This World Cup has been anything but boring. We’ve seen shocking upsets like Nigeria over the co-hosts Australia and New Zealand taking down Norway in the opening match. There have been dominating performances from the likes of Germany, Brazil and Spain and more ground-out scores like England’s 1-0 win over Haiti and the United States’ 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.
Off the field, there have been dazzling opening ceremonies, somber scenes from the aftermath of the Auckland shooting and, of course, the stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer.
Our photographer Georgia Soares has captured it all and will eventually move over to Australia for even more sights from the ground. Let’s start with USWNT captain Lindsey Horan at training…
July 20: Auckland Shooting
The FIFA Women’s World Cup continued after a shocking morning in the Auckland Central Business District where two people died and several others were injured in a shooting on the eve of the tournament. Host New Zealand and Norway held a minute’s silence before the opening game for the victims.
_A moment of solidarity between Norway and New Zealand after the tragic incident that happened on the same day. _
This was New Zealand celebrating Hannah Wilkinson’s goal. I was seated on the other corner of the field where she ran to, but I didn’t let that stop me from trying to grab a glimpse of her celebration in front of her home country with her team-mates.
July 20: USWNT 3-0 Vietnam, Auckland, New Zealand
This was after Sophia Smith’s first goal for the USA, which gave them the lead over Vietnam. Even though it was on the other side of the field I just remembered thinking the placement was perfect with the crowd celebrating in the back with theFIFA logo showing as well. Everything came together for this photo.
Vietnam’s goalkeeper Tran Thị Kim Thanh did what many thought was impossible and saved a penalty from Alex Morgan, which kept Vietnam in the game.
The USWNT’s bench celebrating Sophia Smith’s second goal. It’s always nice to see how much support these players give each other and how they celebrate each other’s goals and milestones.
July 22: Italy 1-0 Argentina, Auckland, New Zealand
Estefania Banini’s reaction after she missed an amazing opportunity to give Argentina the lead over Italy as her shot went over the bar.
Cristiana Girelli was brought on in the last few minutes of the second half against Argentina and scored the winner. She celebrated with so much passion and emotion that I felt it through my lens. These are the moments we see how much it means for players to represent their countries and score in a World Cup.
July 26: USWNT 1-1 Netherlands, Wellington, New Zealand
Dutch midfielder Danielle van de Donk’s reaction after the referee called her attention to a tough play with Lindsey Horan as the game got a little heated.
