05 Liverpool Ladies FC

Liverpool ladies

Women of influence!

How a handful of Liverpool Ladies FC players made their mark on the Women's World Cup finals in Canada

England's women were the talk of the nation in June and July as the Three Lionesses achieved their best-ever World Cup performance with a place in the semi-finals before a heartbreaking defeat by Japan. Liverpool Ladies FC played an important part in the tournament. Here's a look at their best bits...


Asisat Oshoala

1 Super Zee Asisat Oshoala made her mark on the competition with a goal for Nigeria in their opening group game against Sweden. The Reds striker, voted as the BBC's inaugural Women's Footballer of the Year, raced in behind the Swedish defence to slot home calmly during an entertaining 3-3 draw between the clubs in their Group D fixture. Nigeria failed to progress to the knockout stages but Oshoala, nicknamed 'Zee', did her growing reputation in the game no harm with a series of exciting displays.

2 A touch of Tash When she isn't busy scoring goals, Liverpool Ladies FC striker Natasha Dowie proved more than adept at talking about them. The Reds no9 was a key member of the BBC's World Cup coverage as one of the main pundits and offered an entertaining insight into events as the tournament unfolded. She was also a regular contributor on social media with this video of fellow pundits Rachel Yankey and Danny Mills, plus presenter Jacqui Oatley, proving popular on her Twitter account.

3 Fara on the spot Liverpool Ladies FC midfielder Fara Williams is England's all-time record appearance holder and took her cap count to 147 during the tournament. Operating mainly in a holding role in front of the defence, her passing range and ability on the ball came to the fore. She was also able to demonstrate her calmness under pressure by converting a penalty in Mark Sampson's side's final group game against Columbia to set-up a last 16 tie against Norway.

Fara Pentalty

4 Fara on the spot, part two Fara has played in some important games during her career but possibly none bigger than a World Cup semi-final. The 31-year-old lined-up in England's last-four tie against Japan in Edmonton and was handed the chance to bring England level from the penalty spot just nine minutes after the Japanese had taken the lead with a spot-kick of their own through Aya Miyama. Fara again stepped up to take on the responsibilities from 12 yards and placed her effort beyond Japan keeper Ayumi Kaihori.

Fara Williams Medal

5 Fara on the spot, part three The midfielder helped England finish the tournament on a high as they claimed the bronze medal by beating Germany for the first time in 21 attempts. Following a goalless 90 minutes, the third place play-off moved into extra-time with England being awarded a penalty following a foul on Arsenal forward Lianne Sanderson. Our girl calmly slotted home her third successful spot-kick of the tournament to give the Three Lionesses victory over the team at the top of the rankings.

Houlding

Did you know?

Several Liverpool Ladies FC old girls also took part in the competition with Lucy Bronze another of England's stars alongside Williams. The defender scored one of the goals of the tournament in a win over Norway and was shortlisted for the player of the tournament award. Meanwhile, forward Sarah Gregorious started all three of New Zealand's group games but the 'Football Ferns' failed to progress beyond the initial stages of the competition. There was better luck for ex-centre-back Whitney Engen who became a World Cup winner! The defender was a non-playing substitute as the USA defeated Japan 5-2 in the final.