10 Unforgettable Moments from the Women’s World Cup
This World Cup was one that no one expected. At every turn, there was one surprise or another. And now, with a champion crowned, here are some of the most unforgettable moments of this tournament.
Alyssa Naeher’s PK
The USA/Sweden game broke the record for the longest PK shoutout in a women’s World Cup by going for seven rounds. But Alyssa Naeher set a record of her own as the first goalkeeper to ever score in a tournament like this. Ultimately it was a shootout of ups and downs for Naeher specifically, with that last Swedish goal just clearing the line.
The penalty shootout between Australia and France
Just a few days after the USA/Sweden game set that penalty kick record, Australia and France broke it. These two teams went 10 rounds of PKs, nearly neck and neck the entire time. It all came down to the very last goal from Courtnee Vine to send Australia over the top.
New Zealand’s opener
New Zealand, as a host nation, opened this tournament, and they really did so with a bang. New Zealand came out on top over Norway with a goal from Hannah Wilkinson at the top of the second half. Captain Ali Riley also showed the world what she and her team stand for with her post-game interview, sporting a Pride flag manicure.
Katie McCabe’s Olimpico
Republic of Ireland’s legendary Katie McCabe scored the first ever Olimpico goal in women’s World Cup history. This goal against Canada didn’t win them the game, but it did get everyone all over the world on their feet when it happened. This is a goal we will be talking about for years to come.
Sam Kerr’s equalizer
Australia was on the warpath in their semi-final game against England. This was the first time Sam Kerr started in the tournament, and the goal she sent in from beyond the box was absolutely stunning. Even though England answered that goal twice and came out on top, the hope that Kerr’s goal put into the Matilda’s was unforgettable.
Germany out, Morocco in
The early days of this tournament were truly unpredictable. Case in point: Germany not advancing out of the group stage, and Morocco pushing through. The images of the Moroccan team crowding around the phone, waiting for an update on the rest of their group, and the storm of emotions that followed will go down in history.
Shaw and Marta
Speaking of unexpected departures, when Jamaica advanced over Brazil, there was a lot of mixed emotions. No one wanted to see Marta leave so early in her last World Cup, but Jamaica had overcome insurmountable obstacles to even get to the tournament. And when the final whistle was blown, we got a truly moving moment between Marta and Khadija “Bunny” Shaw as they expressed gratitude for one another.
Horan’s revenge header
The game between the US and the Netherlands was heated and had more than its fair share of highlights. But perhaps the biggest one for all USWNT fans out there was Horan’s revenge goal. Minutes after being told to play nice by the ref, Horan capitalized on a corner kick in the most brutal way.
Just, Japan
It’s hard to pick just one moment from Japan’s showing, so we won’t. Keeping clean sheets and scoring multiple points in all but one game. Taking down nations ranked way higher than they are with skill and flair. This is just a huge shout-out to everything Japan did in this tournament and how far they went.
Marta Cox goal
In their last game of the group stage, Panama knew they wouldn’t be advancing to the next round, but that didn’t stop them from putting up the fight of their lives. Marta Cox slotted on in the top corner of the net off a penalty outside of the box in just the second minute of play, netting the first goal for her country all tournament. France would end up doubling their score, but Panama put up three points in that game, the most of their time in the tournament.
Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram
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