The Good, The Bad & The Downright Infuriating: Highlights from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup hosted in Australia and New Zealand was nothing short of sensational. From Banyana Banyana's historic triumph over Le Azzurre of Italy to La Roja of Spain lifting their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup, history was indeed made. The global showpiece lived up to expectations by giving us great football, while also showcasing the plethora of talented women in the historically male-dominated sport. All the historic moments, breakout star athletes, and magnificent goals will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

As a staunch football supporter, I had been anticipating the Women's World Cup since South Africa's golden girls, Banyana Banyana cruised into the qualifiers after reaching the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-finals. Former WAFCON champions Nigeria, as well as debutants Morocco and Zambia being part of the 32 teams who made it to the international tournament was the icing on the cake. 

It has been a week since Espanol were crowned campeonas del mundo (champions of the world) and I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my life now that the Women's World Cup has come to a close. Despite the many exploits from the ninth edition of the global spectacle, there are a few things that need some ironing out in women's football. However, my early twenties have taught me that every small victory is a building block toward a bigger picture when it comes to social justice. With that said, I have decided to categorise the highlights of the FIFA Women's World Cup into three sections: the good, the bad, and the downright infuriating. 

The Good 

For many years, women's football has been treated as a tick box with football associations across the globe putting very little resources into the blossoming sport. The fact that European countries were the majority participants in the showpiece in yesteryear speaks volumes about the rest of the world's preconceived notions about women's football. Therefore, seeing debutants from Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia at the 2023 edition of the Women's World Cup was heart-warming and indicative of the progress being made in various parts of the world. 

The television viewership and spectator turnout at host nations, Australia, and New Zealand's stadiums was particularly impressive. So much so that the Matildas of Australia rewrote history when their semi-final defeat to England became the most-watched television show in Australia on record, garnering 11.15 million viewers as football fever gripped the co-host nation. Furthermore, the team's coveted jerseys are flying off the shelves, eclipsing the apparel of their male counterparts, the Socceroos. 

In New Zealand, the crowd at the opening match between the co-hosts and Norway smashed the existing attendance record for a football match in the country. Moreover, despite the Football Ferns' early tournament exit, New Zealanders were not deterred from attending football games at various venues across the country. In fact, the host nation registered record attendances in Spain's round of 16 victory against Switzerland at the same venue. The same attendance was registered for the quarter-final there between Sweden and Japan, as well as the semi-final between Spain and Sweden. That mark is now the record attendance for a women’s sports event in New Zealand. 

SuperSport broadcasted heart-warming inserts of various women's football players showcasing their lives outside of sport which I think was beautiful. My favourite inserts were the ones showcasing women football players who are mothers. Although it's not easy, I think it's vital to remind society that motherhood shouldn't be the end of a woman's career. I was also impressed by how the analysis of each game that was broadcasted by SuperSport was spearheaded by women broadcasters namely Carol Shabalala and Julia Stuart. This is starting to sound like a SuperSport promo but I must say, the broadcaster's Here for Her theme is just perfect – especially considering how this year has been monumental for women's sports globally. 

Above all, watching women football players' show-stopping performances on the pitch was priceless. The players showcased their talent and tenacity – shutting down negativity from sexist critics. As much as I've always been an avid football spectator, watching the athletes playing their hearts out made me fall in love with the sport all over again. I guess the downside to my renewed passion for football propelled by the Women's World Cup is how underwhelmed I am with the frankly mediocre men's game at the moment. However, I understand that we're at the beginning of a new season so maybe the boys are still adjusting. 

The Bad 

If you're South African, you probably know all about the Banyana Banyana and South African Football Association (SAFA) scandal that made headlines a few weeks before the Women's World Cup kicked off. If you don't know, here's a quick rundown: South Africa's women's football national team, Banyana Banyana were set to play a pre-World Cup friendly with neighbouring country, Botswana before departing the country for the showpiece. Surprisingly, the senior women's team refused to play the game citing issues with the venue, Tsakane Stadium in Pretoria, which has been classified as unsuitable by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for the men's game. Unfortunately, the shocking revelations did not end there. It was further revealed that SAFA had not drafted contracts comprising bonus structures with Banyana Banyana. In a scramble to save face, SAFA chose to let an alternative football team player – a team comprising children as young as 13 years old. It was no surprise when the South African side was defeated by 5 goals to 0, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of football spectators. The issue was resolved when Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, director of the philanthropic Motsepe Foundation stepped in to mediate between the players and their football association. 

