Spain women's coach Jorge Vilda criticised the behaviour of suspended federation chief Luis Rubiales on Saturday after 81 players went on strike and the majority of his coaching staff offered to resign.

"What we saw was an unacceptable gesture... and the apology he made is insufficient," Sanchez told a news conference when asked about the controversy over the unsolicited kiss

Spain put aside months of turmoil and division to claim their first Women's World Cup title on Sunday, overcoming a player revolt that saw La Roja lose some of their best talent even before the tournament had kicked off.

Coach Jorge Vilda was derided as a control freak who was not up to the job, but he has now made history by taking Spain to their first Women's World Cup crown.

 Captain Olga Carmona gave Spain a 1-0 lead over England at halftime in the Women's World Cup final on Sunday.

History will be made at the Women's World Cup on Sunday when England and Spain clash in the final in Sydney with both bidding to win the tournament for the first time.

Spain's chances coming into the Women's World Cup seemed to hinge on the fitness of Alexia Putellas but they have enjoyed a remarkable run to the final despite their star player struggling to make an impact.

Olga Carmona's stunning late strike gave Spain a 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday to propel them into the Women's World Cup final for the first time in their history.

Aitana Bonmati played a starring role with a brace and two assists as Spain crushed Switzerland 5-1 at Eden Park on Saturday to march into the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup for the first time in their history.

Former Spain international David Silva announced his retirement on Thursday, days after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in pre-season training with his club Real Sociedad.

Former Barcelona and Inter Milan midfielder Luis Suarez the only male footballer born in Spain to win the Ballon D'Or died at the age of 88 on Sunday.

The 53-year-old, who had been a free agent since being sacked as Spain coach last December, replaces Christophe Galtier after his departure from the club was confirmed earlier in the day.

His biggest success came with Spain, winning 110 caps and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, while providing the assist for the extra-time winner in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.

The Spaniard's fifth title of the season moves him back ahead of 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has quelled the doubts around him by leading his country to Nations League glory and ending a decade-long trophy drought.

Spain midfielder Rodri was named the UEFA Nations League's Player of the Tournament after his side edged Croatia 5-4 in a penalty shootout at the Feyenoord Stadium on Sunday.

Spain had not won a trophy for over a decade since they triumphed at Euro 2012, and crashed out of the World Cup in Qatar last year in the last 16

La Roja snatched a late winner through Joselu after Italy's Ciro Immobile cancelled out Yeremy Pino's opening goal.

Yeremy Pino sent La Roja ahead after three minutes but Ciro Immobile netted from the penalty spot to level and the game seemed destined for extra-time before Joselu prodded home from point-blank range to win it.

Roberto Mancini's side take on Spain in Enschede, the Netherlands on Thursday.