Women’s World Cup: 5 best moments from the Round of 16

Marta’s post-game speech

The greatest moment of the Round of 16 wasn’t a grueling victory or a wondergoal, but rather a post-game speech made by the greatest player in the history of this sport.

Marta and Brazil put it all on the line against France, but the younger host nation’s team eventually outlasted them over 120 minutes. Star striker Cristiane’s injury also played a role in Brazil barely coming up short in what may be their last hurrah.

But Marta’s enduring legacy in the game is about more than her record-breaking six Player of the Year awards, ridiculous performance against the United States in 2007, or status as the highest-scoring player in World Cup history.

Her legacy is about opening doors for other women to be the next Marta and to have someone to look up to. While Brazil never won a World Cup and didn’t make it past the first round this year, Marta once again found a way to make a more profound mark on women’s football than any other player in the tournament.

This speech is one of the most inspiring in the history of sports, and it will be played over and over again for years to come. More importantly, it will make an impact on young women watching Marta’s words and understanding that the change and growth of the game comes from them.

“Cry in the beginning so you can smile in the end.”

Word to live by.

Jennifer Hermoso gives Spain life

An Abby Dahlkemper long ball to Tobin Heath unlocked Spain’s tidy offside trap, and Heath cut inside to win a penalty off of world-class center back Mapi Leon. Megan Rapinoe converted from the spot cooly, and the United States had a 1-0 lead in just the seventh minute, making it seem like they’d get to play a comfortable game. Recall that they jumped to an early 1-0 lead against Sweden and went on to coast to a 2-0 victory.

They wouldn’t coast at all against Spain, who could have went deep into this tournament if they didn’t run into the United States in the first round. Spain have one of the best back fours in world football, and they were dominant against the USWNT, shutting down Rapinoe (from open play, at least) and injured striker Alex Morgan. Not only were Spain tactically and technically proficient in the middle of the park, but they were also even more physical than the USWNT.

Defending is great, but a team still needs goals. And the USWNT’s early lead lasted a grand total of two minutes, thanks to this wonderful finish from Jennifer Hermoso.

Yes, Alyssa Naeher and Becky Sauerbrunn made a blunder at the back to gift Spain a chance. However, Hermoso still had a lot of work to do, but she showed why she’s one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the game. The in-form forward kept a cool head and supplied an inch-perfect, curling finish that was one of the most satisfying strikes to watch. Even USWNT fans can appreciate the goal, now that their team won after a soft penalty call in the late stages.

Hermoso’s goal wasn’t just a great strike, but it also showed the USWNT that Spain could immediately take the fight to them and have the quality to capitalize on mistakes. The women’s game is growing in Spain – all league games will be broadcasted next season and Real Madrid are finally getting a women’s team – and this World Cup displayed that progress.