WWC final: England and Spain routes to the decider

There will be a new name on the trophy as England and Spain battle it out for the right to be crowned World Cup champions.

It hasn't been plain sailing for either, but they're in the showpiece - and here's how they got there.

SPAIN

Solid start ended emphatically by Japan

Spain cruised through their opening two group games, with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica followed by a 5-0 drubbing of Zambia which safely secured a passage through to the knockout stages. But, in their final group game came a surprise 4-0 loss to Japan, with three first-half goals preceding Mina Tanaka's 82nd-minute effort.

After eight goals in two games, conceding none, few would have predicted such a comprehensive loss for Spain in their final group game. The defeat prompted changes, the most notable of which was goalkeeper Cata Coll replacing Misa Rodriguez.

Switzerland brushed aside

Switzerland next up looked a tougher challenge but they were no match for the Spaniards, who scored five on their way to victory. Aitana Bonmati's opener five minutes into the contest was cancelled out in unbelievable fashion when Laia Codina's backpass rifled past Coll to make it 1-1.

But Spain's procession resumed with three more first-half goals, with Alba Redondo and Bonmati breaking through, before Codina put one into the right net. Jennifer Hermoso added a fifth to secure victory in style.

Extra-time for Netherlands

The quarter-finals threw up a tricky tie against the Netherlands, who had scored 11 goals prior to this game, and Spain had to work to ensure their place in the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Dominating possession and attempts, Spain battered down the Dutch door and looked like they had their all-important winner in the 81st minute when