Page 79 - Soccer360 - Issue 103

FACT FILE Number of
matches:
64
Number of teams:
32
Venues:
10
in nine host cities
Goals scored:
164
“GERMANY DIDN’T LOOK GOOD AGAINST SOUTH KOREA, PULLING OUT A 1-1 DRAW THAT WASN’T ENOUGH TO ADVANCE.”
highest at any edition of the World Cup
D. Alongside Japan, they were the only team in the Group Stage to earn three clean sheets (they defeated Panama 1-0 in their second match). A strong showing from a side that had to earn their spot via the Intercontinental Playoffs.
7.) GERMANY EXITS EARLY
There were plenty of shock upsets throughout
the Group Stage at this year’s tournament, but Germany’s exit certainly takes the strudel. The 2022 European Championship runners-up dominated Morocco in the opener but fell flat against Colombia losing 2-1. They didn’t look much better against South Korea, pulling out a 1-1 draw that wasn’t enough to advance.
6.) BUT MOROCCO MAKES IT
After losing 6-0 to Germany in their first match, it looked as if Morocco’s stay in New Zealand might be short lived. But as they had done all throughout qualification the Lionesses of Atlas proved their mettle, defeating South Korea and Colombia by
1-0 scorelines. While they ran into a buzzsaw in the Round of 16 in the form of France, they had already earned their respect for their strong defensive play and ability to perform under pressure.
LEFT: Players of Germany react following the
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 soccer match between South Korea and Germany
BOTTOM LEFT: Nesryne El Chad of Morocco celebrates their win after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 soccer match between Morocco and Colombia
BOTTOM RIGHT: Christine Sinclair retired from international football after Canada’s exit in the Group Stage
5.) SINCLAIR SAYS GOODBYE
There were a number of players who bid adieu to the international stage down in Australia and New Zealand. But none had the scoring credentials of Christine Sinclair, who retired from international football after Canada’s exit in the Group Stage. Although she did not score in this year’s World Cup she ended her career with 190 goals the most among all players in international play (male or female). She was a trailblazer in Canadian soccer, using her platform to push for equal pay and for the Canadian Soccer Association to become a better, more organized FA for future players.
FACT FILE Penalties taken:
27
excluding shootouts
Highest scoring team:
Spain
(18 goals)
Biggest win: Netherlands
7-0
Vietnam in the group stage
Top scorer: Hinata Miyazawa of Japan
Five
Goals
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