Top 5 Goals: Women’s World Cup Week 4

The best of the best from the World Cup have come together and put on a show over the last month. Incredible passing, defending, movement off the ball, tactical application, and of course, scoring goals. The end of the World Cup is close, but that hasn’t stopped us from bringing the best goals from the past week. Here are the best World Cup goals from week four. 

5. Catalina Usme – Colombia

WHAT A TOUCH AND WHAT A GOAL 🇨🇴

This finish from Catalina Usme against Jamaica to secure Colombia's spot in the Quarterfinals is our Goal of the Day 👏 pic.twitter.com/uVaJIws6li

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 8, 2023

Colombia was the Cinderella team of this year’s tournament, getting farther than everyone expected. This was the goal that helped them reach the quarterfinal. It was pure class from Catalina Usme under pressure.

The cross comes into Usme from at least 30 yards across the field. Usme’s awareness is elite because she knows the defender will over-pursue after missing the ball, and her first touch to beat her was perfect. By the time Blackwood turns around, it’s over. Usme calmly curled the ball into the far corner, and individual plays like those were the difference for Colombia in this tournament.  

4. Alessia Russo – England

What a clinical finish from Alessia Russo to come from behind and take the lead in Sydney 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/idsDLkga5q

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 12, 2023

Alessia Russo had a quiet tournament up until this point but was asked to play a big role with Lauren James suspended. The Lionesses were locked in a close game with Colombia, but Russo would be the one to come through for her team.

The former University of North Carolina star attempted a back heel touch around the defender and was a little fortunate it fell to her. Regardless, Russo had a tough angle with defenders closing in but maintained her composure and fired the ball into the corner. A clutch finish when her team needed it the most–that’s what Alessia Russo can do in crunch time. 

3. Salma Paralluelo – Spain

FOR SPAIN! This goal by Salma Paralluelo was so good we got every angle of it 😮‍💨 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/eWDFgKLHOy

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 11, 2023

The teenage starlet picked the perfect time to score her first World Cup goal. In a rare counterattack for Spain, Salma Paralluelo found herself in some space to work her magic. Once she came across the defender one on one, she always had a sense she’d come back to her left foot. A few pretty stepovers followed by a touch to her left to beat the defender and set up the shot.

She followed it up with a beautiful finish off the far post and in. In the 110th minute, with everyone exhausted, she kept her cool and looked smooth while doing it. 

2. Stefanie van der Gragt- Netherlands

LATE DRAMA

What an incredible moment for Netherlands and absolutely sensational strike from Stefanie van der Gragt to draw the Dutch level in stoppage time! 🇳🇱🙌 pic.twitter.com/dDfRJ2nRhe

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 11, 2023

Before Salma Paralluelo put Spain into the semifinals, Stefanie van der Gragt kept the Netherlands’ hopes alive with this dramatic goal late in injury time.

The defender was moved up the pitch as a tactical move and found herself in on goal with a great run to stay onside. Running full speed, she managed to get her feet set and finished the chance like a striker. Stefanie van der Gragt made up for her earlier handball with as clean of a strike as you’ll see. The keeper had no chance as the ball rocketed into the far corner.

Sadly, the Dutch conceded 20 minutes later, but this goal will be remembered in an instant classic. 

1. Leicy Santos – Colombia

Leicy Santos sees the FIFA's Best Women's Goalkeeper flat-footed and scored this absolute wordie against England to net our Goal of the Day 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/yyXLk8l1UJ

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 12, 2023

For a brief moment, it seemed like Colombia was on the verge of another colossal upset at the World Cup. The Colombians took the lead in the first half thanks to a spectacular solo effort from Leicy Santos. At first glance, with the camera angle, it looked like the shot was deflected. But after looking at the replay from a different angle, this was an inch-perfect chip shot from Leicy Santos.

Mary Earps was just a step out of position. If she was a step to her right, she might’ve been able to tip it over the bar. Instead, Santos provided another moment that Colombia will never forget. They might be out of the tournament, but their run is one of the best at the World Cup for an underdog in a long time. 

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