Soccer Politics Final Paper
For our site, we chose to use Wix because we wanted a simple but attention-catching platform. We strived to use consistency throughout the website to make it easily navigable. We provided an overview page that explains everything one needs to know about the Olympics. We wanted to ensure our website was easy to navigate and access, while still providing ample information, as women’s soccer is often overlooked and underrepresented. Information about the teams, players, coaches, standings, etc should be as easily accessible as for the men's teams. In the website itself, we chose a layout that is easy to read, but also interactive and engaging for the user. We created a page for each country, and each page consisted of sections on different information. These sections can be accessed by either scrolling down the page, or clicking on the title from the dropdown menu at the top of the site. Within each section, we included images, videos, interactive buttons, and pop-up text so that users can feel connected to the information. We also included a “fan section” where readers can submit their own thoughts and opinions on the teams. Our main priority using Wix and the themes we chose was to create a website that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and a way for fans of women soccer to learn more about the upcoming Olympics.
This summer, from July to August, the 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in France. Paris will be the main host city, with events taking place in 16 other cities. France was officially awarded the bid in September 2017 when the only two bids left were Paris and Los Angeles, with Los Angeles being awarded the 2028 bid. Soccer matches will be held in stadiums across France, with the gold medal match in Parc des Princes.
The previous Olympics took place in Tokyo, delayed a year due to the pandemic. In addition to the years delay, there were a variety of other restrictions that changed how the Olympics worked. One main change was that teams were allowed to bring 22 players instead of 18. Usually (and this summer), teams are only allowed to register an 18 player team, with 4 other alternate players. These alternates are only allowed to be used to permanently replace an injured player, keeping the squad at 18. For Tokyo 2020, FIFA allowed all 22 players to be named to the roster for COVID protocols. This was a big change, allowing more squad rotation and more players to get to play at the Olympics. The 18-player squad is something that makes the Olympics a unique tournament, as most major tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup, allow a 23-player squad, making the roster selection for the Olympics much more competitive and the tournament much more physically demanding.
While women’s football at the Olympics is similar to the men’s, there is one glaring difference: the age of the players. Only three players over 23 are allowed to compete according to FIFA and the International Olympic Committee. The women’s side features full senior national teams with no age restrictions at all. FIFA’s commitment to making sure their World Cup is the biggest international football event and is not overshadowed by the Olympics is clear in their keeping the men’s side essentially a youth tournament, while the Women’s side is entirely unregulated.
The tournament starts with a round-robin style group stage. Each team will play the other three teams in their group once. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. The third place teams from each group will be ranked and the top 2 third place teams will advance to the knockout stage as well. After the group stage is complete, the tournament turns to the knockout stage, where teams have one shot to win each game and advance. If a game is tied after 90 minutes of regulation play, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played, going to a penalty shoot-out if a winner cannot be decided. Teams advancing from the group stage go straight into the quarter finals.
Teams qualify through their confederations. Confederations group international federations (or country’s national teams) together geographically to hold tournaments and qualifications for international competitions. Each confederation is allotted a certain amount of places. The host nation automatically qualifies. In February 2022, FIFA announced that each confederation would be given two places at Paris 2024, except for OFC who was given only one place. Each federation holds their own tournament to determine qualification.
France hosting the Olympics makes them an interesting team to watch, as the nation tries to navigate all it takes to put on an Olympics. How the country adapts to the spike in tourism, navigates the challenges of setting up the infrastructure, and responds to the questions asked about their nation will all make France an interesting country to watch. The French women’s national team has had great success on the international stage but are yet to get their hands on a major international trophy, something they will be seeking to change this summer. With a large portion of the team playing for European giant Olympique Lyonnais, not only do their players have extensive experience at the highest level of competition in Europe, but many of them play together regularly, giving them an edge in cohesiveness.
Hervé Renard became the head coach of the French women’s team just months before the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Renard took over from Corinne Diacre who was fired after six years riddled with controversy and public feuds with players amounted in the players revolting. Renard led the team to the quarterfinals, losing to Australia on penalties. Renard comes in with previous national team experience, but no experience in the Women’s game. He previously coached the Saudi Arabia men’s national team, where he was the only manager to beat Messi’s Argentina side in the 2022 World Cup.
