Sydney, Aug 21 (IANS): After Olga Carmona's decisive goal ensured a victory over the European champions in the World Cup final, Spanish manager Jorge Vilda expressed that the challenges faced were well worth it.

"I am very happy that we are champions of the world," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua. "I've always said that if all the suffering was necessary to become world champions, it would be worth it."

"We were playing like Spain," he praised. "They feel that they know they're capable of playing like this, and they were extraordinary, not just for today but throughout the two months."

In their first-ever final, Spain etched their name in history by winning the Women's World Cup. "The only way to achieve success is by working, working, working. That's how we've achieved it," Vilda emphasised.

Reflecting on the 4-0 group stage loss to Japan, Vilda acknowledged it as a "turning point" for the team. "We changed the players, and they became mentally much stronger. I believe that has been one of the reasons we reached and won the final."

"We should have had a bit more patience," Vilda noted, highlighting that Spain's journey to success was a long-term effort. "In Spain, we have clubs, territorial federations, and the national team collaborating with a unified methodology. We've maintained this approach for over 15 years. Given that this work spans many years and involves countless individuals, we're profoundly proud and content."

"The success belongs to the players," he remarked. "I feel immensely proud of my team, not just those present at the World Cup but everyone who participated in the qualification rounds and training camps."