Women's Final Day Recap: American celebrations for gold, Finland win bronze

The United States of America has won an historic second IFCPF Women’s World Cup title, coming from behind to defeat Australia 3-2.

Australia started strongest, looking to capitalise on early American nerves in a bid to keep hold of the World Cup trophy they took home from Salou two years ago.

They got just reward, as American-born forward Annmarie De Uriarte drove the ball into the top corner to give her team the lead.

If the first was brilliant, the goal to double the lead was unbelievable. As Michelle Cross travelled towards midfield, a heavy touch allowed enough room for Georgia Beikoff to shoot. With goalkeeper Catarina Guimaraes off her line, the ball found its way in for a 2-0 lead.

Australia were unlucky not to be further in front at the interval, a period where USA coach Chris Maravalli worked his magic. Guimaraes was sent outfield, with substitute goalkeeper Gabrielle Scotto placed in goal, Kaia Spencer withdrawn.

The impact was almost instant, with a short corner routine found its way to Guimaraes, whose low shot crept over the line, despite the efforts of Katelyn Smith in Australia’s net to keep it out.

The USA’s tails were up.

A leveller felt like it was coming, which it eventually did. A Guimaraes ball in from the American right picked out Jesslyn Kuhnel, who scored with her shoulder to equalise.

As the game looked destined for extra time, Annie Wickett made a run down the right, and her cross was turned in by Australia captain Eloise Northam, completing the turnaround.

Earlier in the day, Finland won bronze after coming from behind to beat Ireland 4-3, despite a hat-trick from Eva Walsh.

Neea Sahlström’s first World Cup goal in the 38th minute turned out to be the winner, tapping home into an empty net to seal the result.

Laura Paavalainen continued an impressive individual World Cup with a brace after Minttu Kurki had initially levelled the game at 1-1.

Japan ended its Women’s World Cup campaign with a 3-2 win over the Netherlands, with Saki Kuroki’s goal in first-half added time enough to seal the result and finish fifth.