With Spain crowned as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner for the very first time after edging out England at the Accor Stadium in Sydney yesterday, there are iconic moments that stood out from the record-breaking WWC event ranging from Super Falcon’s dramatic penalty shoot-out with the Lioness in the knockout stage to the trophy and award presentation as well as recognizing standout performers.
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From Auckland to Aitana, Perth to Paralluelo, iconic images from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 with lots of overwhelming emotions which indicate the spirit of competitiveness, the 2023 FIFA Women’s WC memories will forever be etched in the hearts of many.
After an exhilarating month at Australia & New Zealand 2023, we now have another selection of images that will come to define not just this FIFA Women’s World Cup, but football more broadly.
1. Super Falcons vs England (Shootout tension too much to bear)
It took a shootout win for England against Nigeria in the Round of 16 to keep their hopes alive and the tension in Brisbane was almost unbearable for fans and players alike.
2. Spanish joy
Seven matches, 18 goals, and a string of dazzling performances led to this historic Spanish title. This moment, with the eyes of the world upon them, as they lift the trophy into the Australian evening is the stuff of dreams, the reason why so many people play and love this game.
3. Co-hosts put on a dazzling show
Back to where things all started in Auckland on July 20 as New Zealand put on a show on and off the pitch; in front of 42,000 fans the Football Ferns grabbed their first Women’s World Cup win.
4. Philippines ignite debutante success
Sarina Bolden’s name will forever be remembered in her homeland as her goal gave the Philippines a historic first Women’s World Cup win, against the co-hosts no less. That sparked a remarkable run that saw Morocco, Portugal, and Zambia also collect victories at their maiden tournament.
5. McCabe writes history
The nation’s undoubted standard-bearer, captain fantastic Katie McCabe swung home the Republic of Ireland’s first-ever tournament finals goal directly from a corner against Olympic champions Canada.
6. Banda’s milestone goal
Zambia’s Barbra Banda grabbed the 1000th goal in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as she scored from the spot against Costa Rica. That’s a match ball she’s definitely keeping.
7. Diani’s day out
Kadidiatou Diani scored one of just three tournament hat-tricks (the others came from Norway’s Sophie Roman Haug and Brazil’s Ary Borges) in France’s 6-3 win over Panama in their final group match.
8. Marta, the end
It wasn’t the end that Marta wanted as one of the sport’s global icons saw the curtain come down on a glittering career in the group stage as Brazil was held to a frustrating scoreless draw with Jamaica.
9. Jamaican joy
Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to progress from the group stage, on the back of some resolute defensive displays where they kept three straight clean sheets; the celebrations will be long remembered.
10. Miyazawa, the unlikely goal machine
Coming into the tournament, Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa had scored just four goals in two years for her club side. Now, despite her nation’s quarter-final departure, she stands as the Adidas Golden Boot winner, having bagged five goals in as many matches.
Morocco exit but with heads held high
What 12 months it’s been for Moroccan football. After the men did so well at Qatar 2022, the woman created history at their debut tournament by progressing through to the Round of 16 where they eventually lost to France.
Hair, there and everywhere
It took extra time to separate Spain and the Netherlands in the quarter-finals and it took extra effort to find the ball here, lost in a tangle of hair in this tussle between Victoria Pelova and Irene Guerrero.
Fans across both nations turn out in big numbers
Numerous records were sent tumbling at this Women’s World Cup, with huge attendances in both Australia and New Zealand. To top it all off, for the most part, the tournament was played in perfect winter weather with plenty of blue skies for the early kick-offs.
Matildas march on
This image is remarkably similar to that which was captured as the Australian men’s team won on penalties to reach the FIFA World Cup™ back in 2006, things were just as dramatic in Brisbane for this heart-stopping Matilda’s quarter-final win.
Kerr lights up the semi-final
Cometh the hour, cometh Sam Kerr. Although Australia would eventually lose to England in this semi-final, this goal and this image is one that could well come to define the tournament as an injured star kept the home crowd believing.
Matildas with the love of a nation
Embraced in every corner of Australia, the Matildas are their nation’s most beloved sporting team and they did the home fans proud with a best-ever finish at a Women’s World Cup.
From one generation to the next
Salma Paralluelo had a breakout tournament, winning the FIFA Best Young Player Award and signaling a generation shift in women’s football. Perhaps the next generation isn’t all that far away either.
Long live the queen
Aitana Bonmati had the tournament of a lifetime; so assured in possession and so dangerous when breaking forward, she was the beating heart of the Spanish midfield. Now she’s not just a Women’s World Cup winner but also has the Adidas Golden Ball trophy to add to her collection.
Credit: FIFA..com
