Over the summer, one of the biggest sporting events took place and was followed
by people all over the world- the 2015 women’s soccer World Cup.
16 countries competed in the widely televised competition.
In the final match-up, Japan and the United States faced off against each other.
It was the U.S.A. that prevailed in a dominant performance with a final score of 5-2.
Here is a breakdown and highlights of the eight countries that made it to the quarterfinal round:
Germany:
Germany’s quarter-final win over France to advance to the semi-final round was a thriller. The Germans sank all five of their penalty kick attempts after a 1-1 draw to advance.
Fun fact – Germany scored the most amount of goals in the tournament out of all the countries that competed; knocking in a solid 20.
France:
It took the French just eight minutes to put their foot down on Korea to advance to the quarter-final round.
Fun fact – France sent Korea home with a 3-0 shutout win.
China:
Back in 2011 the Chinese failed to qualify for the 2011 women’s World Cup. Four years later the ladies made a complete 180. China justified that they are back with a 1-0 win over Cameroon.
Fun fact – China has at least advanced to the quarterfinals in all six women’s World Cups they have competed in.
United States:
Gaining their third World Cup title ever over the reigning champs, the U.S.A. women’s team made history in American television ratings as well. The championship game between the Americans and Japanese was the most viewed soccer game in history of American television. The game was watched by 26.7 million viewers in the United States alone. The U.S. completely dominated Japan from start to finish, with a final score of 5-2.
Fun fact – Carli Lloyd’s hat trick just 16 minutes into the game is the first ever in women’s World Cup Final history and only the second in World Cup Final history.
Australia:
Australia made some history of its own as well. Kyah Simon knocked in a a close-range goal to give the Aussies a 1-0 knockout win over highly favored Brazil. The Australians have been eliminated in this round by Brazil in the past two women’s World Cups. The victory ended that streak and launched them in to the quarterfinals.
Fun fact – Neither a male or female Australian team has won a World Cup knockout game prior to this triumph.
Japan:
With just three minutes left in regulation, Mana Iwabuchi knocked in a desperately needed goal to give the defending champions a 1-0 conquest over Australia. The big win sent the Japanese in to the semi-final round, where they later beat England to send them in to the championship game.
England:
The English knocked out hosting team Canada, 2-1 at a sold-out BC Place in Vancouver. England ended Canada’s hopes of becoming the first hosts since the U.S.A. in 2003 to make it past the quarterfinal round.
Fun fact – Advancing to the semi-final round is the furthest the English have ever advanced in a Women’s World Cup.
Canada:
The Canadians propelled themselves into the quarter final round with an essential and only goal of the game by Josee Belanger. Canada sent Switzerland home in a 1-0 win. Although the match lacked in skill, it was a game full of adrenalin and passion.
Fun fact – The total number in attendance at the match was 53,855 in total. This was the most attended event ever for a national team game in Canada of any sport.
