As the England players slowly made their way round the pitch to say thank you to the fans who have supported the team over the last month, that was the sad reality of the loss Spain who also had a penalty saved during the game.
But as the Lionesses greeted the crowd, the Spanish team celebrated on the stage – with the Queen of Spain very much part of them, after all it is their first World Cup triumph.
England had reached this World Cup final by repeatedly overcoming adversity. Every problem and obstacle they had faced, they had navigated. But papering over cracks can only work for so long. Spain, the best footballing team in the world, ripped off the bandage that had kept England’s World Cup dream alive.
When Olga Carmona put them ahead in the 29th minute, the Lionesses could not find a way back. Mary Earps’ second half penalty save from Jenni Hermoso, which briefly looked as if it could be a turning point, could not spark England into life.
They were beaten by a better team and that will hurt. It will hurt for manager Sarina Wiegman, who has now lost back-to-back World Cup finals. [It will hurt Lucy Bronze, who had so desperately wanted to lift the one trophy that had evaded her.
It will hurt Millie Bright, who had given everything to be fit in time to lead her country at this tournament. It will hurt every member of this squad who may wonder whether this was the best chance they will ever get at winning football’s greatest prize.
