This past Sunday, I got to witness the 2015 USWNT for Soccer kick ass and win the World Cup Final for the first time since 1999! We also became the first country to win 3 Women’s World Cup trophies EVER!!! Can we give these women a round of healthy applause?
I’m admittedly not a soccer fan. I don’t keep up with the sport, but I respect those athletes heavily. Especially the women. Women’s Sports in general does not get enough spotlight or recognition and I am definitely a part of the problem. However, I think because of Sunday night, that is definitely going to change.
Let’s start with the ratings. The Women’s World Cup Final DESTROYED the ratings. I mean, they absolutely killed. The game became the most viewed soccer game in this country in all of history. A large part of that was probably due to the incredible social media response and live score reporting.
The game was also thrilling to watch. Within 15 minutes, Clair Lloyd scored 3 goals for USA, earning what I recently learned is called a Hat Trick. The athleticism of these women is insane and you can see how passionate they are by the way they play. It’s so inspiring to me to think of how many young kids watched this game and found new heroes to look up to.
Unfortunately, there is still a huge wage gap in the world of sports. The USWNT is earning $33 Million less for their win in comparison to the winner of the Men’s World Cup. Yes. Say it with me: EXTREMELY. FUCKED. UP. However, FIFA is under fire and tons of people are reaching out and demanding there be a change. In addition to the wage gap, Women’s Sports just isn’t taken as seriously. The amount of sexist remarks towards female athletes and their game is still beyond me, but I’m hoping this win and its response will help change attitudes of the ignorant.
Despite the negativity, I’m so proud and exhilarated to have witnessed such a cool part of history. Congrats again, girls!! I look forward to watching more games in the future. You definitely have a new fan.
source: cnn.com
xx, C.