SYDNEY — The Women’s World Cup is taking form with shocks and highlights because it nears the top of the group stage.
Some gamers have established themselves as ones to observe, like Colombia star Linda Caicedo, who has made her workforce one of many match surprises. Colombia picked up an upset win over Germany, and Nigeria upset co-host Australia – simply two of the video games that confirmed the hole has closed at prime degree girls’s soccer.
But co-host New Zealand was eradicated, and different huge groups are at risk of not advancing headed into the ultimate few days of group play.
The Associated Press takes a take a look at among the highlights and lowlights to date:
GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT
There have been various contenders and Bia Zaneratto’s strike in opposition to Panama after a sweeping transfer from Brazil stands out as essentially the most full aim to date.
Ireland’s Katie McCabe scored instantly from a nook kick in opposition to Canada, and England’s Lauren James curled in an extended vary effort in opposition to Denmark.
Even so, Caicedo’s solo aim in Colombia‘s dramatic 2-1 win in opposition to Germany is the decide of the bunch. With a flash of talent, she beat two German gamers within the field earlier than lashing a shot into the highest nook because the Sydney crowd dominated by Colombia followers went wild.
MOMENT OF THE TOURNAMENT
It must be Manuela Vanegas’ late winner for Colombia in opposition to Germany. Alexandra Popp appeared to place two-time champion Germany for a draw with an 89th-minute penalty.
But Vanegas’ header within the 97th minute gave Colombia a World Cup upset.
COMEBACK
Norway seemed down and out after a gap sport loss to co-host New Zealand and a goalless draw in opposition to Switzerland. With star participant Ada Hegerberg injured, the percentages had been starting to stack up in opposition to the Norwegians going into their closing Group A match in opposition to the Philippines.
But three targets inside 31 minutes arrange a 6-0 rout that noticed Norway advance to the knockout rounds in second place. The Norway win knocked New Zealand out of the match, making the Football Ferns the primary host to be eradicated in group play in match historical past.
EMERGING STARS
Caicedo’s standout performances aren’t a shock to those that have adopted her profession. The Real Madrid ahead has long-been tipped to be one of many greatest stars in girls’s soccer.
She hasn’t upset in her first World Cup and has impressed Colombia to back-to-back wins with targets in every sport.
England coach Sarina Wiegman unleashed Chelsea ahead James from the beginning within the Lionesses’ second sport in opposition to Denmark, and she or he made a rapid impression. Collecting the ball exterior the world after six minutes, she swept a curling effort previous Lene Christensen.
Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay has proven flashes of the expertise that earned her a transfer to French powerhouse Lyon, whereas 19-year-old Aoba Fujino has develop into the youngest participant to attain at a World Cup for Japan’s males’s or girls’s groups.
Casey Phair, a 16 12 months outdated, turned the youngest-ever participant to look in a senior soccer World Cup when she was a second-half substitute for South Korea in opposition to Colombia.
DISAPPOINTMENTS
While kids have capitalized on their likelihood to shine, among the established names have but to make their mark.
There have been differing causes for that.
Sam Kerr’s calf harm robbed Australia of its star striker for its opening two video games, whereas Hegerberg’s groin harm has minimize her taking part in time for Norway.
Alex Morgan, who was the co-leading scorer on the final World Cup, continues to be discovering her footing within the United States’ new look assault.
Record worldwide scorer Christine Sinclair was benched for Canada’s second sport and continues to be ready for her first aim of the match, whereas Brazil nice Marta has additionally been used sparingly.
SURPRISES
New Zealand kicked the match off with a 1-0 win in opposition to Norway, however couldn’t sustain its momentum and went on to lose by the identical rating to the Philippines to arrange the co-host’s early exit.
Jamaica’s 0-0 draw with fifth-ranked France was described by its coach Lorne Donaldson because the nation’s best soccer consequence, for males or girls. But the largest shock may very well be but to return if Jamaica can keep away from defeat in opposition to Brazil to advance to the spherical of 16.
Colombia‘s dramatic late winner in opposition to Germany, in the meantime, was one of many nice upsets.
ENTERTAINERS
The targets have been flowing for Spain and Japan, groups that each superior from the group stage with a sport to spare. Both groups secured 5-0 wins in opposition to Zambia and each have produced technically wonderful shows.
Germany was on a excessive after its 6-0 rout of Morocco, however was humbled by Colombia.
Sweden routed Italy 5-0, whereas Norway discovered its scoring contact simply in time in opposition to the Philippines.
ONES TO WATCH
Some of the favorites have made underwhelming begins. The two-time defending champion United States, England, Germany and France haven’t been completely convincing in group play and the match nonetheless seems to be huge open.
Colombia seems to be legit, and with Kerr again in motion, Australia may develop into a contender.
The Netherlands appear to be critical contenders, whereas Spain and Japan have impressed. Brazil has proven flashes, however faces a struggle to advance from the group stage.
Nigeria has proven it’s harmful, and Sweden has picked up back-to-back wins.
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