Page 87 - Soccer360 Issue 107

MEN’S GOAL SCORING LEADERS
Rahimi MOR (8) López ESP (6) Mateta FRA (5) Adel EGP (3) Fernández PAR (3) Almada ARG (2) Olise FRA (2) Hussein IRQ (2) Fujio JPN (2)
Mito JPN (2) Yamamoto JPN (2) Ezzalzouli MOR (2)
de Marseille (Fans of the Atlas Lions would get a measure of good news though in the Bronze Medal match where they took down their bitter rivals Egypt 6-0).
Spain’s attack proved to be the difference throughout the entire tournament, racking up 16 goals. Their leader up top was Fermin Lopez of Barcelona who scored six of them including a brace in the final against France. Working with Alex Baena of Villarreal and Sergio Camello of Rayo Vallecano (two goals apiece) the three were able to unlocked defenses finding small gaps to exploit.
All three players are also under the age of 23 and will certainly use their positive experiences as a chance to enhance their aspirations with their respective clubs. After having a hugely successful summer
Spain’s next goal seems to be quite clear: winning the World Cup in 2026 for the second time. Given their recent run of form across all age levels they should feel quite confident in their ability to score goals at will. It is just a question of whether they can find the right roster to take to North America.
SOCCER360 85
ABOVE (TOP):
Lopez (Spain) celebrates a goal during the Men’s Semi-final between Morroco and Spain
ABOVE RIGHT:
Mallory Swanson
RIGHT, MIDDLE:
Katoto for France
FAR RIGHT:
Barbra Banda
RIGHT:
Mateta for France
WOMEN’S
TOURNAMENT BEST
XI (CON’T)
Forward Mallory Swanson
(United States)
Buried the game-winner in the gold medal match and was a constant attacking presence for the United States throughout the entire tournament, scoring four goals. Alongside Rodman and Smith, Swanson formed a devastating three-headed attack.
Forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France)
Set the tone early for the high-scoring French attack in their opening day 3-2 win over Colombia, scoring a brace
in the victory. In the Group Stage,
she scored five of France’s six goals including two additional goals to lift the home team over New Zealand 2-1 to earn the top spot in Group A.
Forward Barbra Banda (Zambia)
The Golden Boot winner of the tournament Banda buried a hat trick for Zambia, who narrowly lost to Australia 6-5. She added a fourth in their final match against Germany showing that the Orlando Pride forward can strike at any opponent with pace and velocity.