After England’s second-place finish at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, coach Sarina Wiegman expressed her feelings about the loss and her hope for the future. Despite the disappointment, Wiegman acknowledged the team’s journey and achievements.
“It’s tough right now. We faced a lot of challenges and gave our all. It’s really disheartening,” said the Dutch coach, adding that although it doesn’t feel like it at the moment, they can be proud of themselves.
“We were so close,” she mentioned. The team struggled to control the ball in the first half, prompting a change in tactics in the second half. The coach believed that the switch to a 4-3-3 formation improved their play.
Even though England’s goalkeeper, Mary Earps, saved a crucial penalty, the team couldn’t overcome Olga Carmona’s decisive goal. Wiegman remarked, “I thought we’d equalize after the penalty save.”
This was the second time a team under Wiegman reached the World Cup final. She led the Dutch team to the final in 2019, where they lost to the United States. She highlighted that the two finals were different.
Wiegman mentioned the upcoming challenges, saying, “We have a short turnaround, starting with matches in September to qualify for the Olympics. We want continuous improvement.”
The coach praised the team’s determination, explaining, “These players are hungry for success. Every moment is an opportunity for growth. The team values progress.”
-IANS
