The United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) triumphed in an enthralling 2023 World Cup final rematch match against England 2-1 in Wembley on Saturday. The much-hyped friendly game, an opportunity to bring women’s football back on the front burner and a bite chance for both teams, was indeed one that brought class, durability, and suspense right from the first kick to the last hooter.

Already from the start of the match, it is possible to get the impression that both teams wanted something very active. The USWNT, who lost to England in the Women’s World Cup final last year, started with a very high-intensity press that put the Lionesses on the back foot immediately. But England held their ground, making them a tough team to beat in the women’s soccer world cup 2019, they soaked into the pressure and looked lethal while they were in the process of counterattacking.

The stalemate ended in the 34th minute with a piece of individual brilliance from Alex Morgan, surely one of the most dangerous forwards in world football, who flicked a through ball from Rose Lavelle past Mary Earps. The goal put the traveling American fans into euphoria and appeared to spur the USWNT into an improved second half of the first half.

As expected from a fighting English side, they emerged attacking from the second half. This was reciprocated in the 62nd minute when a defensive blunder afforded Lauren Hemp the equalizer and the home fans a great rejoicing. The goal set up a nervy last thirty minutes as both sides went out in search of that winner in a great display of what Women’s soccer is all about.

At the end of the match, the final of the USWNT was achieved, impacting the match ratio. As the game entered the last ten minutes and Smith was just on as a sub, the best young talent in the women’s game showed her class and power as she collected the ball just outside the box, beat her marker, and fired one in that nestled in the back of the net. This perhaps should have been the touch of genius that was always expected to win a match that lived up to the billing as a World Cup final rematch.

There was lot of celebration among the American players and the technical crew with head coach Vlatko Andonovski heaping lots of praise on his players. “This win means a lot to us. That’s why it’s not only the matter of redemption, but it is about the readiness and the willingness to prove it on the field day after day,” Andonovski said in the press conference after the match. Even England’s manager Sarina Wiegman, who must admit the defeat, admitted to the quality of the game. It was a great advert for women’s football. On both sides, they left nothing on the pitch, and it’s always up to that one moment of brilliance.

In addition to being an exciting sporting event, the match provided another statement that women’s Soccer is rising, and people should embrace it. The full-house Wembley led to grown home crowds, an exciting festive atmosphere, and viewership around the world, all emphasizing the growth of the sport. Each team took the opportunity to demand support and funding for women’s soccer at all levels in the country.

When this great tussle is over, then the world will look forward to the future. As for the USWNT, the victory is crucial, in particular, for building confidence on the way to the Olympics and the CONCACAF championship. The loss, which was a narrow one for England, will act as a push as they progress with their growth under Wiegman. One thing is sure: the confrontation between these two soccer giants is expected to go on, so fans of great matches can expect even more real battles in the future.