Despite Canada's unsavoury Women's World Cup exit, it was important to chronicle the journey
CBC
Penalties. A major storyline around this World Cup has been extra time and then dramatic penalty shootouts at every stage of the tournament.
The penalty shootout that saw co-hosts Australia advance to the semifinals was one of the most exciting and exhausting in recent memory. That particular shootout saw a most riveting rivalry between France and Australia go down to the wire.
If you missed it, the shootout had ten penalty kicks each (yes, ten), with the Matildas finally winning the contest 7-6. Cortnee Vine scored the winning penalty for the Matildas and thrust the co-hosts into the World Cup semifinals for the very first time.
As the crowds in Australia erupted in joy, it was delightful to see all the videos going viral of airplanes to fan zones to even a match at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground putting the women's game first and cheering wildly.
I have been back from the tournament for a week and being here while following the action seems a little surreal. From being in a place where the women's game is centred and there are posters of Sam Kerr and the team everywhere to returning to Canada to disappointment is a little tough — not to mention the jet lag.
It feels a little deflating to be home. Although I am constantly excited by the matches and the players, I am dialled into any off-field drama and following the various discourses, but also the laughs.
This was my third Women's World Cup experience. But it was the first where a host nation valued and prioritized the tournament and the public was constantly buzzing. I realize that when Canada hosted the 2015 World Cup it was also during the same time as the Stanley Cup Finals, and so attention was split.
It made me think about Canada as a soccer nation.
In Australia, there were rugby and Aussie rules footy matches happening and it didn't take away from the love and support for the Matildas. The point being that there is room for everyone to love all sports and support the growth of the women's game.
Part of me wishes that Canada would still care about the tournament half a world away, and although the matches are not at an optimal time still value the finals and the history being made. I remember watching the men's World Cup final at my brother's place in December.
Canada did not make it beyond the group stage but there we were, all excited for an Argentina-France final, watching with 1.5 billion people.
As the summer rolls on and the World Athletic competition begins, the Blue Jays play on, the WNBA gives us more exciting ball and the buzz about a certain MLS player in Miami continues.
I will feel a little heavy hearted that our country's attention is not focused on this magnificent grand stage.
Hopefully I am wrong and the numbers of viewership of the final few matches will show us that the hype is real, just as everything from broadcast numbers to jersey and ticket sales have spiked. There is a tremendous amount of joy and heartbreak left in this tournament and for us to experience.
