Women’s World Cup Highlights: Best of Australia & New Zealand 2023
Spain Become First-Time Champions
Review of Past Months’ Action
The 2023 Women’s World Cup was one full of firsts. It was the first Women’s World Cup to feature 32 teams and eight teams participated for the first time. We had two first-time finalists, which meant a guaranteed first-time winner. Spain ended up becoming champions in an exciting final vs. England. Meanwhile, Sweden became the first four-time Bronze medalist. We’ll take a look at these Women’s World Cup highlights and more from the past month of action.
The Final
England and Spain sealed their first appearances in the Women’s World Cup final by defeating Australia and Sweden, respectively. England star Lauren James was suspended for England’s last two matches on the World Cup schedule. So, coach Sarina Wiegman decided to start her on the bench for Sunday’s final. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo featured in Spain’s lineup after scoring in her last two matches.
Olga Carmona, who scored the winner for Spain vs Sweden, opened up the scoring in the final as well. Mariona Caldentey found Carmona making a darting run from left back and she made no mistake in her first time finish. Spain still dominated possession after their 29th-minute goal and looked like the better team in one of the more exciting FIFA World Cup games.
They had a golden chance to take a 2-0 lead on a 69th-minute penalty. However, England GK Mary Earps saved Jenni Hermoso’s spot kick. England couldn’t find a breakthrough and Carmona’s goal was enough for Spain to celebrate their first Women’s World Cup title. Amid continuing player protests, the atmosphere between Jorge Vilda and his players was noticeably cold. In any case, it’s an incredible achievement for a team that had never won a major trophy before.
Awards
Spain’s Aitana Bonmati won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. The Barcelona midfielder was a key cog in Spain’s midfield as they finished second in the Group C FIFA Women’s World Cup standings. She starred throughout the group stage and knockout stage and scored three goals and provided two assists. She completed 95 percent of her passes in the final vs. England and was Spain’s most reliable player.
Hinata Miyazawa was part of a Japan side that were the only team to take down Spain at this Women’s World Cup. Her two goals in the 4-0 rout of Spain were one of the most memorable Women’s World Cup highlights. Despite Japan’s quarterfinals elimination at the hands of Sweden, Miyazawa was the Golden Boot winner, with five goals in five matches.
Mary Earps’ worth to England was on full display in the final. She brilliantly saved Jenni Hermoso’s penalty and conceded just four goals in seven matches. Earps is considered by many to be the best Women’s goalkeeper in the World and it’s hard to argue against that after winning the Golden Glove.
Underdogs Excel
The USA came into the tournament as two-time defending champions but failed to make it past the round of 16 for the first time ever. Sweden defeated the USWNT in penalties following a scoreless draw. While Sweden would eventually lose in the semifinals to Spain, they won a record fourth bronze medal. The Blue and Yellow beat co-hosts Australia 2-0 in the Third Place game.
Eight teams made their debut at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. They were Haiti, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Vietnam, and Zambia. Morocco managed to pick up wins vs. South Korea and Colombia to advance to the knockout stage.
Morocco’s run to the round of 16 was one of the Women’s World Cup highlights. In fact, three African teams managed to reach the knockout stage for the first time in the competition’s history. They were Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria. Even Zambia, who didn’t reach the knockout stage, managed to win a match.
Meanwhile, Colombia reached the quarterfinals for the first time and Jamaica reached the knockout stage for the first time. With so many firsts, it’s hard not to see the shift in the balance of power in Women’s soccer.
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