2023 Women’s World Cup

The 2023 Women’s World Cup started this Thursday and the expectations are quite high. The game has grown a lot in the women’s department, with the 2022 Euros being a great example of that in terms of viewership and attendance, so there are a lot of people expecting the same for this WC. The competition is taking place in Australia and New Zealand, with both sides having their respective debuts this Thursday.

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Australia have one of the best players in the world in Chelsea striker Sam Kerr but she arrived at the competition after suffering an injury, which is why she was sitting on the bench. This leveled the playing a bit for both Australia and their rivals, Ireland, with the two teams struggling to impose their presence. In that regard, it would be a penalty scored by Steph Catley in the 52^nd minute that would give the Aussies the edge to get the three points.

On the other hand, New Zealand had a tough ordeal to deal with. They were up against Norway, a team that has a lot of great talents, including a legend of the game in striker Ada Hegerberg, Chelsea starlet Guro Reiten, an underrated player in Manchester United midfielder Vilde Boe Risa, and many more. So, it came out as a surprise that New Zealand held their own and actually won 1-0, with a goal scored by Hannah Wilkinson in the 48^th minute.

Don’t miss a minute of the #FIFAWWC. 🤩

You can find out where to watch all the action here. 👇#BeyondGreatness

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 20, 2023

Predictions, favorites, and players to watch out for

When it comes to the Women’s World Cup, much like it happens with their male counterpart, there are some consistent favorites any time this competition comes to town.

The United States are the reigning champions and they have enough quality in their arsenal to repeat the competition once again. England won the 2022 Euros, breaking a decades-long drought when it comes to senior football, and, despite having a lot of injuries, players such as winger Lauren Hemp, midfielder Ella Toone, forward Alessia Russo, and midfielder Kiera Walsh are always worth taking into account.

The players in Spain’s national team have had their issues with manager Jorge Vildia, but when you have the likes of Alexia Putellas, Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmati, and many more, they need to be taken into account. The same can be said with the Netherlands and them having players such as PSG forward and midfielder Lieke Martins and Jackie Groenen, respectively, Lyon midfielder Dannielle van de Donk, and Manchester City midfielder Jill Roord.

When it comes to individual players, while players such as Sam Kerr or Ada Hergerberg are legends of the game, it’s very unlikely that their efforts are going to be enough to bring their teams to the latest stages of the competition. However, they need to be taken into account, just like Denmark’s striker Signe Bruun, Germany’s midfielder Lena Oberdorf, Sweden’s forward Fridolina Rolfo, and many more.

There are a lot of expectations for the 2023 Women’s World Cup and, hopefully, is going to live up to them.

Scenes at the #FIFAWWC 2023 opening ceremony! ✨👏#BeyondGreatness pic.twitter.com/RJsMQDJ4l7

— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 20, 2023