FootyPop: Women’s World Cup Action Sees Underdog Teams Steal the Show
The teams at the Women’s World Cup are off to the races! Nearly all of the teams have played at least one game. There have been some great games with epic saves, brilliant goals, and of course, some questionable refereeing. History is being made left and right, and we can’t wait to continue watching these 32 teams play. If you need a short break from the World Cup, the NWSL Challenge Cup was in action this past weekend, and there were many, many goals. But, back to the real star of this week–here’s all you need to know about the past week’s Women’s World Cup action!
High of the Weekend
Historic point for the Jamaica #ReggaeGirlz 🇯🇲 in their group after a draw against the #5 team in the world. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
JAM 🇯🇲 0 – 0 FRA 🇫🇷#TeamJamaica #GuhHaadAndDone #FIFAWWC
(📸 @fifawomensworldcup) pic.twitter.com/SRzFhsoSqc
— Team Jamaica (@TeamJA876) July 23, 2023
Jamaica, ranked No. 43 by FIFA, tied France! This was one of a few games where the “underdogs” proved they were catching up. The Reggae Girlz just came out against the Jamaica Football Federation and even had a GoFundMe at one point to raise funds to get to the WWC after struggling to train and play in adequate facilities and conditions. Now they came away with a point against the No. 5 ranked team in the world.
Low of the Weekend
🌎⚽️As the Women's World Cup kicks off, FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasizes that players' pay is in the hands of their associations, not FIFA. Despite FIFPRO's calls, he makes no guarantees on direct prize 💰 to players. #WomensWorldCup #EqualPayInSports ⚽️♀️💸 pic.twitter.com/cMhOUtkZwn
— Sports Coffee (@Sports__Coffee) July 23, 2023
FIFA aimed for equal pay for women’s and men’s players. President Giani Infantino promised to pay $30,000 to each player. However, he recently went back on this, and now the payment is in each Federations hands.
News of the Weekend
Vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness. My teammates and I are determined to make sure everyone has the support they need.
Launching the first mental health initiative of its kind with my friends at @CommonGoalOrg.
This one’s for you Katie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AoGLUcxeMU
— Naomi Girma (@naomi_girma) July 18, 2023
Naomi Girma and the USWNT launched a new mental health initiative, partnering with Common Goal, a nonprofit that brings those who play, work, and enjoy soccer to come together to inspire change. Former Stanford players Girma and Sophia Smith were both teammates and friends of Katie Meyer, who died by suicide last year. Now, the team is calling for proactive change in college athletics.
As part of the initiative, Girma and Smith have dedicated this Women’s World Cup to Meyer, Fox Sports will give coverage to highlighting mental health, and Common Goal plans to provide mental health training to youth sports coaches in the U.S.
Win of the Weekend
SIX GOALS. pic.twitter.com/sCfdWI6t94
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 23, 2023
In NWSL Challenge Cup action, the North Carolina Courage beat the Washington Spirit 6-0. They are the first team to score six goals all in one half!
Save of the Weekend
WHAT. A. SAVE. 😱
Chiamaka Nnadozie won the VISA Player of the Match award for Nigeria vs Canada and provided this clutch save 🧤 pic.twitter.com/MMtUZhRL6S
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 23, 2023
Nigeria is an entertaining team to watch, and this past week they tied Canada thanks to an epic save from their keeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie. Canadian GOAT Christine Sinclair stepped up for a PK after a foul in the box, but Nnadozie judged the shot perfectly and came up with a huge stop.
Team of the Weekend
BRAZILIAN SOCCER AT ITS FINEST 🇧🇷
Bia Zaneratto makes it three for Brazil 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/DT0c5838Rk
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 24, 2023
Brazil was on fire against Panama. Ary Borges got a hat trick in the first half, Marta came on in the second to make her sixth Women’s World Cup appearance, and Brazil scored possibly the most Brazilian goal that exists. The passing is incredible–Brazil could win it all.
