FootyPop: Star Players Leave the French National Team Ahead of the World Cup
This week was filled with highs and lows, from celebrations for the USWNT in the SheBelieves Cup, to turmoil out of the Equipe de France, to a plethora of amazing goals. Let’s dive into this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
que golazo @AlexMorgan13 🎉#USWNT x @ATT pic.twitter.com/UakByQWEke
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 23, 2023
Your timelines have probably been filled with this news, but the USWNT secured its fourth consecutive SheBelieves Cup victory. Even though they weren’t as dominant as fans would have hoped–especially against Japan–the team still pulled through.
Mallory Swanson became the first player to score in each tournament match and received MVP honors. Plus, Alex Morgan scored a banger of a goal in the first half. The USWNT has work to do before the summer World Cup, but things look bright for the team.
Low of the Weekend
Merci pour votre soutien et le respect de ma décision. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/MOryINwvb0
— Wendie Renard (@WRenard) February 24, 2023
Last week, Wendie Renard of the French national team announced she would be stepping back from the team and not participating in the World Cup.
She led teammates who made similar announcements, including Marie-Antionette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani. The reasoning for their break is similar to what we’ve heard from Canada and Spain–the coaching and team conditions are not up to par with the elite level it should be. It was draining for their mental health and well-being.
France, Spain, and Canada are all teams fighting for equal treatment and pay and for the women’s team to be taken seriously. The newest update with France is that coach Corinne Diacre announced her resignation, which could signal a return for the players.
News of the Weekend
Concacaf teams headed to the FIFA Women's World Cup!
🇨🇦 🇨🇷 🇭🇹 🇯🇲 🇵🇦 🇺🇸#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/tFULZMzEqM
— Concacaf W (@ConcacafW) February 23, 2023
The World Cup groups are set for the summer! And guess what? Six CONCACAF teams are in. Haiti and Panama just qualified by beating Chile and Papa New Guinea, respectively. Love to support our CONCACAF neighbors!
Win of the Weekend
And it's a debut in @PSG_English colors for @NDSoccer alumna Rose Albert Corbin ❤️#WatchWithAta #D1Arkema pic.twitter.com/58e6uA3yYL
— ata football (@atafball) February 26, 2023
Korbin Albert debuted for PSG last week! At only 19, the former Notre Dame midfielder signed for the French side in January and is looking to make a difference after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. I mean, things look up for her so far, she helped the team secure the W in her first match.
Goal of the Weekend
.@samkerr1 scoring on her 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th @ChelseaFCW appearance 🤩
🎥 @BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/0SaueHNpnd
— ata football (@atafball) February 26, 2023
Sam Kerr now has 82 goals for Chelsea and scored the latest on her 100th appearance for the team! That scoring rate is something else.
Player of the Weekend
hell yeah pic.twitter.com/h7kzrZJxxf
— Alexander Abnos (@AnAbnos) February 23, 2023
Mallory Swanson is headed straight to the top faster than anyone could have expected. We all know she’s made an incredible comeback over the last year or two, but she has seven goals in five appearances this year so far, and she shows no signs of slowing down. We loved this moment in the SheBelieves Cup where Megan Rapinoe signals a goal knowing Swanson will put it in the back of the net.
What to Look Forward To
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The NWSL returns in less than a month! We’re stoked to watch our favorite players and teams return to the pitch soon.
Monday, February 27: The Best FIFA Awards
- Alex Morgan, Beth Mead, and Alexia Putellas are the nominees for Best Women’s Player
Featured image via @equipedefrancef on Instagram
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