Expectedly, South Africans were livid at the mistreatment of Banyana Banyana, who are the reigning African Champions. SAFA's nonchalant approach didn't only echo their disregard for women's football, it also illustrated the South African government's disregard for issues affecting women in the country. What's the correlation, you ask? Well, last year when Banyana were crowned Champions of the continent, the President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa talked a big game about equal pay among women and men in sports. If he meant it, why did that entire fiasco even happen? Luckily, the issue was resolved when Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, director of the philanthropic Motsepe Foundation stepped in to mediate between the players and their football association. This resulted in Banyana Banyana leaving for the global showpiece where they made history by becoming the FIRST South African football team to reach the round of 16 at a World Cup. 

Men's football being prioritised in South Africa is baffling considering Bafana Bafana's dismal performance over the years. This is not to say that the boys should be defined or anything along those lines but…what's the logic of prioritising them over Banyana Banyana who actually yield results? 

It was frustrating to discover that Nigeria, Spain, and Italy among other countries had serious grievances about their football federations. The Reggae Girlz of Jamaica even had to be crowdfunded to make it to the World Cup.

 

The Infuriating

While watching Espanol's crowning ceremony, I was very uncomfortable with how the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation(PRFF), Luis Rubiales was embracing the Spanish women players. The hugging and kissing was rather inappropriate for me – even at first glance. However, because of my conservative background, I just assumed that Spanish people probably have a different culture where kissing is normalised. This was of course until Jenni Hermoso, the La Roja striker who was kissed by Luis Rubiales WITHOUT her consent called him out about it publicly. 

Showing no remorse nor appreciation of the severity of the situation, Luis Rubiales released a casual apology video dismissing any accusations of malice behind his unsolicited kiss. In fact, he went on to describe it as a "mutual euphoric moment." Hermoso hit back strongly against his claims the kiss was consensual, saying she felt vulnerable and was the victim of an assault. 

Following public outage and social media backlash, FIFA decided to "provisionally" suspend Rubiales…whatever that means. This was after he made it very clear that he would not be resigning from his position. Rubiales' arrogance doesn't come as a surprise to me. This is the same man who blatantly ignored La Roja's grievances about the abuse they've had to endure under their current coach, Jorge Vilda. 

Many players, including double Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, have shown their support for Hermoso on social media, some including the phrase "it's over" – potentially referring to Rubiales' leadership of Spanish football. Furthermore, Putellas, Hermoso, the World Cup's player of the tournament Aitana Bonmati, and others say they will not play for Spain again until Rubiales and potentially others leave their posts.  

The idea that Rubiales just might get away with this is infuriating. He ruined a monumental moment for La Roja, particularly Jenni Hermoso and he expects us to just sweep it under the carpet? A part of me wants to believe that corrective action will be taken but then again, this is the same FIFA helmed by a bigoted sexist. 

Back to The Good 

As mentioned earlier, I want to focus on the positive takeaways from this edition of the World Cup because that's what the athletes who worked tirelessly to give us a spectacular showpiece deserve. Therefore, I refuse to end this post on a sour note. I strongly believe that the World Cup has left a great legacy. The tournament's inclusion propelled exposure for women athletes who are trailblazers in their respective regions.  

Furthermore, the successful spectacle created an opportunity for football federations to assess their contributions to women's football and implement strategies that will help improve the sport. 

With that said, here's a gallery of some of my most cherished moments from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. And yes, Asisat Osuala's goal celebration in Nigeria's victory against Australia is one of them. 

Banyana Banyana's Group Stage Victory Over Le Azzurre 

Believe it or not, my sister and I spent all 12 minutes of this encounter's additional time standing because we just couldn't handle the suspense. When our prolific striker, Thembi Kgatlana scored Banyana's third goal, I knew the women had made history. The feeling was out of this world! Also, Kaylin Swart made a magnificent save towards the end of the game, ensuring that the squad advances into the Round of 16 alongside some of the world's greatest footballing nations. It's a shame that her critics weren't loud about it on social media like they were about her mistakes. *sighs in misogyny* 

Katie McCabe's Audacious Corner Kick Strike Against Canada 

I was thoroughly impressed by Ireland's phenomenal performance at the Women's World Cup, with Captain Fantastic, Katie McCabe at the helm. She was the first player I've ever seen scoring straight from a corner kick when the Irish drew against the Canadians. 