Goal of the Weekend
The ABSOLUTE JOY that Jun ENDO sparks 🥰 #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/ho4bk697xE
— Jodee Storm Sullivan (@jstorm482) July 22, 2023
Zambia is undoubtedly one of the World Cup’s most underrated teams. They just beat Germany, and their striker, Barbra Banda, is extraordinary. However, their performance versus Japan did not exemplify that.
Japan looked like a well-oiled machine, their goals mainly came from nicely slotted balls behind Zambia’s back line. We could pick almost any of Japan’s five goals to be our favorite, but naturally, we’ll go with Jun Endo’s since she plays for Angel City in the NWSL. Endo always stays calm and composed–a trait that makes her seem older and more seasoned than just 23 years old.
Player of the Weekend
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We have to shout out the USWNT in our news recap. Although they were expected to come away with a higher goal differential against Vietnam, it was great to see one player, particularly, back on the field. And that’s Rose Lavelle. Lavelle makes such a huge difference when she’s on the field, and of course, we missed her cheeky back-heel passes.
Upset of the Weekend
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In the opening match of the tournament, New Zealand beat Norway! After not doing well in the Euro, Norway had a lot to prove, and they fumbled a game where they were ranked 14 places higher than their opponents.
New Zealand’s second-half goal came from former Tennessee Volunteer Hannah Wilkinson. Additionally, New Zealand and Australia’s wins mean that host nations are now 9-1 in opening matches.
What to Look Forward To
Women’s World Cup
Monday, July 24
Colombia vs. Korea Republic at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT on FS1
Tuesday, July 25
New Zealand vs. Philippines at 1:30 AM ET/10:30 PM PT (July 24) on FS1
Switzerland vs. Norway at 4:00 AM ET/1:00 AM PT on FS1
Wednesday, July 26
Japan vs. Costa Rica at 1:00 AM ET/10:00 PM PT (July 25) on FS1
Spain vs. Zambia at 3:30 AM ET/12:30 AM PT on FS1
Canada vs. Republic of Ireland at 8:00 AM ET/5:00 AM PT on FS1
USWNT vs. Netherlands at 9:00 PM PT/6:00 PM PT on Fox
Thursday, July 27
Portugal vs. Vietnam at 3:30 AM ET/12:30 AM PT on FS1
Australia vs. Nigeria at 6:00 AM ET/3:00 AM ET on FS1
Argentina vs. South Africa at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT (July 27) on FS1
Friday, July 28
England vs. Denmark at 4:30 AM ET/1:30 AM PT on FS1
China PR vs. Haiti at 7:00 AM ET/4:00 AM PT on FS1
Saturday, July 29
Sweden vs. Italy at 3:30 AM ET/12:30 AM PT on FS1
Italy vs. Brazil at 6:00 AM ET/3:00 AM PT on FOX
Panama vs. Jamaica at 8:30 AM ET/5:30 AM PT on FOX
Sunday, July 30
Korea Republic vs. Morocco at 12:30 AM ET/9:30 PM PT (July 29) on FOX
Norway vs. the Philippines at 3:00 AM ET/12:00 AM PT on FS1
Switzerland vs. New Zealand at 3:00 AM ET/12:00 AM PT on FOX
Germany vs. Colombia at 5:30 AM ET/2:30 AM PT on FS1
Monday, July 31
Costa Rica vs. Zambia at 3:00 AM ET/12:00 AM PT on FS1
Japan vs. Spain at 3:00 AM ET/12:00 AM PT on FOX
Republic of Ireland vs. Nigeria at 6:00 AM ET/3:00 AM PT on FS1
Canada vs. Australia at 6:00 AM ET/3:00 AM PT on FOX
NWSL Challenge Cup
Friday, July 28
Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
OL Reign vs. San Diego Wave at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Saturday, July 29
North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Chicago Red Stars vs. KC Current at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Houston Dash vs. Racing Louisville at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT
Angel City FC vs. Portland Thorns at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Fav Social Media Post
favourite photos of the tournament so far 😭 pic.twitter.com/X8CSEvFCZv
— kayds ♡’s georgia (@lessirusso_) July 22, 2023
As usual with women’s soccer, there’s a healthy dose of chaos.
Featured image via @jff_football on Twitter
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