His player-oriented coaching style makes him an apt replacement for Diacre. His emphasis on teamwork and unity will be critical in restoring some cohesiveness to the conflict-riddled side. He is also known for his adaptability, making decisions on the fly to adjust to opponents, something that has proven key in his teams’ success. Rebuilding the team’s confidence and trust, while an ongoing process, has already led to increased success through a more dynamic and attacking style of play. Coming in just months before the World Cup, he had a tall task. He’ll be looking to prove that he can turn France’s recent success under him into their first major international victory.
Wendie Renard is a veteran center-back who captains both the national team and her club team Lyon. Growing up in Martinique, she was rejected from Clairefontaine at 15. She successfully landed a spot at Lyon’s youth team, making her senior debut in 2006. Her national team captaincy was stripped by Corinne Diacre in 2017, regaining it eventually in 2021. Renard was the leader of the protest against Diacre, announcing she wouldn’t play at the 2023 Women’s World Cup to “preserve her mental health,” only returning when new coach Hervé Renard (not related) took over. Her height makes her a huge aerial threat and a key target on set pieces, and her strength and pace makes her rock solid at the back. The 33 year-old’s leadership and reliability will make a key player for France to rely upon this summer.
Bèchois a product of the Paris Saint-Germain academy and a young talent at Olympique Lyonnais. At just 20 years old, the French striker signed for European giant Lyon in 2020, scoring her first goal after returning from a loan spell at Reims in January 2023. Joining Lyon saw her playing alongside star French national team players, including captain Wendie Renard. After great success at the youth level, Bècho was called up for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where she made her senior international debut as the youngest player on the squad and scored her first international goals against Panama. Her finishing technique, ability to use both feed, and speed make a very sought after player. Her extraordinary potential at such a young age makes her a player to watch this summer.
Delphine Cascarino is another key French player that plays for Olympique Lyonnais. The 27 year old winger has played for Lyon since 2014, making her senior national team debut in 2016. Cascarino ruptured her ACL in May 2023, ending her hopes of playing for France in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. France sorely missed her dominance on the flanks and will be ecstatic to see her back to peak form. She returned to playing in January, making her comeback with a Player of the Match award. Her athletic ability, speed, and ability to dribble one-on-one are just some of her stand out qualities. Her playmaking ability and outstanding crosses make her a player to watch this summer, as she continues her comeback in style.
Kadidiatou Diani is yet another of France’s star forwards who plays at Lyon. Diani’s abilities are not the only standout part of her as a player. Diani was one of the key players who protested alongside Wendie Renard against the former manager of the team, vowing not to go to the World Cup unless changes were made. Her absence is one that would have been sorely missed, as she went on to score a hat-trick against Panama. The 29 year-old’s technical abilities on the wing and in the box make her a key part of France’s attack. Her pace and dribbling combined with her finishing ability make her a player to watch this summer.
Veteran goalscorer, Eugénie Le Sommer, holds the record for most international goals for France (both men’s and women’s) and the second most caps. Yet another player for Lyon, she plays as an attacking midfielder. A graduate of the Clairefontaine academy, she joined Lyon in 2010, spending just one season on loan to the NWSL. Under Diacre, she was frozen out of the squad, Diacre citing her time as being done, but eventually inviting her back when their attack became sorely lacking. The 34 year-old’s wealth of experience at major international tournaments and her winning mindset will be critical if France want to get their hands on the gold medal. Her technical and one-touch play make her an outstanding player, with her goal scoring ability making her a player to watch this summer.
PSG’s all time top goal scorer, Marie-Antoinette Katoto is a key striker for France. She made her senior team debut in 2018, scoring her first goal the next year. After public criticism of her performance and attitude, Katoto was left out of the 2019 Women’s World Cup despite being that season’s top scorer in the French League. Katoto went on to join Renard in the protest against Diacre, eventually rejoining the team under Renard. Unfortunately a ruptured ACL in late 2022 ruled her out of playing the 2023 Women’s World Cup. She will be back with a vengeance this summer, looking to prove herself in her first major international tournament. Her speed, dribbling skills, and technical finishing all make her a player to watch this summer.
