The first FIFA World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand has recently concluded, and from an Australian’s point of view, it was an astonishing event.
The Australian women’s team, the Matildas, finished 4th in the overall ranking, having lost to England in the semifinal and Sweden for the bronze medal. However, this position is the furthest any Australian team, men or women, has ever achieved to reach. Top scorer, Sam Kerr, led the Australian team to defeat France in an intense quarterfinal penalty shootout, with Australia coming out on top 7-6. What a moment.
The final contest, between England and Spain would decide the ultimate champion for the 2023 World Cup. With both teams craving for the title, Spain eventually persevered and scored the opening goal. The stakes were high and soon it was down to extra time. To England’s favour, 13 additional minutes would be added for injury time. But even with the extra 13 minutes, England still could not find a way to break through. It was the last corner, presumably the last play of the game. The goalkeeper came up for one last chance to tie the scores. The ball went up…
And into the keeper’s clutches.
The final whistle blew, and England, devastated, had to settle for 2nd, with Spain as the World Cup champions.
Joining Germany, Spain became the only other country for both their men and women’s team to both win the World Cup.
Overall, it has been an exhilarating contest of the nations, especially for the Australian and New Zealand crowd to watch and spectate.
Peace! ✌️