Greenwood plays on bandaged up after knee leaves her bloodied in World Cup final

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Greenwood plays on bandaged up after knee leaves her bloodied in World Cup final
Greenwood plays on bandaged up after knee leaves her bloodied in World Cup final

England defender Alex Greenwood played on in a bandage after a horror collision in the Women’s World Cup final.

The Manchester City defender had her head split open in an accidental collision with Spain forward Salma Paralluelo late in the second half of Sunday’s final. After a lengthy stoppage, Greenwood was attended to and bandaged up – but decided to play on, in scenes similar to former England men’s international Terry Butcher.

It came during a tense moment in the final with Sarina Weigman’s side trailing 1-0 going into the closing stages of the match. Spain took the lead as Olga Carmona fired a well-sruck effort beyond the despairing dive of Mary Earps and into England's bottom corner.

Greenwood plays on bandaged up after knee leaves her bloodied in World Cup final eiqrxiddqiddinvGreenwood had to receive treatment for several minutes following the challenge (Morgan Hancock/REX/Shutterstock)

Spain had a glorious double chance to double their lead in the second half when they were awarded a penalty kick during the second half after Keira Walsh handled the ball inside the area. However, Earps came up trumps by producing a tremendous save from Jenni Hermoso's effort.

That was a moment that kept the game alive going into the final stage of the encounter, which in truth had been dominated by Spain - who produced the best chances throughout the match and had dominated the ball. This was the first time that both nations had been in the final, and it would also mean that both nations had the opportunity to be the second to win both the men's and women's World Cup after Germany.

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Greenwood plays on bandaged up after knee leaves her bloodied in World Cup finalGreenwood had to play the remainder of the game in a head bandage (AFP via Getty Images)

The Lionesses had come close on a few occasions, with Lauren Hemp rattling the crossbar, but Spain have undeniably been the more dominant of the two teams and could consider themselves unfortunate not to have been leading the game by more goals.

England goalkeeper Earps has been called into action and done well to keep the score at just 1-0, pulling off some fine stops. The frame of the goal has also come to the rescue of Weigman's side – who found themselves hanging on for most of the clash.

Greenwood plays on bandaged up after knee leaves her bloodied in World Cup finalGreenwood was ushered off by teammates - but after concussion protocol was followed, carried on (Getty Images)

England had done themselves proud through the tournament and had advanced through to the final following knockout victories over Nigerian, Colombia and host nation Australia. Spain - whom they edged out in dramatic circumstances of the European Championships quarter-final last year - proved to be a level up.

Colin Millar

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