SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 20: The Spain team celebrate with the winners’ trophy during the FIFA … [+]
After a month and 64 matches, the FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to an end with La Roja’s players etching their names in golden letters as the new champions of the world.
Here are 5 moments that marked this World Cup.
5- Sweden Eliminating USA
The USWNT is consistently viewed as the clear favorite to grab the FIFA Women’s World Cup title. This perception remained unchanged leading up to the 2023 edition.
With the emerging youngsters like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma backed by the experiences of Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Kelley O’Hara and Lindsey Horan, the U.S national team appeared well-equipped to secure a spot in the final in Sidney on August 20.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 6: goalkeeper Zecira Musovic of Sweden and Sophia Smith of USA … [+]
However, they encountered a formidable Swedish defense and an indomitable Zećira Mušović on their journey. Their dream of achieving a three-peat was shattered as three missed penalties from Rapinoe, Smith, and O’Hara dashed their hopes.
4- Morocco’s Round of 16 Qualification
In 8 previous editions of the Women’s World Cup, we were yet to watch a team from the Arab world make it to the World stage.
For the 2023 edition, Morocco decided that it was time for a change. Not only did they become the first Arab team to play and score at the Women’s World Cup, they went on and won two of their three group-stage to book a place in the Round of 16 where they faced and lost to a familiar face, France.
3- Marta Cox Scoring For Panama Vs. France
Netting your country’s first ever World Cup goal in history is a dream for many players.
Scoring that goal from a 36-meters stunning free-kick makes it all the more special. Cox immediately burst into tears as she dedicated the goal to her recently deceased mother.
The Panamanian captain’s goal was the earliest goal ever conceded by France in major competitions (World Cup, Euros, Olympics).
2- Australia Vs. France – Penalty Kicks Session
Watching this never-ending session was a nightmare for both teams’ fans, but football fans did indeed enjoy it.
20 shots in total. 10 per team. 7 scored by the Matildas versus 6 scored by Les Bleues.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 12: Players of Australia celebrate their side’s victory in the penalty … [+]
Australia booked a place in the semi-finals for the first time in the history of their Women’s World Cup participation.
Les Bleues were hoping to reach the final four round for the first time since 2011 but MacKenzie Arnold had other plans. She stopped 3 of France’s 10 penalties.
1-Spain Winning Their First World Cup
In 2010, Andres Iniesta scored Spain’s winning goal against the Netherlands and offered his country its first ever World Cup trophy.
13 years later, it was Olga Carmona’s turn to write her name on the score sheet of a World Cup final, leading the Spaniards to their second World Cup triumph. A first for the Women’s team.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 20: Alexia Putellas of Spain (L) celebrates the World Cup with her … [+]
After a complicated year for the national team from an off-the-field point of view, this comes as a reward for Irene Paredes and her teammates.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/assiletoufaily/2023/08/20/moments-to-remember-from-the-2023-fifa-womens-world-cup/