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That’s all she wrote!

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The GIST: Spain overpowered England 1–0 in yesterday’s thrilling WWC final, a feat all the more impressive considering La Roja’s ongoing protest of the Royal Spanish Football Federation and head coach Jorge Vilda.

How it happened: Spain’s all-star possession was on full display, passing circles triangles around the Lionesses. And in the 29th minute, La Roja launched a deft counter-attack as 23-year-old captain Olga Carmona made a dazzling run up the left flank before scoring the lone goal of the match.

• England didn’t go quietly though, and had a few second-half chances to equalize. Momentum swung massively on their side when goalkeeper Mary Earps made a tremendous, f-bomb worthy penalty kick save, but the Lionesses couldn’t capitalize.

• Notably, Spain is now the first team to ever hold the under-17, under-20, and WWC titles at the same time.

Off the field: Last September, 15 Spanish players asked not to be named to the national team until certain changes were made, accusing their federation of fostering an unprofessional work environment that had an “important effect on [their] emotional state and by extension [their] health.”

• Players cited stressful travel arrangements as well as overbearing coaches. Though he was not named outright in the players’ requests, the federation doubled down on their support for Vilda and demanded the players apologize.

• Three of those 15 players were eventually named to the WWC roster, but a handful made the ultimate sacrifice to fight for a better football future.

What’s next: It’s unclear. Players (understandably) weren’t too keen to speak about their ongoing protest after the game. It’s unlikely that Vilda will lose his job after the team just won their first WWC title (and after the federation made their stance clear on social media), but the fractures remain apparent and unresolved. Rooting for the players, always.

The GIST: From jaw-dropping Cinderella runs to a home country that forever changed the game Down Under to a few legends taking the WWC pitch for one last time, this year’s tourney more than delivered on memorable moments.

• Here’s a recap of the last month, by the numbers:

5: The number of goals No. 11 Japan midfielder Hinata Miyazawa netted to win the Golden Boot, the prize awarded to the highest scoring player of the tournament. An impressive showing, and a testament to the WWC’s parity that the Golden Boot–winner was ousted in the quarter-finals.

30: As in 30K, the record-setting average attendance per match — just one of the historic crowd numbers seen throughout the tournament. But no one watches women’s sports, right?

32: Speaking of parity, this year marked the first time the women’s tourney expanded to 32 teams, an expansion critics feared would lead to lopsided results but instead provided for outstanding on pitch results…and revenue.

330: In millions, the pay gap that remains between the men’s and women’s tournaments. Maybe equal pay is behind this door?

339: The number of days until the women’s soccer group stage begins at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Magnifique.

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⚽ Two words: Lionel Messi. On Saturday, the GOAT led Inter Miami CF to the Leagues Cup title — his 44th (!!!) career trophy — scoring his 10th goal in seven matches during the penalty shootout dub.

🎾 American Coco Gauff claimed the Cincinnati Open women’s singles title yesterday, making her the first teen to win the tournament in more than 50 years, while Serbian Novak Djokovic won the men’s title in three sets.

🏌️ Yesterday, on her 19th birthday, American Alexa Pano secured her first LPGA victory, winning the ISPS Handa World Invitational after a three-way playoff. HBD, indeed.

⛳ Norwegian Viktor Hovland shot a final round course-record 61 at the BMW Championship yesterday, setting up what’s sure to be a thrilling conclusion at next weekend’s FedEx Cup playoffs event, the Tour Championship.

🏃 American Noah Lyles won the men’s 100m at the World Athletics Championships yesterday, racing to a 9.83 second finish — the fastest of his career. Blink and you’ll miss him.

♠️ The reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces saw their 21-game home win streak come to an end with Saturday’s 78–72 loss to the LA Sparks. Didn’t see that one coming.

⚾ Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez is on fire. J-Rod recorded 17 hits in four games, breaking an MLB record that had stood since 1925.

Trying to dodge that heavy, bloaty feeling after going too hard at the concession stand? Corona Premier can help: It has that classic, smooth Corona taste while still being actually light. A vibe so high, even the Oakland A’s will feel like winners.

The WWC may be over, but there’s still so much women’s soccer to come. With fútbol fever at an all-time high, which upcoming women’s soccer event are you most excited about? Vote below, or reply to this email and let us know. Options: NWSL championship, NCAA soccer, National Team friendlies, Paris 2024 Olympics

On Friday, we asked who you thought would win the WWC third-place match. 68% of GISTers voted Australia and 32% voted for the bronze medalists Sweden.