With Bristol City Women sitting out this weekend’s round of Women’s Super League matches I got my women’s footie fix from three superb televised over the course of the weekend. Manchester City Women’s brilliant 2-0 win against Arsenal Women to open up the league is well publicised elsewhere but I would like to focus on the two ‘finals’ around the world that showcased the incredible talent we have that’s coming through in the women’s game.
First up was the final of the Under 17 World Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay. This was broadcast live on Eurosport which had ex England legendary captain Faye White on commentary. The final was contested between Mexico and Spain who had defeated Canada and New Zealand in their respective semi-finals. Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan was on hand to bring out the trophy in what was to be Mexico’s first women’s final in any age group. They also boasted Arsenal’s young Gunner Silvana Flores.
Spain finished runners-up to Japan four years prior and were huge favourites for this match. They started off much the brighter and on 17 mins got the lead with a well taken goal by FC Barcelona Femeni‘s Claudia Pina with her sixth goal of the tournament. Ten mins later Pina their doubled lead from a low cross from the right by Eva Navarro who had been mighty impressive. Spain took their foot off the gas and allowed Mexico pull one back on the half-hour mark through Denise Castro.
The second half was uneventful with Spain lacking there cutting edge they had shown in the first half. Campos, the Mexican goalkeeper played very well but Spain should have won it much more comprehensively than the 2-1 scoreline. Although they won’t care as they would have been delighted to receive the trophy from FIFA president Giani Infantino at a very colourful trophy presentation. They are now the fifth winner of this competition after North Korea, South Korea, Japan and France.
Live on BT Sport was the NCAA Championship match between North Carolina and Florida State in Cary, North Carolina. This was the final game of the USA college programme. Defender, Lotte Wubben-Moy who plays for Arsenal Women and has represented England from under 15 to under 19 level was in the North Carolina team and played very well. The game was end to end with both teams displaying superb crisp passing although I felt NC just edged the first half. Florida State came out winners thanks to a goal from Dallas Dorosy who toe-poked it past NC keeper Caroline Jeffers. North Carolina pressed for an equaliser but it would be Florida State Seminoles who would win the cup 1-0.
Two great finals showing that there is some exciting talent waiting to break through over the next few years.
Photo: @NCAASoccer
