Women’s sport is on the rise across the world and the next step is getting fans into grounds to watch them play. Here are five examples of women’s sports matches attracting more than their fair share of punters.
5 – Atletico Madrid 0-2 Barcelona – 17/03/19 – 60,739
Over 60,000 packed into the Wanda Metropolitano to watch Atletico Madrid v Barcelona in what was a pivotal match at the top of the table.
The two dominant forces of Spanish women’s football came together but it was Barca who emerged on top thanks to two second-half goals.
Asisat Oshoala gave the visitors the lead midway through the second half, silencing the noisy home support in the process.
England forward Toni Duggan wrapped the game up with ten minutes to go as Atletico had their second defeat of the season inflicted upon them – the other also being by Barca.
The hosts had the last laugh though – they would go on to win the title by six points.
4 – England 1-2 Germany – 09/11/19 – 77,768
England’s women captured the imagination during the World Cup of 2019, when they narrowly missed out on a place in the final after a defeat by the USA.
Nevertheless, that positive spirit was harnessed in the form of ticket sales as a near-full house saw Phil Neville’s side face Germany in a friendly.
However, it was to end in disappointment as England were turned over by Germany 2-1.
German skipper Alexandra Popp nodded in an eighth-minute opener which was cancelled out by Ellen White’s goal on the stroke of half-time – the striker continuing her great goalscoring form from the summer.
Klara Buhl’s last-minute winner though ensured the majority of the Wembley crowd would leave disappointed.
3 – USA 2-1 Japan – 09/08/12 – 80,203
The Olympic final at Wembley was attended by over 80,000 with the USA claiming their fourth gold medal following a narrow 2-1 win.
Carli Lloyd, a hero of women’s football stateside for many years was the match-winner yet again as she scored a goal in each half, as the US did enough to ensure the gold medals would be heading back across the pond.
Yuki Ogimi’s strike made it a tense finish but the USA held on.
2 – Australia v India – T20 World Cup final – 08/03/20 – 86,174
Cricket has also made big strides in attracting more women to the game and the Melbourne Cricket Ground was packed for the final against India.
The Aussies won the toss and elected to bat first and Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney’s opening partnership of 115 proved crucial with Healy smashing 75, while Mooney would go on to finish unbeaten on 78.
It left India with a lot to do in their innings and four wickets from Megan Schutt ensured they didn’t have enough in response.
Ultimately, it was a fifth T20 title for the home side who are the dominant force in women’s cricket.
1 – USA 0-0 China – 10/07/99 – 90,185
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California remains the venue for the highest attended women’s sporting fixture of all-time.
Sadly, after 120 minutes of a World Cup final, neither side managed to find the back of the net, resulting in a tense penalty shootout.
The USA came through to win 5-4 with China’s Liu Ying missing the only spot-kick.
It sparked wild celebrations and it was the USA’ second women’s World Cup, though they have since won two more.