The reigning gold medal winners will be looking to make their mark again this Olympics. Despite their often poor performances at the World Cup, Canada always seems to turn it around at the Olympics. Canada is a top ten team and regular fixture at the Olympics, but one that has historically struggled to beat the US and win anything in their confederation. Their road to gold last Olympics was not a smooth one, beating Brazil on penalties in the quarter finals, infamously beating the US with one goal from a penalty, and beating Sweden to gold in a penalty shoot out, with the tying goal coming off a penalty kick. Their ability to always find a way back into the game, often through a penalty, makes them a team that you can never count out. Canada has also seen a recent changing of the guard with retirement of veteran players, including all time leading international goal scorer Christine Sinclair. It will be interesting to see how players step up and fill the void left in a team that relies a lot on youth.
Bev Priestman has been Canada’s head coach since 2020, winning gold in her first major international tournament with the team. Priestman previously coached for Canada’s youth teams and was assistant coach for England women’s national team until 2020 when she returned to Canada, this time at the national level. Renewing her contract in January, Priestman is here to stay through the 2027 Women’s World Cup, despite her lack of success in 2023. Her confidence to experiment and try new things has been key, as changes in personnel and lack of success has prompted Priestman to make big changes to get the success that the team has exhibited since the World Cup. Her bounce back ability is the epitome of this Canadian team, not afraid and willing to do anything to get the job done.
Adriana Leon is a dynamic attacker key to Canada’s new look attack. Playing now for Aston Villa, Leon has played for over ten clubs in her career, not sticking anywhere for too long. The 31 year old has been a part of the Canada set up for a long time, having fallen in and out of the senior team for years, while she struggled to find playing time at the club level. Under Bev Priestman, Leon has been regularly called up and proven herself to be an integral part of Canada’s dynamic attack. Despite her questionable form at the club level, her recent form for the country has been outstanding. Following the retirement of legendary Canadian forward Christine Sinclair, Leon seems to have solidified her spot in Canada’s starting 11. Leon can play centrally or on the wing, with her ability to go at defenders and to find a finish no matter what makes her key to Canada’s attack. Her recent success in finding scrappy goals and drawing penalties makes her a player to watch this summer.
Jessie Fleming is the heart of Canada’s midfield and the team’s new captain, taking over from long-time captain Christine Sinclair. Fleming recently joined the Portland Thorns from Chelsea, looking for more playing time. Having been a part of the Canada senior team since she was just 15, the now 26 year old is integral to the Canadian team, dictating play from the midfield. Her ability to score penalty kicks, scoring four out of four taken in Tokyo, was a large part of Canada’s success in 2021. Playing a deeper role in the midfield with the retirement of other veteran midfielders, Coach Bev Priestman will be looking to build the midfield around her. Her ability to read the game opens up space for other players and her tenacity in the midfield makes Canada a strong contender. Fleming’s technical ability on set pieces has yielded a lot of success for Canada recently, something to watch out for this summer.
Vanessa Gilles, the 28 year old center-back, is key to the Canadian defense. Gilles plays for Lyon, on a long-term loan from Angel City, where she is a regular starter. Gilles has been a more recent addition to the Canadian senior set up, but has solidified her spot at the heart of the defense. As Bev Priestman experiments with different defensive formations, Gilles has been paired with former Lyon defender and veteran player Kadeisha Buchanan. Gilles’ physicality and strength in her defending makes her a reliable figure at the back, as well her willingness to put her body on the line for her team. Her aerial dominance has proved valuable to the side both defensively and offensively, and Canada will look to get her head on the end of crosses. With set pieces having been a key part of Canada’s success as of late, Gilles’ ability to get on the end of those balls will be something to look out for this summer.
