Spain’s Women’s National Team has achieved a historic victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, advancing to the next round of the competition for the first time in their history. However, their celebration has been marred by controversy as a video circulating on social media shows the team excluding their head coach, Jorge Vilda, from the festivities. This dispute between the coach, the players, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been ongoing since last year’s Women’s EUROs.
In the quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, Spain dominated the game but struggled to score until the 81st minute when they were awarded a penalty kick. Mariona Caldentey calmly took the shot and scored, giving Spain the lead. However, the Netherlands equalized in the 91st minute, forcing the match into extra time. It was there that 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo scored the winning goal, securing Spain’s spot in the semi-finals.
Following their victory, the Spanish players were seen celebrating with each other on the pitch and in the dugout. However, a video posted on social media showed that the head coach, Jorge Vilda, was left out of the celebrations. In the clip, Vilda can be seen walking on the pitch and speaking to his team, but no one approached him.
This incident has sparked criticism from fans and raised questions about the relationship between the coach and the players. Some fans have condemned Vilda, suggesting that the team’s success is not because of him but in spite of him. They argue that if the team can achieve such historic accomplishments despite the ongoing dispute, imagine what they could achieve with a healthier environment and a competent coach.
The dispute between Vilda, the players, and the RFEF has been lingering since last year’s Women’s EUROs. After a disappointing defeat to England, 15 Spanish players sent emails to the RFEF stating that they would not be available for upcoming friendlies. While they didn’t explicitly blame the coach for their decision, it was revealed that Vilda was allegedly responsible for training issues and the management of injuries within the team.
Some players, including Mapi León, Aitaina Bonmati, Laia Aleixandri, and Patricia Guijarro, were part of the group known as ‘Las 15’. They made themselves unavailable for the Women’s World Cup selection, while Alexia Putellas spoke out in support of the stand. Bonmati ultimately rejoined the team and participated in the Women’s World Cup, where she has made valuable contributions on the field.
Despite the ongoing dispute and the tension between the coach and the players, Spain’s Women’s National Team has made history by reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time. Their next challenge will be against Sweden, who defeated Japan in the quarterfinals. The match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 15 August.
The exclusion of the head coach from the team’s celebration raises questions about the dynamics within the Spanish camp. It remains to be seen how this dispute will impact the team’s performance moving forward. The players have shown immense determination and resilience, but a harmonious environment and a united front would undoubtedly contribute to their success.
