2023 FIFA Women's World Cup: Highlights and remarkable moments

Posted : 22 August 2023

The Women's World Championship, marked by a series of remarkable moments, unfolded with fervor. Morocco's debut brought a humbling 6-0 loss against Germany, yet they progressed, illustrating their resilience. The English star's distress, the "Queen of Football's" retirement without the ultimate accolade, and Australia's overwhelming impact on their nation further enriched the tournament.

The climactic end arrived at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as Spain clinched a historic 1-0 victory over European champions England in the final. The event left an indelible mark, breaking records in ratings and interest, delivering an electrifying celebration of football, complete with surprises and memorable milestones. Here, we delve into the top ten moments that shaped this edition of the World Cup.

Marta, the venerable 37-year-old Brazilian striker widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, harbored aspirations akin to Messi's grandeur. As the all-time record goalscorer in World Cup history (17), across genders, Marta graced the fields of Australia and New Zealand for her sixth and final World Cup appearance. It marked her last chance to seize the coveted title that had eluded her—a significant crown missing from the regal stature of the "Queen of Football," as her homeland affectionately labeled her.

Notably, Morocco's maiden appearance unfolded in a 6-0 defeat by Germany, a European powerhouse perched 70 places above them in FIFA rankings. Despite this setback, Morocco's subsequent triumphs against South Korea and Colombia propelled them forward. Surprisingly, Germany stumbled, earning a sole additional point and exiting the group stage for the first time in their history.

Morocco secured second place in Group 8, advancing to the next round. This feat held particular significance, as they were among the eight teams debuting in this edition's expanded format featuring 32 teams. Morocco's magical journey culminated in the eighth finals with a 4-0 loss to France, reminiscent of their men's team's encounter in the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar.

Japan's journey at the 2023 Women's World Cup underscored the unpredictability that graced the tournament. Emerging as unlikely contenders, Japan's clinical precision manifested in a 0-5 victory over Zambia and a 0-2 win against Costa Rica. They capped their group stage with a resounding 0-4 triumph over eventual champions Spain, showcasing lethal efficiency despite commanding possession for only 23% of the match. In contrast to Spain's star-studded lineup, Japan's roster lacked marquee names. Nevertheless, their performance was marked by three touches in the opponent's area, leading to three goals—an epitome of their lethal efficiency.

Norwegian star Caroline Graham Hansen's declaration that Japan was the strongest team she had encountered was a testament to their prowess. Despite a 3-1 loss to Japan in the eighth finals, Norway departed with hearts won over. The standout player of the 2023 World Cup was undoubtedly Hinta Miyazawa, a 23-year-old winger, who surged to the top of the goal-scoring charts. Her five-goal spree during the tournament starkly contrasted with her previous record of four goals in 24 national team appearances.

The Spanish national team's off-pitch turmoil before and after the final could fill volumes, showcasing the challenges they overcame. Despite the absence of four male players protesting against coach Jorge Vilda, the resilient La Roja achieved a historic victory. Their journey, marked by a 2-0 loss to Japan in the group stage and a first-time appearance in the knockout stage of a major tournament, culminated in a triumphant celebration.

Captain Olga Cremona epitomized this resilience, scoring a winning goal in both the World Cup semi-finals and final. Her leadership was pivotal, especially considering the absence of several key players. Among those who initially protested but later returned to the squad, Barcelona midfielder Itana Bonmati emerged as the tournament's standout player, establishing herself as a top contender for the forthcoming Ballon d'Or.

In the battle for third place, Sweden outperformed Australia with a 2-0 victory. Their remarkable ability to rebound after a painful semi-final loss was evident in their performance. While their accomplishments included reaching the semi-finals in six of the last seven major tournaments, Sweden's pursuit of their first title since the inaugural Euro in 1984 remains unquenched. Notably, the entire podium comprised European teams—an observation reflecting the evolving trends in women's football.

Chloe Kelly, a Manchester City striker, solidified her status as a national hero in England following her match-winning goal during the previous summer's home Euros final against Germany. Although she commenced only the first two games of the 2023 World Cup, her prominence surged further. Notably, her decisive penalty against Nigeria, registering a top speed of 110.79 km/h, encapsulated the tournament's potential when properly nurtured.

Moroccan defender Nuheila Benzina's unique contribution resonated both on and off the field. Emerging as the first player to don a hijab at the Women's World Cup, she defied stereotypes and paved the way for others. Notably, her role extended beyond personal milestones, as her performances helped Morocco secure a clean sheet against South Korea and Colombia, propelling them to the final eight. Her achievements held profound significance, instilling pride across the Arab and Islamic world.

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup showcased a confluence of compelling narratives, unforeseen outcomes, and individual triumphs, highlighting the dynamism of the women's game and its growing influence on the global stage.

2023 FIFA Women's World Cup: Highlights and remarkable moments

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