The group stages have come to an end and the knockout rounds are now underway at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The tournament has flown by since it began on 20 July and we have had the pleasure of witnessing some unbelievable strikes.
It has been a World Cup filled with incredible stories, huge upsets and glorious goals, all of which are likely to continue as we head towards the final on 20 August and the competition only grows more fierce.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the best goals we have seen in New Zealand and Australia so far.
The best goals at the 2023 Women's World Cup so far
8. Hannah Wilkinson - New Zealand vs Norway
The opening goal of a World Cup always has a special aura around it. The honour of grabbing the first strike of the tournament went to Wilkinson, who netted 48 minutes into co-hosts New Zealand's opener against Norway.
A beautiful and direct move that began with the goalkeeper and ended with a composed finish from the New Zealand striker set the standard at the tournament and briefly had the co-hosts dreaming of World Cup glory.
7. Lauren James - England vs Denmark
Having only managed a substitute appearance in England's nervy 1-0 win over Haiti, Lauren James made sure her presence was noticed when Sarina Wiegman brought her into the starting lineup against Denmark.
Just six minutes into the clash, James picked the ball up with her back to goal, turned into space and curled a beautifully precise finish into the bottom right-hand corner. It was a game-winning goal and one that built James' confidence ahead of the Lionesses' demolition of China.
6. Teresa Abelleira - Spain vs Zambia
In one of the biggest victories of the tournament, Spain's 5-0 destruction of Zambia was kickstarted by a wonderful goal from Real Madrid midfielder Teresa Abelleira.
Picking the ball up on the edge of the penalty area, Abelleira rifled a powerful drive into the top corner, beating the goalkeeper at her near post. Spain have netted 13 goals in just four matches which is remarkable given one was a 4-0 defeat to Japan.
5. Linda Caicedo - Colombia 2-0 South Korea
At just 18 years old, Linda Caicedo has emerged as one of the stars of the 2023 World Cup. Her strike against Germany was superb as her excellent quick feet inside the box saw her lose two defenders before firing a wonderful curled effort into the far corner.
She was one of the key performers for a Colombia side that will now face Jamiaca in the next round after having helped knock European Championship finalists Germany out of the competition.
4. Sophia Braun - Argentina vs South Africa
Having fallen 2-0 behind to South Africa, Sophia Braun took matters into her own hands after 74 minutes in Dunedin. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, Braun's sensational volley spurred Argentina on to an impressive comeback, with the game finishing 2-2.
Unfortunately for the South American side, it was the only point they picked up. Regardless, Braun will take home a lovely souvenir from her trip to New Zealand.
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3. Esmee Brugts - Vietnam vs Netherlands
Forget bending it like Beckham, bend it like Brugts. The Dutch international exquisitely curled in an astonishing strike from distance during her nation's 7-0 demolition of Vietnam.
Setting out the ball towards the far post, the power and accuracy of Brugts' effort was too much for Thi Kim Thanh Tran to handle. Brugts was so astounded by her own strike that she barely knew how to celebrate it.
2. Marta Cox - Panama vs France
Free kicks do not get much better than this. From approximately 35 yards out and with just a minute on the clock, Panama's Marta Cox bent a wonderful effort past Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the France goal.
Not only was it Cox's first goal of the tournament, it was Panama's first ever goal at a Women's World Cup. They would go on to lose 6-3 to France, but it was a moment Cox and the nation will never forget.
1. Bia Zaneratto - Brazil vs Panama
The most aesthetically pleasing goal of the tournament so far, Zaneratto converted a wonderful team goal during Brazil's 4-0 thrashing of Panama in their opening game of the World Cup.
A sensational move was finished off by the forward after a lovely backheel from Ary Borges inside the box and it was a goal that perfectly symbolised the fluidity, flair and skill that has been associated with Brazilian football over the years.
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This article was originally published on 90min as WATCH: The best goals of the 2023 Women's World Cup - ranked.
