Bayern Munich emerged victorious in the first-ever Women’s World Sevens Football tournament, defeating Manchester United 2-1. The final, held in Estoril, saw Sarah Zadrazil score a decisive goal for Bayern after Momoko Tanikawa equalised Simi Awujo’s initial strike for United.
Matches were played with 15-minute halves on smaller pitches, and Bayern secured a prize of $2.5 million for their win.
In the group stages, Bayern Munich dominated by winning all their matches. They then crushed Paris Saint-Germain 5-0 in the semi-finals. On the other hand, Manchester United overcame Manchester City with a 2-0 victory in their semi-final clash. PSG secured third place by defeating City 3-1 after Jessica Park initially put City ahead.The tournament’s format was praised for its fast-paced and engaging nature. Nick Cushing, coach of Manchester City, expressed his approval: “It was really exciting, there was a lot of attacking football and it was really competitive.” He believes the format benefits attacking players due to its quick and physical style.Sarah Zadrazil shared her joy after scoring the crucial goal: “It was such an important goal,” she said. She celebrated with teammates who couldn’t play, emphasising the team’s unity: “We are all one big family and it was also for them that we are champions now.”The competition allowed players to express themselves freely on the field. Cushing noted that it felt like playing as children again because of the proximity to the goal at all times. This freedom enhanced both player enjoyment and spectator excitement throughout the event.The inaugural Women’s World Sevens Football tournament showcased thrilling matches and highlighted Bayern Munich’s prowess on a global stage. The event’s success has sparked discussions about its potential inclusion in future football calendars due to its appeal to fans and players alike.