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Highlights from the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

The 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, showcased a wealth of surprises that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With the introduction of eight new teams, the tournament highlighted emerging footballing nations and delivered thrilling moments throughout its duration.

A significant spotlight was on African squads, with Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria making impressive strides into the knockout stage. These teams, ranked at 72, 54, and 40 globally, respectively, defied expectations by reaching the Round of 16, marking a notable achievement for African women’s football.

Morocco’s journey was particularly noteworthy, as they eliminated two-time champions Germany from the tournament. This shocking result came after Germany had just reached the final of Euro 2022, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the rise of new contenders on the global stage.

Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the competition at 81st place, Zambia managed to make their mark. Although they suffered considerable defeats to powerful teams like Japan and Spain, they secured a historic win against Costa Rica, ranked 44th, finishing third in their group. This victory, with a scoreline of 3-1, proved that every match counts regardless of rankings.

Nigeria, ranked 40th, faced a narrow defeat in the last 16 against England, who would eventually become the tournament runners-up. The match ended in a tense penalty shootout, illustrating the competitive spirit and resilience displayed by the Nigerian team throughout the tournament.

However, not all teams had such fortune in the tournament. Out of the 32 teams that participated, only three failed to secure any points: Costa Rica, Haiti, and Vietnam. Of these, Vietnam’s performance was particularly challenging, as they finished the tournament without scoring a single goal.

While the tournament was filled with competitive matches, there were instances of lopsided scores that captured public attention. For instance, the Netherlands delivered a resounding performance by defeating Vietnam with a staggering score of 7-0, while Norway also showcased their dominance by overwhelming the Philippines with a 6-0 victory.

A New Era of Competition

The 2023 World Cup not only served as a stage for established footballing nations but also emphasized the growing potential of underrepresented teams in women’s football. The tournament’s outcomes suggest a changing landscape in which new teams are capable of rising to challenge traditional powerhouses. The involvement of these new contenders sets the stage for an exciting future in women’s football, promising more competitive and thrilling tournaments ahead.

Source
www.bbc.com