Meredith and I sat beside each other on the sofa and watched the game together–but our loyalties were divided.
We were watching the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup–football/soccer, (depending which side of the sofa you were sitting on) between England and USA.
Whatever you choose to call it lived up to its sobriquet last night– The Beautiful Game.
Loyalties lie deep in the gut–something that catches me by surprise.
I live in France; I’m upset about Brexit, but roots kick in when the chips are down.
The game was played with a passion and politesse–not always on view in the men’s tournaments.
The skill on show was phenomenal and added to the pleasure.
Watching such breathtaking expertise is a joy–it lifts the spirit and can bring a tear to the eye.
The women’s game has struggled everywhere but the States to catch the imagination of Joe Public–not enough macho on display?
But this competition, played out in France, featured at prime time on terrestrial television, has changed things forever.
Along with Meredith and me in France, eleven million fans in the UK were watching.
The penny has dropped, the scales have fallen. The women’s game has come into its own.
Tonight Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA (world governing body of football) recognised this by proposing expanding the event to 32 teams from 24 and doubling the prize money and financial support.
Full time–USA 2 England1
I conceded–through gritted teeth.
Robin Ellis 
The Netherlands (my country) play against the USA next Sunday.
Hello Robin, Great post. The reason why the USA women have been at the top of the women’s soccer heap is because so few organized sports were open to young girls before Title IX was enacted. This act decreed men’s/women’s sports had to be equally funded. I came of age before Title IX took hold, and soccer was one of the few sports available to a girl that loved athletics. So, the American girls have been at it for a while, and they have grown up to be incredibly talented players who also trained succeeding generations of girls.( I trust you to be a gentleman and NOT try and figure out my age : -) Allez USA!!!
So interesting to read about the effect of Title 1X. It all starts in school. Meredith confirms about no organised sports. Mrs Thatcher sold off the school playing fields…
I’m an American, but my ancestry is completely Dutch. I’ll be happy with the outcome on Sunday as long as it is a well-played, well-officiated game and not a rout.
But really, I’m cheering ORANJE BOVEN!
Recognition of women’s soccer is long overdue. Rapinoe is an incredible athlete. I respect her skill, as well as her political courage. There are some in the US who are cheering for the team’s opponents. Sad times in the US.
Sad times indeed–both sides of the Ocean.
It was a beautiful game! I am so hoping the USA women’s team can prevail in court regarding the pay inequality with men. They continue to dominate the sport in the international arena and sell more merchandise than the men’s team, why can’t pay be the same?
Looking forward to the game against The Netherlands, may the best team win!
Je suis d’accord!
I love to read your comments on all the things you encounter in your daily life. Thanks for sharing. Karen Fleming
thanks, Karen.
Both teams played well. I was in the middle.
Ellen White is from Aylesbury, so a lot of pride here…in fact, the night before last week’s game, a large mural of her appeared on the side of a building in town! And they renamed us, for the night of the game, Ellesbury (all the town entryway signs were changed) !! It’s great that the women’s game is getting proper recognition now.
Je suis d’accord and Ellen is a wonder. Good on Aylesbury!
Robin,
Wonderful tournament but here in Oklahoma, I was frustrated I couldn’t get the game on a local radio station in the car when I had to leave the TV during a game last week. There were radio broadcasts but only in a handful of cities. So there is still progress to be made.
One thing we all can do is to buy something. Money talks and it has to come from somewhere. I will be going online to buy some World Cup souvenirs. Every little magnet or key chain adds up.
Jan
PS I’ll also be shopping for “Making Poldark”! Can’t wait to get my hands on it!