FootyPop: Can We Talk About the Matildas?!
This week is the week. A first-time World Cup champion will be crowned. We can all return to our normal sleep schedules. Our game-induced stress can return to healthy levels. Australia, England, Spain, and Sweden are slated for the semis, and the final is scheduled for early Sunday morning. The past week saw some incredible, record-breaking action–pretty much as usual nowadays with the rate this sport is growing! Great goals, suspenseful shootouts, epic saves, and more. Get caught up with the past week’s women’s soccer news here!
High of the Weekend
The Matildas have overtaken the Socceroos in terms of Instagram followers!
📰: https://t.co/ojK1pjc989 #FIFAWWC #DubAtTheCup #Matildas pic.twitter.com/33IopnOTVU
— KEEPUP (@keepupau) August 13, 2023
Can we talk about the Matildas?! They’ve made it to the semifinals as tournament hosts! They’ve broken Australian viewership records and wildly surpassed the Socceroos (the men’s team) on Instagram by over 150k, and growing!
Mesmerised by the #FIFAWWC… even in the skies ✈️
This is the power of football ❤️#FootballUnitesTheWorld pic.twitter.com/9PkVBo6WA4
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) August 12, 2023
First, they are such a humble team. Yes, of course, they have Sam Kerr. But while she was out with an injury, the team has really melded together and created something extraordinary. They’re not just built around a star–the Matildas are a total team. Will they be able to take their success to the end of the line and become first-time World Cup champions?
Low of the Weekend
View this post on Instagram
Lauren James, the 21-year-old breakout star for the Lionesses, committed a red card offense against Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie. While James and Alozie made peace over social media, it’s still a shame to see such a young, promising player be reckless and disrespectful during a game.
Additionally, she received a two-match ban, whereas other players with similar offenses received harsher penalties. This means James will be available if England makes it to the World Cup final.
News of the Weekend
The @FIFAWWC final ball is here! 🤩⚽️@adidasfootball has unveiled the OCEAUNZ FINAL which will be used for the semi-finals and final 👏
Former Matilda @EllysePerry and @premierleague legend @IanWright0 unveiled the ball at Sydney Harbour.#FIFAWWC #DubAtTheCup pic.twitter.com/80wLnJKxyF
— KEEPUP (@keepupau) August 13, 2023
FIFA revealed the match ball for the semifinals and the finals! It has a stunning design.
Regular season loading…😏⏳#NCAASoccer x 🎥 @uncwomenssoccer
pic.twitter.com/B38FyCzASo— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) August 13, 2023
In college soccer news, pre-season has begun, and before we even know it, the regular season will have started! Last season, UCLA took home the College Cup title, with the University of North Carolina coming in second.
Stay tuned on our social media and website for more college soccer content!
Fail of the Weekend
the difference is crazy pic.twitter.com/7dVkTTg5Uz
— ً (@captainmorganfc) August 11, 2023
The USWNT’s exit from the World Cup was disappointing and shocking, to say the least. Some players from rival teams have been supportive of the USA, the number-one-ranked team in the world, while others… not so much. Lineth Beerensteyn of the Netherlands made a harsh comment about the USWNT’s World Cup performance. The Netherlands proceeded to lose to Spain in overtime. Coincidence? We think not.
Game of the Weekend
what a nice 30 second clip to sum up the most stressful 30 minutes of my lifepic.twitter.com/vZZT5gRleQ
— 🐢 (@captpress) August 12, 2023
The Australia vs. France penalty shootout broke USWNT vs. Sweden’s record for the longest-ever PK shootout. It was super stressful, so many players on the field, so many goals, so many saved shots.
Save of the Weekend
Despite missing her own shootout penalty (!), Mackenzie Arnold was Australia's hero as they beat France (0–0, 7–6 on pens) to reach the #FIFAWWC semis:
🧤 5 saves
📥 3 saved shots from inside the box
🛑 3 penalty shootout saves
📈 9.1 Sofascore rating👏👏#AUSFRA pic.twitter.com/iVKEZcFuPI
— Prince Follows (@princebo123) August 12, 2023
Australia’s keeper, Mackenzie Arnold, played a heck of a match against France. She showed up huge during the penalty shootout, saving three shots and keeping Australia alive for the semifinals!
Goal of the Weekend
Teenage dreams are hard to beat, 19 year old Salma Paralluelo has kept a dream alive.
📸FIFA pic.twitter.com/OSMPbuT25p
— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) August 11, 2023
Salma Paralluelo is queuing up to be the next big thing. At 19 years old, the composure she has to slot this ball into the net is impressive. Can’t wait to see her progress.
Player of the Weekend
Chloe Kelly’s penalty was more powerful than any Premier League goal last season. [@MailSport]
Her penalty was hit at 111km/h, with the most powerful Premier League goal being 107.2km/h from Saïd Benrahma against Crystal Palace 🎯 #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/TDzZ8zCdAD
— Fanzine Women's World Cup (@FanzineWSL) August 8, 2023
During the quarterfinal penalty shootout between England and Nigeria, Chloe Kelly put home the winning PK. And not only that, she did so at a record speed. Her shot clocked in at roughly 69 mph–the most powerful at the Women’s World Cup and out of any men’s Premiere League goal last season!
Team of the Weekend
View this post on Instagram
In their last two wins, the Lionesses have shown some real class. Both games, against Nigeria and Colombia, were extremely close, but despite stand-up performances from both teams, England came away with the wins. After both matches, the Lionesses comforted their opponents and waited to celebrate until leaving the pitch. We can’t wait to see Nigeria and Colombia return next world cup.
Transfer of the Weekend
Manchester United updates, per @GrahamFalk 👹
🇧🇷 United are moving closer to an agreement on Kerolin’s transfer fee
🔝 They face competition from several top European sides for the Brazilian
🇵🇹 The Reds are also “hopeful” of bringing in Portugal international Tatiana Pinto pic.twitter.com/527WF7Dc80
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) August 13, 2023
Manchester United is working towards an agreement on Kerolin’s transfer fee from the North Carolina Courage. She’s been instrumental for the team this season and is a joy to watch.
What to Look Forward To
Women’s World Cup Semifinals
Tuesday, August 15: Spain vs. Sweden at 4:00 AM ET/1:00 AM PT
Wednesday, August 16: Australia vs. England at 6:00 AM ET/3:00 AM PT
Women’s World Cup Final
Sunday, August 20 at 6:00 AM ET/3:00 AM PT
Women’s World Cup Third Place Match
Saturday, August 19 at 4:00 AM ET/1:00 AM PT
Featured image via @matildas on Instagram
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