This international break was different for most, with numerous major competitions around the corner. The USWNT prepares for Olympic and World Cup Qualification, with European nations getting their best rosters ready for the Euros in mid-July. Teams are looking for a status check regarding how prepared they are for the upcoming matches. Based on the goals we saw over the weekend, we can expect some fantastic soccer around the world this summer. Let’s take a look at the best women’s soccer goals from the international break.
5. Sophia Smith – USWNT
.@sophsssmith's second of the evening, and FIFTH of 2022! pic.twitter.com/WclxMx2T2w
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 26, 2022
Sophia Smith scoring for the USWNT is becoming a common theme that we all can get used to. Every great team needs a bonafide goal scorer and Smith seems primed to take that role from Alex Morgan sometime in the future.
The finish was superb but the pass from Rose Lavelle was just as nice. Lavelle had a tight window to fit the ball into and perfectly slid it into the path of Smith. Considering how well Colombia’s keeper had been playing, Smith did well to slot the ball into the far corner and the USWNT never looked back after that.
4. Ella Toone – England
It was @ellatoone99 with England's third! 🙌
Watch the #Lionesses live on @ITV4. pic.twitter.com/PHC0kX1fUa
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 24, 2022
England looked fantastic against the Netherlands, scoring five goals with relative ease. Their third of the night came from Manchester United player Ella Toone who showed off a great piece of technique.
Toone does well to fight off the defender, create space and then go for the curler. The ball had a ton of curve as it went outside the post and back in. However, the power made it seem like it could’ve been saved. The keeper will be kicking herself for not being able to keep the ball out.
It’s the accuracy from Toone that gets her the goal, and it shows how dangerous England can be with the number of options they have.
3. Lucy Bronze – England
What A Goal From Lucy Bronze 🔥pic.twitter.com/UBM6l1RZMq
— Barça Femení (@BarcaFem) June 24, 2022
Lucy Bronze has been in the news a lot due to her recent signing with FC Barcelona. One of the best right-backs in the world followed up this news with a great goal for which she might not take too much credit.
Bronze made one of her trademark overlapping runs down the right flank and then looked to put a ball into the far post. However, the cross was so perfect that instead of finding a teammate, the ball drifted into the top corner.
Everything went right for England in this game, and as hosts of the Euros, their luck is likely to continue heading into the competition.
2. Lauren Hemp – England
Gracing your morning timeline with @lauren__hemp's perfect technique 🤌
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 25, 2022
Lauren Hemp is one of bright young stars that England has on their roster. At just 21 years of age, Hemp’s technique is on par with some of the best in the world, as seen with this goal.
Initially it seemed the scoring chance was gone until the ball popped out to Hemp. The forward had to react quickly after the defender scuffed the clearance and Hemp didn’t wait for the ball to drop. Hemp hit it on the volley, knee over the ball and the end result is a beautiful strike that ends up in the far corner.
That’s world class from Lauren Hemp, who is only going to get better as her career plays out.
1. Debinha – Brazil
Debinha equalises for Brazil! What a solo goal pic.twitter.com/fLMoWxRiuh
— 6_hedonist (@6_hedonist) June 24, 2022
Debinha is one of the best in the world and there are times where she just takes matters into her own hands. With Brazil trailing, Debinha supplied a spectacular equalizer, taking on multiple players all on her own. Debinha is one of the few players in the world capable of making something out of nothing.
When a player is on the byline they are looking to cross the ball 99% of the time but Debinha used her strength and touch to beat the first defender and then fooled the second by cutting inside to create space for the shot. Debinha still needed to beat the keeper on the near post and managed to get enough power on the shot to do it. Another day, another incredible goal from Debinha.
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