Olivia Smith is a rising talent for Canada. The 19 year old attacking midfielder plays for the Portuguese club Sporting CP, going professional after just one year at Penn State. As Canada looks to revamp their attack in the wake of retirements and a poor showing at the World Cup largely credited to the flat and uncreative attack, Smith will be a new young player Canada looks to to bring some life and creativity into the attack. A player that has been a big part of the youth set up, she was a late addition to the 2023 Women’s World Cup squad, where she made just one substitute appearance. Having recently been called up to the team for the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup, she scored her first senior goal and won the Young Player Award. It is clear to say that she has made her mark on the team. Providing creativity to the attack and excellent service, Smith is a young player with lots of potential to watch this summer, as she fights for a spot in a competitive Canadian attacking line up.
Janine Beckie is a key and versatile player for Canada who has long been part of the set up. The 29 year old is one of a few Canadians that play for the Portland Thorns. Beckie suffered an ACL injury in March 2023, forcing her to miss the 2023 Women’s World cup, leaving a clear void in the team. Returning to play this NWSL season, Beckie has been getting back to her top form, scoring a brace in her return to club action off the bench and getting her first call up back to the Canadian team in April. Beckie is a dynamic striker whose defensive ability can see her slot in as right back, something that will be very useful to Canada who seem to be having an injury crisis amongst their wing backs. Her versatility will make her a player Canada relies on yet again this summer. Her excellent service, technical finishing ability, and creativity to find goals out of seemingly nowhere make her a player to watch this summer.
Simi Awujo is another young talent on a Canada side that has long relied on youth. The 20 year old is a junior at USC, where she has proved an integral part of their midfield. The 2022 Canada Soccer Young Player of the Year has worked her way into the senior team, scoring her first goal this past December. Awujo will be a key part of answering the midfield question. In shifting their defensive formation, Priestman has looked to new players to fill out the midfield, providing stability and linking well to the attack. Awujo has made her mark on the team at the W Gold Cup back in March where she proved her value as a holding midfielder and one who can provide creativity and set up the attack, edging out previous starters to get significant minutes at the tournament. Awujo will be an important option for the midfield, as Canada will take on a variety of play styles in their different opponents. Awujo’s willingness to do the dirty work and clean up in the midfield, combined with her creativity and ability to play balls through make her an exciting young player to watch this summer.
When thinking of women's soccer, the United States always stands out. Renowned for their pivotal role in elevating women's soccer to unprecedented heights, the USWNT commands a massive and passionate fanbase both at home and abroad. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the USWNT boasts a roster brimming with potential. The competitive nature of women's soccer ensures a continuous influx of gifted players, enriching the talent pool and fueling the team's ambition for success. Crucially, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) serves as a unique opportunity for nurturing talent, providing a robust platform for players to develop and hone their skills. The league's strength bolsters the USWNT's arsenal, ensuring they are equipped to face the world's best on the Olympic stage, which is uncommon worldwide. As all eyes turn to Paris, our eyes turn to the USWNT. They are emerging as not just a team, but a symbol of resilience, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in women's soccer.
The road to the 2024 Paris Olympics has been waves of triumph and defeat for the United States Women's National Soccer Team. Their path to qualification was nothing short of a testament to their dominance in the sport. After winning the 2022 Concacaf W Championship, the U.S. was the 2nd nation to secure their spot in Paris. Their win also served as entrance to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup.
Stepping into the coaching shoes for the United States Women's National Soccer Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics is none other than Emma Hayes. Known for her tactical prowess and leadership acumen, Hayes brings a wealth of experience to the USWNT, despite her relatively late arrival to the squad.Having made her mark in the world of football management, Emma Hayes has left an indelible imprint on the sport. Renowned for her successful stints with top clubs, Hayes has proven her ability to inspire and lead teams to victory. Prior to her role with the USWNT, Hayes made waves as the head coach of Chelsea FC Women. Under her guidance, Chelsea rose to prominence, capturing multiple titles and earning widespread acclaim for their style of play. Hayes' tactical acumen and keen eye for talent propelled Chelsea to the upper echelons of women's football, cementing her reputation as one of the brightest coaching talents in the game.
