Before digging into the soccer, what has happened to Jess Carter is horrible. And I’ll bet she’s not alone. The public discourse on social media has been poisoned and our leaders have encouraged it. We’re headed down a dark path, and I don’t really see an end to it, but don’t turn away. Stand up to hate in your day-to-day life. Teach your kids. By an ally. Also, here in the United States, you can support The Black Women’s Player Collective.
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The Euros have been an absolute adventure: the close games, the missed penalties and, of course, the Swiss fans. How does England miss three penalties in a row and still prevail over Sweden after a 1-1 draw? How does Germany, down to 10 players for much of the match, advance on penalties against France, and How does Ann Katrin Berger make that save?
Spain, which downed Switzerland 2-0 in the quarterfinals, still feels like the team to beat. The Women’s World Cup winners will face Germany on Wednesday in the semifinals. England plays Italy in the other semi on Tuesday.
But there are two other tournaments happening: The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is the championship for that continent, and the South America’s Copa America Femenina.
In Africa, Nigeria has called its tournament strategy “Mission X,” a cool-sounding name that basically means its seeking a 10th overall WAFCON title. The Super Falcons had won three straight in the tournament before getting bumped by South Africa in 2022.
The tournament happens every two years and was supposed to be held in 2024, but timing was complicated by Nigeria and Zambia going to the Olympics in Paris and other issues.
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While there were some who questioned Nigeria’s strength after lackluster results in the group stage, the Super Falcons routed Zambia (with Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji starting) 5-0.
Nigeria, which is led by Chinwendu Ihezuo with three goals, faces South Africa in the semifinals on Tuesday. Ihezuo plays in Liga X for Pachuca. The roster includes goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, recently signed by Brighton, and Bay FC’s Asisat Oshoala.
Play this! It’s cool.
Hosts Morocco play Ghana in the other semifinal on Tuesday. In 2022, the Moroccan women made it to the final (also played in their home country) and more than 50,000 people, the biggest crowd in the history of the tournament, showed up to watch. While South Africa won, Morocco earned a spot in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, becoming the first Arab nation to qualify.
It’s too bad these matches are so hard to watch. The African federation said they’d be available for free live on YouTube, but so far this hasn’t been true. If you pay for Fubo, you might be able to see them on BeIN Sports. Maybe.
On this side of the globe, the Copa America favorites are, of course, Brazil, which has won nine titles in the tournament. Brazil’s squad is just loaded and includes 39-year-old Marta. Who un-retired in late May when she was called up to a pair of matches against Japan.
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In a press conference ahead of the tournament, Marta said she feels “lighter” in the team environment.
“Nowadays, we have athletes who stand out in several positions, not just one or two. We’re also giving a voice to the girls, right? It’s not just Marta who gives interviews, no, it’s not just Marta who has the answers. It’s not just Marta who stands out on the field. That time is over, and I think it’s important because it shows the evolution of our football, right? So, for me, it’s super cool to be able to experience that environment with them again.”
She said she is taking her return to the team “one day at a time” not looking too far into the future — even though the World Cup is looming in her home country in 2027.
“As a Brazilian, from the first moment they chose Brazil to host the tournament, and as an athlete during the World Cup preparation period, we always think yes, right? But my thinking won’t change because it’s going to be a World Cup in Brazil. I want to live one day at a time. The coach has always made it very clear that he’ll be calling whoever is best at the moment, regardless of age. And I think that the way he’s doing it is the most correct way. There’s no point in you coming here and saying: “I’ll be playing in the World Cup in two years.” It will depend on what happens in my day-to-day life, and that’s why I’m thinking this way today and living one day at a time.”
Marta did add another factor that might play into her decision in an interview with Globo’s Esporte Espetacular: Motherhood.
“I still have a very strong desire to be a mother. So, maybe I’ll wake up one day and decide to call my doctor and see if it’s still possible. If it is, bye, I have to go now.”
LINKS
The Athletic story on Jess Carter subjected to racist abuse
My full AP story on Marta’s un-retirement.
My AP Story on Nigeria’s Mission X
Abby Wambach on the evolution of women’s soccer
The Equalizer on Switzerland’s awesome fans at the Euros
Arsenal pays a record transfer fee for Olivia Smith
Jeff Kassouf says Denver is close to hiring Nick Cushing
Variety’s Strictly Business podcast spoke to Alex Morgan about her post-playing days.
Denver’s challenges in building a stadium by 2028
Ashley Hatch announces her pregnancy
Conservative groups target NWSL and US Soccer in hate campaign against transgender women.
