'We want to celebrate together', Spain coach stonewalls on boycott ahead of World Cup final

SYDNEY : Spain coach Jorge Vilda on Saturday declined to answer questions about the mutiny in his squad earlier this year and said his team were united, having fun and determined to win their country a first Women's World Cup.

La Roja's run to the final against England on Sunday is all the more remarkable given that a dozen of their top players did not travel Down Under after they withdrew from the national squad in a row over team culture.

"Next question, please," was Vilda's terse response to the first attempt by reporters to tease an answer out of him on the issue.

Further attempts to approach the matter were parried by the 42-year-old but he was prepared to share some thoughts about the mood in the camp.

"From the very beginning, the players have been united and they've been working hard," he said.

"I believe that today will be the 65th training session and all of them have gone very well. And that's been reflected by what's happened on the pitch.

"It's been extraordinary. They will have memories for the rest of their lives, they've enjoyed it, they've had fun. We've been together and tomorrow we want to celebrate together."

Centre half Irene Paredes was one of a trio of senior players who spoke out in support of the mutineers but were later reintegrated into the squad and she echoed the coach's words about the unity in the camp.

"It is a team," she said. "It has evolved over the last few years with veteran players and young players playing their part.

"We have confidence in ourselves, and we work very hard. And that's given us the opportunity to be able to play in the final tomorrow."

Paredes said they had been heartened by messages of support from back home and hoped that their run to the final would cement a