Mallory Swanson, or Mal, is one of the most talented up and coming players on the national team. She first appeared in 2016, being the youngest player to debut since 2002. From then on, she quickly joined the NWSL and cemented herself as a key player. After injury this past year, Swanson missed the 2023 World Cup. Undeterred, she came back to the pitch determined, and earned the Chicago Red Stars a goal almost a year later. Prior to her injury, Swanson was at the top of her career, racking up individual goals and assists in record amounts. Now, she is working to get back to that level of individual skill, but even more importantly, is bringing a new side to the game she hasn't before. She's relying more on her teammates and creating beautiful set pieces to accompany her solo drives down the field. This combination could prove to be dangerous. She's definitely a player to watch in Paris.
Alex Morgan has played her way onto the bubble. For a while, that seemed impossible, but the veteran deserves credit for making it happen. After being left off the initial Gold Cup roster, it seemed Morgan's time was over. An injury reopened the door, though, and she burst through it, using the tournament to show everything she can bring to the team.The pace isn't there like it used to be, but there's still so much Morgan can do. As things stand, she may still be the best pure No.9 in the pool.
Jaedyn Shaw has arrived, and she did it in style. No player in the pool has seen their stock rise like Shaw, who has almost certainly played herself into the Olympic squad. She was the Golden Ball winner at the Gold Cup, for goodness sake; she's already that good.The old sentiment was that Shaw faces a lot of competition for a roster spot; the new one is that the competition is now facing Shaw. She's versatile enough to play all over the field and good enough to contribute wherever she does start. She's just 19, but Shaw is already a key USWNT player.
Alyssa Naeher was the No.1 at the World Cup, and there's no indication that she won't be back for the Olympics. The goalkeeper will be 36 when Paris 2024 rolls around, which means this will likely be her last global tournament. She was left out of the squad in December, but reclaimed her starting spot for almost the entirety of the Gold Cup and both SheBelieves Cup games.This would be her third Olympics, and she'll hope it'll be the one she finally gets her hands on a gold medal after settling for bronze last time.
While there are some position battles all over the field for the USWNT, there's no doubt who is taking at least one of those center-backs spots. Naomi Girma is indispensable for the USWNT and is totally locked into the starting XI. She's one of the best defenders in the world and she's only 23.If healthy, she's in the line-up for the Olympics and for plenty of major tournaments after it - although it remains to be seen who her partner will be.
After a strong start to her professional career with Gotham FC, Jenna Nighswonger is also making quite an impression with the USWNT. She earned her first start against China in December and didn't look out of place, showing her ability to go forward and put the ball into the box. She had an even bigger impact at the Gold Cup, scoring a penalty in the 5-0 opening win over the Dominican Republic before netting the second of three goals against Colombia in the knockouts.She only made a brief cameo off the bench in the SheBelieves Cup, though, which could be something to watch. Can she win a starting spot? It'll be one of the storylines to keep an eye on.
We chose to highlight Japan because they are a constant fixture in the world of football. They are consistently a strong team and fierce competitor, showing their passion for the game. Nadeshiko Japan embodies this passion, earning their rightful place in the 2024 Paris Olympics through unwavering dedication and a track record of excellence. This team has consistently proven themselves on the global stage, appearing in every World Cup tournament and achieving remarkable milestones. They claimed victory in 2011, clinched runner-up in 2015, and reached the finals in the 2012 Olympics, showcasing their consistency as a powerhouse team. With such a rich history of achievement, they epitomize the spirit of Olympic competition and deserve every moment under the spotlight in Paris.
Japan clinched their ticket to Paris this summer back in February, during a two leg tournament against North Korea. Battling for one of two slots from Asia, these teams drew 0-0 in the first match. With Japan ranked 7 in the world and North Korea 11, the Japanese team was favored to win. On home turf in Tokyo, they walked out with a hard fought victory, winning 2-1. They are now preparing for the upcoming Olympics, playing in international friendlies like the She Believes Cup.
Futoshi Ikeda stands at the helm of Japan's National Women's Soccer Team, bringing with him a wealth of experience and tactical brilliance. As a former player himself, Ikeda's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in technical finesse and strategic prowess. He's known for implementing a possession-based playing style, emphasizing fluid passing and intelligent movement on the field. Before taking on coaching duties, Ikeda enjoyed a successful playing career, notably featuring for Japanese club Júbilo Iwata as a midfielder. His transition from player to coach was marked by a keen understanding of the game's intricacies, allowing him to guide Japan's women's team to new heights.Under Ikeda's leadership, the team has continued its legacy of excellence, maintaining a strong presence in international competitions. His tenure has seen the team evolve tactically, blending discipline with creativity to navigate the challenges of elite-level soccer. As they gear up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Futoshi Ikeda's strategic acumen and dedication to excellence promise to propel Japan's National Women's Soccer Team towards further success on the global stage.
