Sydney, Australia – Even before a ball was kicked in Australia and New Zealand, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was making history.
It was the first to be co-hosted by nations from different confederations. It sold more tickets than ever before and was expanded from 24 to 32 teams with bigger prize money given directly to players.
Yet as excitement builds ahead of Australia’s semifinal against rivals England on Wednesday, some say it’s the way this tournament has made people feel about football – and the women’s game in particular – that has turned it into a “watershed”.
When Cortnee Vine’s winning penalty hit the back of the net for Australia in the thrilling quarterfinal shootout against France in Brisbane, it was as if the whole of Australia roared as one.
Outside Stadium Australia in Sydney ahead of the England vs Colombia quarterfinal, it was bedlam. Men and…