Notebook: Cameroon's hope, China's ignorance, Australia's history
Women's soccer is big business in the United States, but it's worth remembering that in many other countries, it's only just getting off the ground. That's certainly true in Cameroon, where the game was in many ways afterthought until the Indomitable Lionesses reached the round of 16 at their first ever World Cup.
After the team fell to China 1-0 on Saturday, coach Enow Ngachu offered a public wish that his country – and indeed, his continent – will help women's soccer grow in the years to come.
"The problem African nations usually face is a preparation problem,"he said. "The day we prepare very well, the day we organize very well, I think one African nation will be able to win the World Cup... We just hope that with our performance, many things will change, not only in Cameroon but also in Africa."
China coaching staff ignores concussion risk
Late in that China-Cameroon game, there was a brutal head-to-head collision between China's Peng Han and Cameroon's Claudine Meffometeou Tcheno. Both players stayed down for a while, and Han was bleeding profusely. She ended up getting bandages wrapped around almost all of her head, and was sent back into the game quickly after getting treatment.
Given the increased focus on head injuries in soccer worldwide, it surprised many observers to see Han return so fast. And it certainly raised eyebrows when China assistant coach Weiwei Chang said after the game – via FIFA's official interpreter - that "the spirit is worth commending."
Chang was standing in for head coach Hao Wei, who was suspended after being ejected late in China's group stage finale. An American reporter asked Chang specifically whether Han had suffered a concussion. He made no mention of that in his answer.
"She was at a distance at the time from where we were, and she received quick treatment and returned on the field," Chang said through the interpreter. "Of course, after the match we will do another examination to see what the injury is like."
Kyah Simon makes Aussie history again
Australia's 1-0 win over Brazil on Sunday marked the nation's first win in a knockout game at any senior level World Cup, men's or women's. The goal came from forward Kyah Simon, who has made history throughout the tournament by being the first ever Aboriginal Australian to play for the Matildas.
Coincidentally, Simon scored her goal in the early hours of the morning after Australia celebrated its National Aboriginal Day. Knowing the country's fan base, though, it's a safe bet that the celebrations never really stopped.