Captain and a member of the winning Japan team from the 2011 Women’s World Cup, Saki Kumagai is one to watch. Her voice is the loudest in the entire squad and she is constantly vocal in leading her team from the back. Kumagai plays at center-back for the national team, but is equally adept as a holding midfielder for her club. She sets harsh standards for herself and continually tries to improve. She has played in 4 world cups.
The next-generation leader of the Japanese defense, Moeka Minami was a member of the winning Japan side at the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in 2014 and captained her country to victory at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in 2018. She transferred to Roma last year to play in the Women’s Champions League and grow further individually as she adapted to the speed and physicality at the highest level. Minami says of this experience “my anticipation is faster now, I’m better at one-on-ones and there’s more variety to my play”. She is also confident building out from the back.
Hina Sugita’s potential is known to the world as player of the tournament both at the 2017 Under-17 Women’s World Cup, where Japan finished victorious, and at the 2016 Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Defensively she has a great sense for danger, while on the ball she is a clever player who can trick her opponents and doesn’t miss a chance to lay balls on for her teammates. She is also capable of shooting from range.
A striker with a wide variety of shots in her arsenal, Japan as a nation was shocked four years ago when Mina Tinaka was left out of the World Cup squad despite finishing the domestic league as both top scorer and player of the season. This gives her particularly special motivation this year. “As a player I’m capable of doing more than I could four years ago. This is my dream, it’s a really special stage, and I want to achieve proper results that people will remember.”
Ayaka Yamash*ta is the most likely candidate to start in goal for Japan and player of the year in the inaugural season of the WE League – the country’s first fully-professional women’s football league – last year. Yamash*ta originally played as a forward but switched to goalkeeping in her first year of high school. Strong athletically and excellent with her feet, she cites Ederson of Manchester City as her inspiration – she is the same age as the Brazilian and similarly left-footed.
Risa Shimizu is a player blessed with great stamina who will run up and down the flank all day and lay on goal scoring chances with her accurate crossing. Shimizu is certainly not the biggest by any means, but she makes up for this with her agility. Since Nadeshiko Japan switched to a back three she has been asked to play at right wing-back and the greater demands on her attacking ability have helped her develop into more of a goal threat herself. Shimizu’s motto is “however much effort you put in, that’s how many flowers will bloom”.
The Nigerian Team, or the Super Falcons, hold a special place in this upcoming tournament. Nigeria's presence in the Olympics is a momentous occasion, marking their first appearance in 16 years—a testament to their resilience and determination. The team's track record speaks volumes, having dominated the African scene with multiple African Women's Cup of Nations titles. Despite their achievements, the Super Falcons have sometimes flown under the radar in international competitions. This makes them a team to watch in Paris, where they aim to showcase their talent and prove their mettle against the world's best. Join us as we cheer on Nigeria's finest, celebrating their boundless talent and the exciting energy they bring to the Olympic arena.
In early April, Nigeria set the stage for the 2024 Olympics. After having the best finish for an African Team in the 2023 World Cup, Nigeria kept their momentum and won the CAF Qualifying tournament to secure their spot in Paris. They comfortably won 4-0 in the second leg of round 2 against Ethiopia and clinched a 1-0 lead in round three against Cameroon, paving a smooth path to victory. The playoff game proved to be much more difficult, but Nigeria drew out a 1-0 lead in the first leg and kept South Africa 0-0 in the second making them victorious.
