It’s been a wild and wonderful first week in the Women’s World Cup, but the football has provided only the half the drama. We’ve had penalties galore, outrageous outfits, offside calls defined by an earlobe, a runaway Ada Hegerberg and Alex Popp’s ET goal celebration.
We hear from The Athletic’s women’s football experts on their favourite standout moments from week one of the tournament….
Jacob Whitehead
Steph Catley’s penalty
The most significant moment of the tournament, without doubt, was the news of Sam Kerr’s injury trickling through to the 80,000 fans at Stadium Australia. A nation froze. This was the tournament’s poster girl and now there would be no guarantee she would play a single minute.
It set the stage for severe potential embarrassment. An intense Republic of Ireland performance greeted them, the visiting side having the better chances of the first half. Australia needed something — and when Ireland’s Marissa Sheva bundled over Hayley Raso in the box, they had their chance.
Cue replacement captain Catley, who confidently smashed the ball into the top corner. Australia felt one emotion — sheer relief.
Harriet Drudge
Jamaica’s post-match celebrations after the France draw
OK, I’ve gone for 0-0… but hear me out. There may have been an…