Brazil's Superb Team Goal Against Panama

Bia Zaneratto's stunning goal in Brazil's win over Panama showcased the beauty of Samba football. The stunning strike had a little bit of everything: improvisation, dribbling, and creativity. 

The Copper Queens Bowing Out in Style 

Following two consecutive 5-0 defeats against Germany and Japan, the Copper Queens of Zambia were unfortunately knocked out of the 2023 Women's World Cup. However, the Zambians still had to play against Costa Rica before bowing out of the competition, and boy did they rise to the occasion. Playing for pride and exiting the tournament with their heads held high, Zambia stunned Costa Rica with a 3-1 defeat – with captain Barbra Banda scoring a brace. 

Kadidiatou Diani's Historic Hat Trick  

There aren't many players who get to experience the bliss of scoring a hat trick at football's biggest stage. Having noticed Kadidiatou Diani from France's first game against Jamaica, I just knew she was brilliant. Diani proved to be a prolific striker when she scored a hat trick against debutantes Panama who lost the game 5-2. 

All Hail The Raggae Girlz 

The Reggae Girlz of Jamaica proved to be a force to be reckoned with in their first game against France. Despite the game ending in a stalemate with both teams failing to break down the other's defence, Jamaica undoubtedly caused an upset since France came into the encounter as favourites. The Caribbean side's captain, Khadija Shaw's performance throughout the tournament was nothing less than spectacular. 

Sam Kerr's Cracker Against England in the Semi-finals 

If you didn't get the hype around Sam Kerr, I hope her performance during the Matildas' semi-final against The Lionesses of England showed you why we love her so much. It is still astonishing how she scored such a powerful strike from that angle against the tournament's Golden Glove Award recipient, Mary Earps. The Matildas lost the semi-final but Sam Kerr's electrifying goal will be remembered for years to come. 

Mary Fowler & Hayley Raso's Showstopping Performances

Staying with the Matildas, 20-year-old midfielder Mary Fowler and forward Hayley Raso put on such good performances at the tournament. I was especially impressed by the duo's performance against Les Bleues of France during the quarter-finals where the Matildas emerged victorious following a thrilling penalty shootout. 

Morocco Blazing into the Round of 16

As someone who wholeheartedly believed in Morocco being the underdogs, I was taken aback by their 6-0 loss against Germany. However, I knew that the Lionesses of Atlantis would make a comeback. Their victory over Korea Republic was great but it was their victory against Colombia was particularly impressive.

The Young Stars on the Rise 

Spanish forward Salma Paralluelo received the Young Player of the tournament award and it was truly deserved. She and other youngsters such as Colombia's Linda Caicedo, Banyana Banyana's Wendy Shongwe, and the Netherlands' Esmee Brugts all scored phenomenal World Cup goals. 

Alexandra Popp's Bolstering Headers

Despite Germany's shocking exit from the tournament during the group stages, Alexandra Popp's performance was immaculate. Apart from her superb goals (most of them headers), I think her phone call goal celebration signature is pretty cool. 

The Mighty Nadeshiko Japan

Japan were just marvellous to watch. The swift passes, team goals, and lively supporters brought an amazing aura to the showpiece. Their exit really broke my heart because I was rooting for them, especially after their stellar performances during the group stage. I'm happy that Japanese striker, Hinata Miyazawa received the tournament's Golden Boot Award, she deserves it. 

Asisat Ashoala's Brazen Goal Celebration

Asisat Ashoala's goal celebration after scoring Nigeria's third goal against the Matildas was priceless! She was yellow-carded for removing her shirt and received social media backlash but honestly, I don't blame her. The adrenaline of scoring a World Cup goal probably got the better of her. I was over the moon about the Super Falcons of Nigeria making it to the Round of 16 – which by the way, was not a first for the African giants. Their exit after a really good game against The Lionesses was too much to bear. I literally refused to watch the penalty shootout and only saw the results. 

La Roja Becoming Campeonas del Mundo

The Spanish women's team fought for their victory against The Lionesses. From suffering injuries to one of their star players, Salma Paralluelo being booked by the referee, their road to victory compromised many obstacles. However, La Roja conquered in the end, thanks to Olga Carmono's winning goal.