Women's football world cup 2019 interesting facts

A grand stage and record-breaking spectatorship

The 2019 tournament was held across nine cities in France, from Paris to Lyon, and saw 24 nations compete for the coveted trophy. The host nation did an exemplary job of creating an electric atmosphere, contributing significantly to record-breaking attendance and viewership figures. These numbers weren't just impressive; they shattered previous benchmarks for women's football, signaling a massive surge in global interest.

• Stadium Attendance: The total attendance across all 52 matches reached over 1.1 million spectators, a remarkable achievement. This included sell-out crowds for many games, most notably the final at Parc Olympique Lyonnais, which hosted over 57,900 fans.
• Television Viewership: The tournament broke all previous viewership records. FIFA reported a staggering 1.12 billion viewers tuned into the official broadcast coverage across all platforms, including linear TV and digital streams. The final match between the USA and the Netherlands alone attracted an average live audience of 82.18 million viewers, representing a 56% increase compared to the 2015 final. In the USA, the final was the most-watched soccer match on English-language television since 2018, surpassing viewership for men's World Cup matches.
• Local Engagement: Beyond the stadiums, fan zones in cities like Paris and Lyon drew hundreds of thousands of people, demonstrating the widespread public enthusiasm and community engagement.

These figures underscore the growing commercial viability and broad appeal of women's football, demonstrating that the sport is a significant draw for audiences globally.

Usa's dominance and individual brilliance

The fourth star: usa's unstoppable campaign

The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) once again proved their prowess, securing their record-extending fourth FIFA Women's World Cup title. Their journey was marked by dominant performances from start to finish. The team kicked off their campaign with an astonishing 13-0 victory over Thailand, setting a new record for the largest margin of victory in World Cup history, both men's and women's. This emphatic win saw Alex Morgan score five goals, tying a tournament record for individual goals in a single match.

Megan rapinoe: golden girl

While the USWNT was a collective powerhouse, individual stars shone brightly. Megan Rapinoe emerged as one of the tournament's most iconic figures, winning both the Golden Boot (as top scorer with 6 goals, tied with Alex Morgan and Ellen White but taking the award due to fewer minutes played) and the Golden Ball (as the best player of the tournament). Her memorable goal celebrations, particularly the pose with outstretched arms, became a symbol of the team's confidence and success. Rapinoe also became the oldest player to score in a Women's World Cup final, at 34 years and 2 days. Her outspoken advocacy for equal pay and social justice also garnered significant media attention, elevating her status beyond just a footballer.

Other key contributors

Rose Lavelle's dazzling playmaking and her crucial goal in the final cemented her as a rising star, earning her the Bronze Ball award. Veterans like Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, and Julie Ertz consistently delivered high-level performances, showcasing the depth and experience within the American squad.

Emerging powers and global representation

While the USA ultimately triumphed, the 2019 World Cup also highlighted the rise of several nations and the increasing competitiveness of women's football globally. The tournament featured teams from all six confederations, showcasing a diverse array of playing styles and talent.

• Netherlands' Historic Run: The Dutch team, led by stars like Vivianne Miedema (who became her country's all-time leading scorer during the tournament) and Lieke Martens, made an incredible run to the final for the first time in their history. Their exciting brand of football captivated many and demonstrated the rapid development of women's soccer in Europe.
• England's Strong Showing: The Lionesses, under manager Phil Neville, reached the semi-finals, ultimately finishing fourth. Their performances, including significant wins against Norway and Cameroon, further solidified their status as a top-tier team and fueled growing interest in the sport back home.
• Italy's Surprise Performance: Italy, returning to the World Cup after a 20-year absence, surprised many by reaching the quarter-finals. Their energetic performances, backed by strong fan support, indicated a significant revival for women's football in the country.
• African and Asian Teams: Teams like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Japan showcased moments of brilliance, reminding the world of the talent pools existing in these regions, despite facing different developmental challenges. For instance, Marta of Brazil, already a legend, made history by scoring her 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record for most goals in World Cup tournaments (men's or women's), further cementing her status as the greatest.

The growing parity and improved quality across more nations made for a more unpredictable and thrilling competition, illustrating the investment and growth occurring worldwide.

The role of var and officiating controversies

The 2019 Women's World Cup was the first edition of the tournament to feature the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, a technology designed to assist referees in making key decisions. While intended to improve accuracy, VAR's implementation in France sparked considerable debate and some controversy, becoming a significant talking point throughout the tournament.

• Penalty Decisions: VAR was frequently used to review penalty incidents, leading to several spot-kicks being awarded or retaken. A particular point of contention was the rule regarding goalkeepers stepping off their line during penalties, which led to a few retakes. This rule was subsequently clarified and modified by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) shortly after the tournament due to the backlash.
• Offside Calls: Close offside decisions were often reviewed, leading to moments of high drama as goals were either confirmed or disallowed after lengthy checks. The precision of VAR sometimes highlighted marginal calls that might have gone unnoticed by the naked eye, altering the flow and outcome of matches.
• Handball Rules: The interpretation of handball incidents also came under scrutiny, with VAR interventions leading to penalties for seemingly involuntary touches within the box, raising questions about consistency and the spirit of the game.

Despite the controversies, VAR undoubtedly added a new dimension to the officiating. It ensured greater scrutiny of critical moments, even if it sometimes came at the cost of immediate game flow. The debates surrounding VAR in this tournament further contributed to its ongoing evolution and refinement in football.

Beyond the pitch: cultural impact and legacy

The 2019 Women's World Cup was more than just a football tournament; it was a powerful cultural phenomenon that significantly impacted perceptions of women's sports and advocacy for equality. The visibility and success of the event ignited conversations and movements that extended far beyond the final whistle.

• Increased Visibility and Media Coverage: The tournament commanded unprecedented media attention, not just from sports outlets but also from mainstream news and social media. This extensive coverage elevated the profiles of players, making them household names and role models for a new generation.
• Equal Pay Advocacy: The USWNT, in particular, used their platform to advocate for equal pay and better working conditions, drawing global attention to disparities in prize money, sponsorship, and investment between men's and women's football. This discussion gained significant traction during and after the tournament, leading to ongoing efforts and policy changes in various federations.
• Inspiration for Young Girls: The heroic performances and inspiring stories from players across all teams motivated countless young girls and boys to participate in football. Enrollments in girls' football programs saw spikes in many countries following the tournament, solidifying its role as a catalyst for grassroots development.
• Sponsorship and Investment: The record viewership and commercial success demonstrated the untapped potential of women's football, encouraging more brands and federations to invest in the sport. This increased investment is crucial for professionalizing leagues, improving infrastructure, and supporting player development globally.

The legacy of the 2019 Women's World Cup is profound. It not only showcased world-class athleticism but also served as a powerful testament to the growing influence of women in sport and their ongoing fight for recognition and equality, paving the way for future tournaments and generations of players.