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• That’s three of the top 10 teams from the Fifa world rankings out in the group stage, and the US only runners-up in their group.
• This is the first time that three African teams have made it to the second round and a great indicator that the quality of the game is improving.
• African teams, among other non-traditional power houses like Colombia and Jamaica, have indeed showed up to unsettle any pre-tournament expectations.

Debutantes cause a stir

• This sets up a mouth-watering clash with France, who are in devastating form.
• Out of the eight debutantes in Australia and New Zealand, the Atlas Lionesses are the last women standing.
• The Moroccan government also deserves credit for investment in a football academy that seeks to produce international quality footballers from both boys and girls.

South Africa overcome pre-tournament chaos

• One player who has stood out is Thembi Kgatlana, who has scored twice and assisted on two goals.
• The reward for South Africa’s progress is a clash with the Netherlands.

The Super Falcons are flying

• The team has surpassed expectations in an extremely difficult Group B to qualify for the last 16 for a second consecutive World Cup.
• The underdog Super Falcons drew with Canada 0-0, beat Australia 3-2 and drew with Republic of Ireland 0-0 to emerge runners-up in Group B.
• In the process, they edged out the current Olympic champions, Canada, at the group stage of the tournament.

Ready to compete

• Zambia have departed the stage with heads held high as they finished third in their group after beating Costa Rica 3-1.
• The self-belief and confidence, as well as the technical and tactical astuteness displayed by the African teams, shows that their opponents cannot take them lightly.

• The 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup is probably the most highly-anticipated women’s football tournament ever.
• But there are ongoing issues that continue to jeopardise the women’s game.

1. Players and teams are having to fight for fairness

• Before the tournament began, key players from top teams such as France, Spain, Canada and Jamaica were protesting about poor support, resourcing and coaching by either refusing to play or openly criticising their federations and seeking advice from Fifpro, the international players union.
• As we have seen in the first few days, this means that many of the key stories of the tournament so far have been about the drama that is happening off the pitch, rather than the dramatic performances on it.

2. Serious injuries are decimating squads

• Many players will be missing during the World Cup due to a disproportionately high number of serious injuries that could have been prevented.
• The notorious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear (in the knee) and other serious injuries decimating squads have, in part, been connected to overly long studs (cleats) on football boots which are designed for men.

3. The European broadcasting deal came too late

• The media broadcasting rights for five European nations, including England, were only agreed less than six weeks before the tournament began.
• This fiasco arose from a blunder by Fifa, whose decision to decouple the men’s and women’s tournament broadcast rights was hyped to show the women’s game had “made it”.

4. Many teams have been poorly supported and prepared

• Many national federations have failed to provide adequate support, facilities and investment to adequately prepare teams.
• Coaching methods and management of some women’s teams have been heavily criticised, alongside cancellation of training camps and non-payment of players’ appearance fees.

5. Same old patronising marketing strategy

• The marketing of the tournament has been underwhelming and over-reliant on conventional “inspiration” themes aimed at young girls – strategies that have little proven impact on participation and are often seen as patronising.
• This strategy is not accurate, as it obscures the existing adult audience for women’s football.

Showing support

• Being aware of the issues can help us look past the hype and be mindful that the game is still in a precarious position.
• Join in the social pressure campaign to get proper support for the women’s game.
• Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight,
  on Fridays.

• Nearly half of U.S. sports fans (45%) are planning to watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar this month, according to data from leading Telecommunications, Media, and Technology consultancy firm, Altman Solon .
• Altman Solon's FIFA World Cup 2022 Survey provides expert insight and analysis into global fan interest in the month-long tournament that begins on November 20.
• ''In terms of global audience viewership and buzz, there is no comparable event to the FIFA World Cup, said Altman Solon Partner Mary Ann Halford.
• 13 percent of U.S. fans plan to watch every game of the FIFA World Cup.

• FIFA+ Collect , the official digital collectibles platform of FIFA+ built on the Algorand blockchain, today announced special VIP experience giveaways for football fans to attend FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
• The Own It, Win It, Live It programme is now open for entry through 20 November 2022 at www.fifapluscollectgowin.com .
• View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221101005910/en/
  Every purchase of FIFA+ Collect digital collectibles unlocks entry to the Own It, Win It, Live It VIP Experience giveaway.
• Entry is open to eligible fans around the world who purchase packs of digital collectibles showcasing sport-defining highlights from FIFAs 92-year history.