Christine Sinclair: Canada

Canada: Christine Sinclair

When it comes to the greatest international goal scorers of all time, there are two names that immediately jump to mind: Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach.

Abby Wambach passed fellow American Mia Hamm’s record of 158 goals and went on to score 184, a record that stands above all other international goal scorers in the men’s or women’s game. 

But both might soon be eclipsed by Canadian powerhouse Christine Sinclair.

Yui Hasegawa: Japan

As a native of the Miyagi Prefecture, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake — which claimed the lives of nearly 16,000 people and caused $360 billion in damage — had a profound effect on Yui Hasegawa, and the uplifting tale of Japan capturing the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany only months later left an indelible mark on her.

Hasegawa was determined to do the same thing one day.

We’re Still Trying To Wrap Our Minds Around This Save From England’s Karen Bardsley

Kumi Yokoyama struck it perfectly. The ball zipped through the air at the Allianz Riviera like lightning, heading straight for the top corner of the goal from 36 yards out.

Karen Bardsley wasn’t even in the picture as it began to look like Japan would take the lead over England early in their Group D match on Wednesday. The Three Lionesses keeper had shaded to her left side of the goal and was still scrambling to her right when Yokoyama’s shot made a late swerve toward the upper 90. 

Top 18 Soccer Terms You Need To Know For The Women's World Cup

#18 Group of Death: 

Of the eight World Cup groups, the one judged to be the most difficult. Think Germany, Portugal, USA and Ghana in 2014.

#17 Tackle: 

Taking the ball from an opponent using your feet. Can also be a slide tackle — a favorite of the mad lads.

#16 Dead Ball: 

When play is stopped and the ball is not moving. A dead ball situation is a set piece (corner, free kick, penalty).

#15 Mark: 

Guarding an opponent. Man-to-man coverage.