New Zealand, the co-hosts of the largest Women’s World Cup, may have been eliminated from the tournament, but their fans are still hopeful for a lasting football legacy. The Football Ferns started the tournament with a bang, defeating former champions Norway in front of a record crowd at Eden Park. However, their momentum faltered as they suffered a 1-0 loss to tournament debutantes the Philippines and finished third in Group A after a goalless draw with Switzerland.
Despite the disappointment, fans like Josh Nelson believe that the tournament has been beneficial for football in New Zealand. Nelson expressed his excitement about more people getting involved in the sport, even outside of World Cup season. Unfortunately, New Zealand’s heartbreaking result meant that they became the first Women’s World Cup hosts to be eliminated in the group stage.
Nevertheless, the co-hosts’ enthusiasm remains high, as evidenced by the bustling fan festival in Auckland, where school children were seen enjoying the amenities. Alan Donoghue, a father of two daughters, acknowledged the disappointment of not seeing the Ferns progress further but emphasized the importance of girls having female role models in the sport.
Santha Brown, the Auckland host city lead, shared that over 33,000 visitors had attended the fan festival by Sunday, a number that pleased the organizers. The positive response from fans continued to pour in, with Steve Gillett, owner of the Kingslander bar near Eden Park, reporting a significant boost in business during the tournament. He expects the crowds to persist with upcoming matches at Eden Park, including the round of sixteen, quarter-final, and semi-final games.
Although the Ferns couldn’t advance, the tournament has garnered new soccer fans. Gillett noted that people have embraced other teams as their “second team.” The impact of the Women’s World Cup has been felt beyond the disappointment of New Zealand’s early exit.
In conclusion, while New Zealand’s journey in the Women’s World Cup may have ended prematurely, the tournament has left a positive mark on the country. The legacy of increased interest in football, especially among young girls, and the economic benefits for local businesses are testaments to the tournament’s significance.
