FootyPop: Our First Taste of Women’s World Cup Qualifying
A new week, and lots of new WoSo news, even though the NWSL is on its break. This week included some terrific USWNT moments, Women’s World Cup qualifying, and more. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
⚽️?????The road to Australia & New Zealand 2023 continues in Europe today!
8⃣ out of 1⃣6⃣ matches have been played! Stay tuned…. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/WFN5k9GDlu
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) September 17, 2021
World Cup qualifying matches have begun! So much excitement, even though the Women’s World Cup is still a couple of years away. It’s just always such a fun time to see teams that we don’t often get the chance to see play each other.
Low of the Weekend
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) September 16, 2021
The Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns game that was postponed two weeks ago was officially forfeited by the Spirit. The Spirit has issued an official apology for their breaches of the health policy. Hopefully, we’ll see some improvement from the team on that side of things, but forfeiting two games in a row was pretty harsh on their standings. It could jeopardize the rest of their season. Due to the forfeiture, the Thorns gained three points, and the Spirit was fined $25,000.
News of the Weekend
Members of Afghan women's soccer team cross into Pakistan https://t.co/fwl2lJAauW pic.twitter.com/3K4Hl69MWh
— The Hill (@thehill) September 15, 2021
The Afghanistan women’s soccer team made it to Pakistan safely after fleeing their country since the Taliban took over. According to the Associated Press, under the Taliban’s rule, women are not allowed to play any sports where they could be exposed.
On a similar note, the documentary filmmaker Anissa Bonnefont completed her documentary “Nadia,” about soccer player Nadia Nadim and her life journey after escaping Kabul in 2000. The film focuses on her life, becoming a Danish soccer superstar and her ties to family and loss in Afghanistan.
Player of the Weekend
Appreciate it while you still can ?
All five @CarliLloyd goals from tonight pic.twitter.com/PtNX8IpqAZ
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) September 17, 2021
We cannot get enough of Carli Lloyd. Five goals. FIVE goals in the game against Paraguay this past week. Even better, two of her goals were before the ten-minute mark. Lloyd’s five goals actually tied the USWNT single-game scoring record. It was absolutely outstanding for fans to watch the best ever to do it really show her magic in one of her last games.
What to Look Forward To
The NWSL is back this weekend after their international break!
Saturday, September 25: Gotham FC vs. North Carolina Courage at 3 p.m. ET on Paramount +
Saturday, September 25: Chicago Red Stars vs. Portland Thorns at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount +
Fav Social Media Post
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The dedication and support of these players are exceptional. The Lionesses wore black armbands this week to support Rachel Daly and her family after her father sadly passed away. He was a huge supporter of the England women’s team.
Featured image via @Cymru on Twitter
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