Best game
Argentina v South Africa
Hard to look past the history that was made when the Football Ferns played Switzerland here. But really this belongs to Argentina and South Africa. After South Africa went up 2-0, Argentina came back from the brink of collapse to score two incredible goals within five minutes to settle for a 2-2 draw. Kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Worst game
Netherlands v Portugal
Other than Stefanie van der Gragt’s goal in the 13th minute, nothing really happened here. Lots of penalties and missed opportunities from both sides. The sea of orange and passionate Portugal fans at least added to the atmosphere.
Best goal
Esmee Brugts (Netherlands)
The 20-year-old produced not one but two wonder strikes that curled into the right back of the net against Vietnam on Tuesday. Argentina’s Sophia Braun’s volley to get her side back in the game against South Africa will long stay in the mind, too.
Best fans
Argentina
The Sky Blues’ loyal clan barely missed a beat, whether that be on the drums, tins, chanting, stamping, waving flags or balloons. They created an unforgettable atmosphere under the roof against South Africa and showed just how pivotal sport can be in creating passion. Close second goes to the 25,947 fans who got behind our Football Ferns.
Three highlights
1. Women’s sport front and centre — it does not get much better than that. Amazing to witness history with the largest women’s event in Dunedin last Sunday and exciting to see the many new people getting behind football, and the women’s game, over the past 12 days. Let’s keep it going.
2. Sophia Braun’s goal for Argentina equally stunned and saved her team from the edge of no return. The reaction from players, staff and, more importantly, the fans, is something that will ring in the ears for a long, long time.
3. It was sport the way it should be. Passionate fans, different cultures blending together to celebrate the beautiful game and it brought the stadium to life. Something really special to be a part of and seeing the way different fans celebrate their teams in our stadium.
The first XI
- Forwards
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
Scored a goal and set up the other against Argentina. Lightning quick down the flank.
Something a little magic about Tanaka. Creates plenty of chances for her side and hard to keep quiet for long.
Ramona Bachmann (Switzerland)
Absolute class act and a real leader in her side’s attack. Found herself open 262 times, had nine crosses and six (one successful) attempts at goal.
- Midfielders
Jill Roord (Netherlands)
Always busy in the middle and always finds a way to be free.
Esmee Brugts (Netherlands)
Big future ahead of her if those two screaming goals are anything to go by.
Yui Hasegawa (Japan)
Never missed a beat in the middle for her side to advance.
- Defenders
Katie Bowen (New Zealand)
Sensational against Switzerland — in attack and defence — and the best on the park for the home team.
Stefanie van der Gragt (Netherlands)
The Dutch’s difference against Portugal with her 13th minute header and set up a brilliant team goal against Vietnam.
Sophia Braun (Argentina)
Passion personified. Brutal at the back and that wonder strike will be remembered for years to come.
Julia Stierli (Switzerland)
A quiet and calm achiever for her side at the back, racking up 83 successful line breaks and 224 passes.
- Goalkeeper
Daniela Solera (Costa Rica)
The gutsy goalkeeper kept teams out more often than not, saving 88 goals — the most by any keeper who played in Dunedin — throughout the tournament.
Honourable mentions: Jessica Silva (Portugal), Katrina Guillou (Philippines), Jacqui Hand (New Zealand), Yamila Rodriguez (Argentina), Kim Thanh Tran (Vietnam), Danielle van de Donk (Netherlands), CJ Bott (New Zealand).