Randy Waldrum is an accomplished American soccer coach who has brought his expertise to the Nigerian Women's National Soccer Team. With a rich background in coaching both men's and women's soccer at various levels, Waldrum has made significant contributions to the development of women's soccer globally. Before joining Nigeria's national team, Waldrum had a successful coaching career in the United States. He notably coached the women's soccer program at the University of Notre Dame for 15 seasons, where he achieved great success, including two national championships in 2004 and 2010.His coaching style is known for emphasizing technical skill, tactical awareness, and disciplined team play. Since taking the helm of Nigeria's Women's National Team, Waldrum has brought his wealth of experience to the international stage. His aim is to elevate the team's performance and help Nigerian women's soccer reach new heights on the global platform. With his strategic mindset and commitment to excellence, Waldrum continues to make a significant impact on the development and success of women's soccer in Nigeria and beyond.
A five-time African Footballer of the Year (a record) and first African woman nominated for the Ballon D’Or, Asisat Oshoala is the undisputed star of the team and its biggest goal threat. The versatile Barcelona striker actually played the 2012 U-20 World Cup as a defensive midfielder, before returning to the competition two years later as a forward and finishing as top scorer.
The team’s oldest and longest-serving player, Onome Ebi has been active on the international stage since 2003 and is part of the Super Falcons’ leadership group. If she takes the field in Australia, it would mark a sixth appearance at the World Cup: an African record. That will not be easy, not just because of competition for places, but because of growing criticism of her continued presence within the squad. “I’ve never been on the bench,” she has said. “When it’s time to step down, I will make that decision myself.” She credits sleep for her longevity and actively avoids weight training, preferring aerobics instead.
Oluwatosin Demehin was drafted into the senior side following an impressive showing at U-20 level. The timing is opportune: Nigeria’s defense has a surfeit of experience, and so could do with the speed and elasticity that youth provides. Enter Demehin. At the U-20 World Cup in 2022, Nigeria kept two clean sheets in four matches, and she has carried her strong form into the senior ranks, often paired with the experience of Ohale or Ebi.
In 2019 against South Korea, Chiamaka Nnadozie made history by becoming the youngest woman to keep a clean sheet at a World Cup finals (aged 18 years and 186 days). She has gone on to establish herself as Nigeria’s undisputed No 1, shedding the apprehension and shock that characterized her first outings and blossoming into one of the finest goalkeepers in the French top flight. Not bad considering she started her career as a right-back, and also played as a striker.
One of the youngest members of the squad, Rofiat Imuran was a revelation at the 2022 U-20 World Cup as Nigeria reached the last eight. Left-back has been a long-term problem position so a call-up to the senior team was a mere formality. She was singled out for praise on her senior debut against USA in September, with the coach, Randy Waldrum, branding her “the future”. With her clean technique and her brilliant deliveries from out wide, Imuran proves that if you are good enough, you are old enough. She is not, however, resting on her laurels. “Talent is important,” she says, “but you have to have a very strong mentality.” With an attitude like that, you wouldn’t bet against her fulfilling her personal ambition “to become the best in the world”.
Uchenna Kanu describes herself as a “natural goalscorer”, and has excelled in leagues in Mexico (where she was the first African to play in the top flight, with Tigres) and Sweden. She has a day (18 November) dedicated to her in Lakeland, Florida (where she attended Southeastern University) for becoming the all-time leading college goalscorer at a single school. Arguably the team’s best finisher, especially in the air where she possesses an intimidating leap.
Spain's National Women's Soccer Team has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse in recent years, currently holding the top spot in the world rankings. Their impressive performances in various tournaments over the past year or two have showcased their skill and tactical acumen, making them a formidable opponent on the international stage. With notable victories against top-tier teams, Spain has proven their ability to excel under pressure and deliver results when it matters most. As they prepare for their first ever Olympics, the Spanish team's relentless spirit and artful play promise to captivate audiences and reaffirm their status as true champions of women's soccer. Their journey is not just about winning; it's about setting new standards and inspiring a new generation of players around the world.
The Spanish National Football team is set to play in their first ever Olympics this summer. They clinched their spot with a 3-0 win over the Netherlands in the semifinals of the UEFA Women's Nations League. The team had just won the FIFA Women's World Cup the year before, adding another notch to their legendary season. This team has been an unstoppable force in almost every tournament, including in the home teams of their players across Europe.
