This past summer’s Women’s World Cup was greatly anticipated; US fans were eager to see the women’s team dominate the playing field yet again. However, from the first game, it was clear that Team USA would no longer be able to easily advance to the final. As appreciation for women’s soccer has grown, teams all over the world have become more and more competitive.
The US was set to play Vietnam in the first game of the tournament. This game was expected to be an absolute blowout, but the US clearly did not play at their best level, and Vietnam fought hard. The US won 3-0. Next, the US faced the Netherlands. This game was anticipated to be a close one, and it was. Tensions were high throughout the game, which ended in a 1-1 tie. In their last group stage game, the US played Portugal. The Portuguese team came out strong, and the US struggled to gain momentum. The game ended 0-0. Based on the stats from the group stage, the US qualified for the round of 16.
After their poor group stage performance, fans were anxious about the team’s game against Sweden, a very strong and successful team. The game was intense as both teams came close to scoring. However, after 30 minutes of extra time, neither team had scored, and the game went to penalty kicks (better known in the world of soccer as PKs). Kelly O’Hara, Megan Rapinoe, and Sophia Smith, who are extremely experienced, and many thought guaranteed to make their PKs, missed. Alyssa Naher, the US goalkeeper, came up big in PKs. She both saved a shot and made a shot. Ultimately, the US lost 5-4 in PKs, leaving thousands of fans devastated.
The US went home in the Round of 16 for the first time ever.
Although the US lost, there remained many exciting games to watch. The following teams qualified for the quarter-finals: Spain v Netherlands, Japan v Sweden, Australia v France, and England v Columbia (note that the winners of these matchups are in bold). After this round, in thrilling final-four games, Spain beat Sweden 2-1, and England beat Australia 1-3.
Spain was set to face England in the final. Both teams had incredible World Cup performances in the past. Spain had demolished her opponents with quick creative passing, and England finished each game with clutch goals.
After many close chances for England, Spain scored the first goal of the game. In the 70th minute, Spain was awarded a PK, but Ertz, the English goalie, came up with a big save. The game ended with Spain winning, 1-0.
The Spanish team celebrated their first-ever World Cup win, jumping and dancing all over the field.
Although the US women did not win this year, watching the World Cup was very enjoyable this year. It was incredible to see the growth in support of women’s soccer and the high level of play.
By Cate Lynch ‘24, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
