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Writer's pictureEllie Byrne

Which Arsenal Players Shone at the Women's World Cup

The Gunners had 15 players called up for the 2023 World Cup for their respective countries. From the strong defenders to the superstar strikers, which of these 15 showed the best performances throughout the tournament?


Steph Catley & Caitlin Foord


Australia's Matildas reached the semi-final of a World Cup for the first time in their history, with Steph Catley leading them through the tournament after taking over captain duties from an injured Sam Kerr.


Defenders often struggle to get the recognition they deserve during major tournaments, but Catley showed the importance of having a strong defence in order to progress through the knockout stages.


Caitlin Foord created a lot of chances for the Aussies, which was much needed as their star-striker Sam Kerr was benched during the group stage due to injury. Foord successfully rose to the challenge of having to fill the boots of Kerr, using her speed to her advantage to consistently launch down the wing on counter-attacks.



Steph Catley was outstanding in Australia's back line, keeping a calm head, even in times of struggle against tough opponents like Le Sommer and Harder.

As Australia's penalty taker, she reached the back of the net on two occasions, including scoring the winner during their opening match against the Republic of Ireland.


With one goal and two assists, Caitlin Foord proved her worth within a strong Australian side, also constantly being involved in the creation of strings of passes that led to goals.


Both Matildas should be incredibly proud of their performances in this World Cup, being featured in the starting XI of every single game, and playing a massive role in Australia reaching the semi-finals and finishing fourth-place.



Amanda Ilestedt


Jonas Eidevall's defensive summer signing has proven a successful choice before the WSL season has even gotten under way. Amanda Ilestedt started every game for Sweden, including in their third-place playoff match against home-side Australia where she played her part in Sweden achieving their fourth bronze medal in a World Cup tournament.



Scoring four goals at a major tournament is a great achievement for any player, but this feat is especially outstanding when that player is a centre-back.


Ilestedt's aerial ability is what has made her stand out at this World Cup. Scoring three headers from corners and a right-footed shot from a free-kick has allowed Ilestedt to make a name for herself within the Swedish side.


Amanda Ilestedt was named by FIFA as the winner of the tournament's Bronze Ball Award. This ranked her as the third-best player in the 2023 World Cup, for her outstanding contributions to the Swedish side.



Victoria Pelova


Pelova played a key part in The Netherland's final match of the tournament, where they were knocked out by eventual-winners Spain.

With Spain leading 1-0, Pelova created a chance that would allow them to equalise just before stoppage time. She played a stunning through ball to van der Gragt who confidently found the back of the net, allowing the Dutch to continue into extra time.



Victoria Pelova helped her Dutch side to a 1-1 draw against the reigning World Cup champions, the USA, breaking America's 10 consecutive games win streak. Pelova upped the intensity of her side, putting the pressure on her opponents. Although she didn't reach the back of the net herself, she played a big role in ensuring her team didn't let the USA dominate the game, and continued with her head held high once their opponents equalised.


Pelova bagging two assists and creating a number of chances for her side helped to push The Netherlands through to the Quarter-Finals. Although she would have hoped to progress further in the tournament, Pelova can be proud of her performances on the international stage.



Alessia Russo


England's Lionesses reached the Finals of the 2023 World Cup, with Alessia Russo starting up front in all seven of their matches.


Russo scored and assisted in England's Semi-Final against tournament co-hosts Australia to send them through to the Final. Ella Toone's goal to grant England the lead was produced from a beautiful ball cut back by Alessia Russo. Later on in the same game, Lauren Hemp sprinted through the Matildas defence, with Russo then receiving the ball at a wide-angle and scoring with a glorious finish.



Alessia Russo scored the winner in England's 2-1 win over Colombia in the Quarter-Finals. After a Colombian defensive error, Colombia failed to deal with Georgia Stanway's through ball, which landed with Alessia Russo. She then pulled the ball wide before slamming it into the bottom corner, giving the Lionesses a victory they deserved.


Russo's ability to score goals from awkward, wide angles has proved her to be a brilliant finisher in this tournament. This talent alongside her strong connection with fellow England striker Lauren Hemp proved Russo to be a stunning striker who was always tough to defend against.


Reaching the World Cup Final is a feat that Russo should be incredibly proud of achieving. She played amazingly throughout the entire tournament, with only small moments of struggle which she consistently fought back from with her head held high.



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