Megan Rapinoe of the US scores during the final of 2019 Women's World Cup in France. The awarding of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup to New Zealand and Australia must be greeted with a glorious sense of delight and anticipation. More than one billion viewers watched the most recent tournament in France, an astonishing number that places the women’s world cup in elite territory alongside its men’s equivalent and the Olympic Games. Equally exciting is the sporting side, and the chance to make this an occasion that transforms New Zealand football and women’s sport in general. The country gets some practice next year when it hosts the best female cricketers and rugby players during their respective world cups.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 28, 2020 15:22 UTC