Canada have been the perfect hosts for what has been the largest Women’s World Cup to take place even through the controversy of the playing surfaces.
The final that saw USA blow Japan away was not quite the spectacle such a tournament deserved. It needed to be more competitive but Japan simply did not turn up.
The damage was done in the opening sixteen minutes with the ever impressive captain and eventual Golden Ball winner Carli Lloyd grabbing herself a hat-trick either side of a excellent Holiday volley.
The three goal salvo was quite special. The first was a typical late run into the box to fire home unchallenged while the second was a bit of a bundle over the line. The third was sublime, a quick look up on the run approaching the half way line, she sent the ball over the head of a panic stricken Japanese goalkeeper.
The USA became World Cup winners for the third time, the first nation to do so in the woman’s game. They have an enviable records of reaching the last four in every World Cup tournament.
One of the most refreshing things to note from this World Cup was a real lack of players arguing decisions with officials, diving and playacting. Instead, the games were played in the right manner and often full bloodied between teams battling hard and showing pride in playing for their nation.
Many have compared the women’s game to the men’s which I refuse to do but there are several things that the latter can certainly learn from the former.
There was a gamble extending the World Cup to include several teams making their debut that may well learn the hard way but they were few and far between. The competition will increase in the future particularly following the success of this year meaning more countries will get the experience at the very top level as the likes of Thailand and Netherlands enjoyed this year.
The games throughout the past few weeks were often tight affairs and won by the odd goal. Exceptions to the rule were mainly in the group containing Germany and Norway who were lucky enough to handed opposition for shooting practice. Perhaps they suffered in the later rounds when actually playing against tougher teams.
Players impressed, players disappointed. Some made their names at this World Cup while others bid farewell to the international stage that has treated them so well.
Those that impressed the most were announced as the award winners after the final had taken place.
- Golden Ball: Carli Lloyd (USA)
- Silver Ball – Amandine Henry (FRA)
- Bronze Ball – Aya Miyama (JPN)
- Golden Boot – Celia Sasic (GER)
- Silver Boot – Carli Lloyd (USA)
- Bronze Boot – Anja Mittag (GER)
- Golden Glove – Hope Solo – (USA)
- Best Young Player – Kadeisha Buchanan (CAN)
- Fair Play – France
It was a competition that made the home nation looked pensive ahead of the opening game and that showed in their play. They never really played out of their shell before being disposed of by England.
Japan and Brazil escaped the groups stages as the only two teams with a 100% record. Brazil suffered in the next round at the hands of Australia while Japan found their way to the final even though their usual passing game was not having the same influence that it did in the early rounds.
A stylish French team came with plenty of expectation but a shock loss in the group stage stunned them into action. Qualifying in style and taking that loss out on Mexico they were unlucky to lose on penalties to Germany when they really should have found themselves in the semi finals.
The outright favourites USA and Germany were destined to meet at some stage in a side of the draw that was expected to be top heavy. Shock of the competition went to Colombia for beating much fancied France in the group stage while Sweden were perhaps the most disappointing.
And so to England. A team that battled and played hard impressed a nation even if it meant many a late night forcing blearly eyed fans to find their way to work hours later with heavy eyes. It was worth every second staying awake in support of the Lionesses.
A desperately unlucky exit at the hands of Japan was followed by a terrific win over old foes Germany courtesy of a penalty. It was a well deserved bronze medal for a team that finished as the top European side and the furthest they have managed in the competition.
The team have captured the imagination of a nation this past few weeks and the powers that be will want to take advantage of the added interest for the domestic game. There is still plenty of growth still to be had but new interest is very welcome interest indeed. If the reaction on social media has been anything to go by then the game has plenty of new fans.
While USA are the victors and some will question how good this competition was having not being played on grass, for me, this summer belongs to the England women.
Thank you Canada. Bring on France 2019.
