Posted by FIFA’s official Youtube account, the highlight reel of soccer player Abby Wambach, a past striker of the US Women’s National Team, demonstrates the “wildness” of women’s soccer and the dynamic of the game. In the video, Wambach can be seen scoring goals during the Women’s World Cup with not only her feet, but also her head. The pure athleticism needed to maneuver and jump higher than a crowd of defenders while making contact with a ball shot at 70 mph reflects the “vicious” competitiveness women’s soccer players have.
The sport itself is played across both genders and has the same set of rules- 2 teams of 11 are challenged to score against their opposition while also defending their goal and being aware of penalties/fouls. In the Women’s World Cup, a globally televised soccer tournament, the players consist of women from 32 countries, “communicating” their excellence at the sport through athleticism and teamwork. Although the crowd of soccer fans spectating, whether in the stadium or watching from a streaming device, consists of all generations and genders, a target audience of women’s soccer is the population of young girls watching who play or would like to play the sport. Even though the rules of the game are identical across genders, women who play soccer are commonly perceived as less capable, skilled, and athletic compared to their male counterparts. Statistics-wise, lesser advertisement, endorsements, and public interest makes it difficult for this perception of women’s soccer to be countered. Accordingly, female professional soccer players take on the responsibility of showcasing their talents and encouraging young girls to do the same. Playing soccer up until the age of 16, I myself idolized players like Abby Wambach and would sit in awe while watching the USWNT play. After carefully studying the playing styles and fitness of female players, I believe the downplay of women’s soccer is unjust. The physicality and tricks of the sport contribute to the standard definition of “wildness”, whereas the aspect of women showing elevated athleticism is “wild” by breaking expectations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwlnU-yo89I
Vivian Nguyen