The excitement, the shocks and many highlights of the World Cup in pictures

The Women’s World Cup has offered thrills, shocks and individual moments of brilliance during the biggest competition in its 32-year history.

The tournament, which began on July 20, drew 32 nations from Australia and New Zealand, many of whom have written their names in women’s football folklore.

Spain won the World Cup for the first time in their history after Olga Carmona’s goal proved the difference against England on Sunday in Sydney.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the images that have captured the essence of the World Cup.

Australia opened their season with a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland at a packed Sydney Football Stadium (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Georgia Stanway’s re-penalty was enough for England to beat Haiti in World Cup opener (Zac Goodwin/PA)

England’s Chloe Kelly stopped to take pictures with fans after a training session at Central Coast Stadium (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Katie McCabe (centre) scored the Republic of Ireland’s first goal at a Women’s World Cup in the 2-1 defeat by Canada (PA).Australia fans experienced a range of emotions as they watched a screening of the 3-2 Group B loss to Nigeria (Zac Goodwin/PA)However, the result was marred by an injury to Keira Walsh (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Vera Pauw’s Ireland took their first point in a draw against Nigeria (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Chinese fans gathered ahead of the Group D game against England at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide (Zac Goodwin/PA)

However, they had little to celebrate on the pitch as James (centre left) inspired England to a 6-1 win (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Republic of Ireland fans gathered in Dublin to welcome their team home (Damien Eagers/PA)

England got a boost as Walsh returned to training ahead of the knockout stages (Zac Goodwin/PA)

England fans gathered at Brisbane Stadium for the Round of 16 match against Nigeria (Zac Goodwin/PA)

The Lionesses got lucky in a thrilling encounter (Zac Goodwin/PA)

James was sent off for facing off against Nigerian Michelle Alozie (Isabel Infantes/PA).

England eventually prevailed on penalties, with Kelly scoring the winning penalty (Isabel Infantes/PA)

At home, many English fans gathered in pubs to watch the quarter-final against Colombia (Aaron Chown/PA)The Lionesses fell behind on Leicy Santos’ goal (Zac Goodwin/PA)Before Alessia Russo snatched the winner and sent England into the World Cup semi-finals for the third consecutive year (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Australia captured the hearts of the nation en route to the semi-finals on home soil (Isabel Infantes/PA)

But their run was ended by England as Hemp delivered a 3-1 win to take the Lionesses to their first World Cup final (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Spain awaits the final after beating Sweden in the semifinals (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Spain fans show their support ahead of the World Cup final (Isabel Infantes/PA)

England players take to the pitch before the final (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Lucy Bronze sits on a ball while warming up in Sydney (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Spain’s players huddle together on the pitch before kick-off (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Lauren Hemp, right, hit the crossbar in the first half (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the final in the 29th minute (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Mary Earps saves a penalty kick from Jennifer Hermoso (Zac Goodwin/PA)Lauren James saved a shot from Catalina Coll late (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Spain prevailed and won the World Cup for the first time (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Captain Carmona wins the Women’s World Championship (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Queen Letizia of Spain celebrates with the world champions (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Golden Ball winner Aitana Bonmati, left, poses next to Golden Glove winner Earps with her awards (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Salma Paralluelo was awarded the FIFA Best Young Player Award (Zac Goodwin/PA)