20 defining moments from the Women's World Cup

With another Women’s World Cup in the books, here’s a look at 20 defining moments in chronological order that exemplify both the memorable heights and forgettable failings during the quadrennial event.

South Africa’s spirited arrival

Debutant South Africa didn’t put a dent in Group B, scoring just one goal during its curtain-raiser against Spain. But the team did make quite the entrance. FIFA should consider awarding the Banyana Banyana a retrospective maiden World Cup point for that dance.

White’s Modeste celebration

England striker Ellen White was one of the 2019 World Cup stars, and her bespectacled celebration – and its idiosyncratic inspiration, FC Koln striker Anthony Modeste – only boosted the status of the Manchester City-bound goal machine.

Roord saves the Dutch vs. New Zealand

After watching all four of the Netherlands’ games at the 2015 World Cup from the bench, 22-year-old midfielder Jill Roord’s 76th-minute debut and subsequent added-time goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Group E foe New Zealand proved massive, as it established the Dutch’s path to the final.

USWNT’s divisive celebrations vs. Thailand

The Americans kicked off their World Cup defense by leveling Thailand 13-0 in the Group F table-setter. The scoreline was eye-catching, and the sprightly goal celebrations equated to HGH for volcanic hot takes. Sing when you’re winning, but don’t do it all the time, apparently.

Thailand’s first World Cup goal

Following the U.S. result, Thailand needed some life, and it came in the form of the team’s first World Cup goal during a 5-1 Sweden defeat. Kanjana Sungngoen was the hero, and an ebullient bench made for a lasting image. The reaction from national team architect Nualphan Lamsam was memorable, too. What a story.

Chile ‘keeper Endler vs. USA

Christiane Endler’s superhuman showing against the U.S. highlighted a series of stunning goalkeeping displays in France. The Chilean helped her team avoid a lopsided scoreline with a slew of Player of the Match-worthy saves, including an acrobatic effort to deny Christen Press.

VAR salvaging Renard’s missed penalty

VAR reared its unpolished head in France to widespread criticism. One of the biggest decisions gifted the host nation a goal against Nigeria after Les Bleues defender Wendie Renard’s misfired penalty was waved off courtesy of Chiamaka Nnadozie slightly stepping off her line. It was a bit like calling a travel in basketball.

Italy stuns doubters to top Group C

Who says Italy can’t qualify for a World Cup? The women’s team shocked most after a 20-year hiatus from the tourney, topping a stacked group featuring Brazil, Australia, and Jamaica. The team’s run should massively impact the women’s game in Italy.

Marta’s spirited plea

There are stark disparities in support for women’s football in Brazil compared to the men’s game. Selecao legend Marta’s impassioned “cry at the beginning so you can smile at the end” plea for the next generation to continue her legacy, and that of fellow aging legends Formiga and Cristiane, was stirring.

Kerr misses penalty to eliminate Australia

Australia’s efforts in France were always going to progress only as far as star forward Sam Kerr could drag them. So perhaps it was fitting that the consensus world No. 1 took a shockingly celestial penalty in a last-16 loss to Norway that sealed the Matildas’ World Cup exit. Nobody said football wasn’t cruel.

Cameroon’s anti-ref display

VAR didn’t do itself any favors in France, nor did Cameroon in a contentious defeat to England that saw the African side delay the match while protesting a decision, contributing to an overall sour mood during an afternoon with some hearty challenges. Phil Neville wasn’t impressed, and FIFA will investigate the matter.

Canada suffers its latest early exit

Fifth-ranked Canada arrived in France with reason for hope. Pre-tournament tune-up matches showcased a defensively rigid side with a potent front-three aiming to better 2015’s quarterfinal finish. Then it all went pear-shaped, as a last-16 dismissal against Sweden marked the country’s latest major-tournament disappointment.

Rapinoe’s celebration against France

USWNT star Megan Rapinoe was again in the middle of a celebratory moment. The choreographed show against Thailand drew ire, but her viral moment against France did the opposite. Her graceful pose was appropriate after Rapinoe’s four straight goals in games versus Spain and Les Bleues raised the American team’s hopes.

France denied O’Hara handball

VAR’s influence bossed matters to such an extent that when France full-back Amel Majri’s intended cross struck Kelley O’Hara’s arm late in a defeat to the Americans, many asked why a penalty wasn’t awarded, or why a similar call to the one in the Netherlands-Japan clash wasn’t made. Some even questioned what a handball penalty looks like now. There’s really no way of knowing.

Morgan’s tea-sipping celebration

The U.S. celebrates goals. Get over it. Alex Morgan’s tea-sipping display against England, the noted lovers of tea, was the latest celebration to cause a hoopla. According to Morgan, male players “grabbing their sacks” and not receiving similar criticism is a sign of an unfair double standard. Nutty stuff.

Houghton’s penalty miss

It’s hard not to feel for England star Steph Houghton. She fluffed a late chance to level the semifinal against the U.S. from the penalty spot, and after cleaning up behind center-back partner Millie Bright all tournament, the veteran looked utterly gutted. England missing penalties is a tradition unlike any other.

Groenen scores late to bounce Sweden

The Netherlands benefited from a scoring-by-committee approach all tournament, and Jackie Groenen became the eighth Dutch player to etch her name in history with a 99th-minute match-winner versus Sweden in the semis. The long-range shot was one of the most important Oranjeleeuwinnen goals to date.

Lavelle’s stellar run sets goal-scoring standard

When USWNT whiz Rose Lavelle snatched Stefanie van der Gragt’s soul with a slick feint and left-foot finish, not only did she all but cement a second World Cup title for the U.S. on the spin, the tally also set a new record of 26 goals in the tournament.

Rapinoe wins the Golden Boot, Golden Ball

Rapinoe became the second American to win the Golden Boot, joining Michelle Akers after a spot-kick in the finale narrowly edged her past teammate Alex Morgan due to fewer minutes played. Rapinoe and Morgan each scored six goals with three assists, while Ellen White bagged a half dozen as well.

Irrepressible USWNT wins the World Cup

With Rapinoe and Lavelle scoring to lead the way, the United States outclassed the Netherlands 2-0 in the tournament final on Sunday in Lyon. The title is a record fourth for the Americans, and a deserved result for a team that was the best in France by a wide margin.