FootyPop: Spain Women’s Soccer Players Triumph in First-Ever World Cup Win!
The World Cup officially wrapped up this week, naming Spain champions! From the tournament and its aftermath to USWNT players returning to their NWSL teams and more, here’s this past week’s women’s soccer news!
High of the Weekend
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Spain are Women’s World Cup champions for the first time ever! Olga Carmona scored the winning goal in the first half, and England wasn’t able to recover after that.
Spain has had a tumultuous year, between injuries, players rejecting the team after head coach Jorge Vilda didn’t step down, and other setbacks. It’s bittersweet but great to see the team succeed amidst so much adversity and challenge.
Low of the Weekend
For Luis Rubiales to do this to Jenni Hermoso during the proudest moment of her career, stood next to Spain's royal family, and with the world's media watching, makes me sick. The complete audacity. Reminder that this is the leader of a federation that failed to back its players https://t.co/vvCukW1ERq
— Molly McElwee (@molly_mcelwee) August 20, 2023
Luis Rubiales, president of the Spain football federation, kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips while handing out gold medals to each player. He gave a hug and kissed each other player on the cheek.
The incident is receiving widespread criticism, although Hermoso downplayed what happened in her statement, and initially, Rubiales defended his actions.
It was unacceptable for the circumstances and should not be tolerated within Spain’s football federation; however, we could be starting to see a pattern of inappropriate behavior that is swept under the rug within Spain’s women’s national team.
News of the Weekend
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Australian gov’t says they’ll invest $200 million in women’s sports! Australia had a fantastic run this World Cup, proving they’re up there with the best teams in the world. It’s not a surprise the country would want to capitalize on the success of this tournament and the Matildas!
Win of the Weekend
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Aitana Bonmati deservedly won the Golden Ball for her standout performances throughout the tournament! Bonmati will be back in action for FC Barcelona, which is where you can watch her play during the league season.
Goal of the Weekend
Watching this unreal @messiah_bright goal on repeat 🔁 pic.twitter.com/9aYijy6sJj
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 20, 2023
Messiah Bright is something else. She should be in Rookie of the Year contention if she keeps on scoring goals like these!
Assist of the Weekend
62': Ashley Sanchez enters the game
63': Ashley Sanchez scores a goalThe @WashSpirit take the lead in Houston! 👏 pic.twitter.com/9qcwnglJV5
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 20, 2023
This assist to Ashley Sanchez by Ouleye Sarr is just ridiculous. The backheel pass is perfectly weighted and timed and Sanchez wasted no time firing the ball near post into the net.
Player of the Weekend
23-year-old Hinata Miyazawa takes home the @FIFAWWC Golden Boot ⚽️
Wonder if any clubs will snatch this Japanse ⭐️ up soon? pic.twitter.com/FmmDuIRnkH
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) August 20, 2023
Hinata Miyazawa, the 23-year-old from Japan, takes home the Golden Boot. Japan didn’t make it past the quarterfinals, but no other player was able to catch Miyazawa’s four goals.
Team of the Weekend
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Portland Thorns beat the North Carolina Courage after receiving a red card early into the game. Sophia Smith subbed on and reminded everyone how insanely good she is at scoring goals, snagging a brace to give the Thorns the W.
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It was also Megan Klingenbergs 150th appearance in the NWSL!
Signing of the Weekend
Barcelona are on the verge of signing Dutch starlet Esmee Brugts, per @MariaTikas 🇳🇱🌟 pic.twitter.com/blYSni1pJe
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) August 21, 2023
Barcelona is close to signing 20 year old Dutch star Esmee Brugts. Brugts scored twice against Vietnam in the group stage, and stood out as one of the younger players ot watch on the world stage.
What to Look Forward To
The UEFA Women’s Nations League starts one month from today ✨
We’re in for some exciting fixtures:
Scotland v. England
Belgium v. Netherlands
Ireland v. Northern Ireland
Spain v. Sweden🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/HXEkKKuW8E
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) August 21, 2023
UEFA Women’s Nations League starts in a month!
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