Montse Tomé is a trailblazing figure in the world of women's football, renowned for her exceptional coaching prowess and dedication to elevating Spanish football to new heights. As the head coach of the Spanish women's national football team, Tomé has steered her squad through remarkable successes, embodying a strategic vision and nurturing a winning culture.With a background deeply rooted in football, Montse Tomé brings a wealth of experience to her coaching role. She honed her skills through extensive coaching education and practical experience, including stints with top-level club teams. Tomé's coaching style is characterized by a combination of tactical astuteness, motivational leadership, and a strong emphasis on player development.
Jennifer Hermoso is one of the veterans of this Spain team. The forward has gone from playing on the streets of Carabanchel, one of Madrid’s most underprivileged areas, to being invited to the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris as a Ballon d’Or finalist. Her tough beginnings now feel a long way off. Encouraged by her grandfather, who was a goalkeeper at Atlético Madrid, she went to trials at the club. From there, she joined Rayo Vallecano, before setting off to earn a living from her great passion in Sweden. Later, she would also net a move to France, signing a big-money contract at Paris Saint-Germain, where she spent a year. Having had Hermoso in their ranks earlier in her career, Barça had no hesitation when the chance came up to sign her for a second time in 2019, and she didn’t disappoint on her return to Catalonia. Now, Hermoso plies her trade in Mexico, where she continues to bang in the goals and is a huge star.
Esther González is Spain’s great battler. It’s what the forward has been doing since she took her first steps in the game. First in Huéscar, her Andalusian hometown, then in Villanueva de Algaidas, some 250km away. She never gave up. The same goes for her Spain career. Despite being one of the Spanish league’s outstanding goalscorers, González couldn’t force her way into Jorge Vilda’s plans, and missed out on the World Cup in France. She kept on banging in the goals, though, and turned the situation around. “She’s a born hard worker,” Vilda says. González is now La Roja’s first-choice No. 9, spearheading the team with determination.
Misa Rodríguez was a surprise signing for the newly created Real Madrid women’s team when she joined from Deportivo in 2020. She has gone from an unknown quantity to a Madrid idol. She attracted attention when she was targeted by misogynistic abuse after tweeting side-by-side photos of herself and Madrid men’s player Marco Asensio, with the caption: “Same passion.” “Same sexual orientation,” “you’re as passionate as you are desperate to give him one,” were among the replies. The Spanish football world rallied around Rodríguez on social media, with Asensio quickly coming out in her defense by tweeting: “Same passion – don’t let anything or anyone stop you from saying what you think.” A player who’s having a great time on the pitch, Rodríguez is blessed with real strength of personality and is an immensely popular figure. She has now inherited the No. 1 jersey as Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Ivana Andrés will go down in the history of Spanish women’s football as the first ever captain of Real Madrid. The defender was named as the legendary club’s skipper when the team burst onto the scene on 1 July 2020. “Proud to be a member of this group and happy to experience moments that are part of the history of the Spanish game,” she said. It’s worth recalling how she started out. In what proved a sterling piece of talent-spotting, her parents signed her up for her local team because she’d spend all day kicking bottles around. She’s gone from there to leading both Real Madrid and Spain. Her unfussy, effective defensive performances for club and country have persuaded Jorge Vilda to hand her the international captaincy.
Olga Carmona is among Spanish football’s most precocious talents. The Andalusian made her debut for Sevilla aged just 15, and has been a regular performer ever since. “My father signed my brothers up for football and I went every evening to watch them train,” Carmona says. “I ended up wanting to play so much that I said to myself: ‘Why shouldn’t I go out and train with them?’” And she got her way. Carmona was a marquee signing for Real Madrid in 2020, and is one of the Spanish game’s most exciting prospects. At 22, she has a very bright future ahead of her. At last summer’s Euros, she took a major step forward in her Spain career.
When it comes to Alexia Putellas, all the talk now is about her back-to-back Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards, not to mention all the other prizes the Barcelona captain has amassed in recent times – but her success is built on foundations that go way back. After suffering the biggest setback of her career just before last year’s Euros, sustaining a torn ACL that ruled her out for 10 months, she says she has returned as ‘Alexia 2.0′. She will be desperate to make up for lost time at the World Cup.
