While many American fans have shared their disappointment over the way their team played in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup so far, it has been an absolutely positive experience for the nations of Africa.
Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco all made it to the knockout round of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which makes it the first time that three African teams have made it this far.
Zambia almost made it four with a strong showing but wasn’t able to overcome Japan and Spain in their group.
MOROCCO'S REACTION TO SEEING THE FINAL RESULT OF GERMANY-SOUTH KOREA 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/fvLPAfwFNh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 3, 2023
Still, it’s a pretty impressive run and signals a change in the air. For many fans, it also signals an important step in being able to see athletes that look like them competing at the highest level.
“It’s been wonderful to watch how my own children are experiencing this tournament. It’s opening their eyes to how this game can shape — and be shaped by — global concerns,” author Aimee Phan wrote in a CNN opinion column.
“Seeing players who look like you matters. It inspires young children to realize they can play too. I remember watching ice skaters Kristi Yamaguchi and Michelle Kwan winning medals during the Winter Olympics, and my father would loudly fantasize how that could be me. It was an irrational hope, but still a hope. A fantastical dream that anything is possible because these athletes had proven it.”
It’s a great time for diverse backgrounds in the world of women’s soccer. Hopefully one or two of those teams are able to make a deep run in the World Cup and really change the status quo.
[CNN]
