The Women’s World Cup, which has broken records on and off the field, will reach a fitting climax on Sunday when either England or Spain are crowned champions for the first time.
Around 75,000 fans will pack Stadium Australia in Sydney for the final of the World Cup, which began with 32 teams, up from 24 four years earlier, and saw many favorites lose early.
Germany went out in the group stage along with Brazil, Italy and Olympic champions Canada, before being netted in the last 16 by holders United States – their first-ever exit.
South Africa, Jamaica and Morocco all reached the last 16 for the first time, and Colombia made the quarter-finals for the first time before a 2–1 defeat by England.
The exploits of the lower-ranked teams are evidence that the gap has narrowed substantially in international women’s football, but in the end, only the top two teams will make it to the final.