Australia, the dark horse candidate of many at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, suffered a shock defeat to Italy, making its first finals appearance since 1999, to begin Group C play in France. Australian captain Sam Kerr gave her side an early lead by following up her own saved penalty, but Italy’s Barbara Bonansea scored twice in the second half — including the winner five minutes into stoppage time — to give the Azzurre a dream start.

What hurts more, a man getting kicked in the crotch or a woman giving birth?

It’s a question that is just about impossible to answer accurately. Determining pain thresholds for men compared to women is about as easy to do as herding cats, and it’s an issue scientists for decades have struggled to even appropriately consider.

Germany has had its fair share of legendary players. The two-time Women’s World Cup champion has produced some of the tournament’s greatest all-time players, from Heidi Mohr to Birgit Prinz. Giulia Gwinn might be the next in that list after her rocket goal gave Germany a 1-0 win over China on Saturday.

The opening match of the Women’s World Cup is in the books, host France crushing South Korea 4-0. But more than the final score, the France vs South Korea highlights showed one thing: the American women will have to beat Les Bleues if they hope to repeat, and it won’t be easy.

The USWNT entered the 2019 Women’s World Cup as the favorite to win it all. Jill Ellis’ side is ranked No. 1 in the world, features some of the best attacking talent on the planet and has the experience to repeat as champion. 

Yes, the Women’s World Cup is using VAR. Yes, people are going to complain. And yes, the VAR got the call right in its first usage during the tournament opener between France and South Korea on Friday. 

France was the first victim of VAR at Women’s World Cup after a goal was disallowed for the narrowest of offside calls in the first half of the first match of the tournament.