many of their players now riding on the crest of a World Cup wave.