August saw not one, but two World Cup Finals within women’s sports, alongside an array of other events that produced some incredible sports highlights. Let’s take a look back at some of the best last month had to offer!
1. Women’s World Cup Final
The Women’s World Cup reached it’s end this August, as Spain faced off against England in the tournament’s final game. The two sides had a hard fought route to the end, with Spain defeating tournament favorites France in the semi-finals, while England had to overcome hosts Australia in an environment where all in attendance were rooting against them. The final itself was a cagey affair, but Spain were the side who struck the first blow, as Olga opened the scoring in the 29th minute. The Spaniards dominated the remainder of the game, looking the stronger side throughout. A 70th minute penalty awarded to Spain looked like it might be the moment the match was decided, before England’s Mary Earps made herself the temporary hero with a tremendous save to keep her side’s hopes alive. Ultimately, England were unable to find a way back, and Spain were crowned Women’s World Cup champions for the first time ever! A huge congratulations to Spain, let’s take a look back at the moments that made the day.
2. Aussie’s Netball World Cup Win
Despite their disappointment at the loss suffered in the Soccer World Cup semi-final between England and Australia, the month of August still produced some sporting glory for the Aussies, and against a familiar foe. In the Netball World Cup final, England played Australia for the second time in the tournament. Despite England claiming a tight victory in their first bout, winning 56-55, in the game that mattered most, Australia were the better of the two sides, winning 61-45 to claim their 12th ever Netball World Cup! Watch the scenes of victory back.
3. Messi’s Moment Yet Again
Lionel Messi continues to add to latest chapter of his career, as Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC in the inaugural Leagues Cup. After scoring in every prior round of the tournament, Messi showed once again why he is one of the greatest individuals in sporting history, carrying his new side to victory in the final. Messi opened the scoring in the game’s 23rd minute with a fantastic long range strike. Nashville were, however, able to equalize in the game’s second half, sending the game to extra time, and finally, to penalties. A long shootout followed, and with Messi and all other outfield players having taken their kick and the score still level, it fell upon the goalkeepers to take the remaining penalties. Miami’s keeper, Drake Callender, became the hero, scoring his kick and saving the opposition keeper’s, securing the first piece of silverware in Inter Miami history! After the game, Messi made sure he lifted the trophy with the team’s former captain (from whom he took over) alongside him. Watch the best bits back below!
4. Jaguars QB Magic
The NFL has entered the run up to its season kickoff, with August seeing the start of preseason games. One moment that captured the eyes of fans everywhere came from Jaguars third-string quarterback, Nathan Rourke. In the Jags preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, Rourke put together a play that would be more likely to be seen from Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, slipping away from numerous defenders, avoiding a sack from the swarm of Cowboys defenders surrounding him, and finally firing the ball into the hands of his receiver for a touchdown. A moment that we’ll be sure to see in sports highlights reels for years to come, take a look back at the QB’s magic moment!
5. 95 Yards and to the House!
Another moment from NFL preseason that you just can’t miss. In the Detroit Lions’ game against the New York Giants, returner Maurice Alexander made a strong case for his chances of being included in the Lions 53 man roster. Early in the third quarter, Alexander lined up at the 5 yard line to receive the ball. The returner was able to run 95 yards, spinning out of multiple tackles en route to the end zone, scoring a touchdown that sent Lions fans wild. Take a look back as Alexander takes it to the house!
6. Tennis’ New Tale
It looks destined to be a story we’ll be seeing again and again for the next few years – Djokovic vs Alcaraz. After the young Spaniard was able to defeat the sport’s GOAT at Wimbledon back in July in a tooth-and-nail game that sports fans everywhere were enthralled by, the tennis stars found themselves once again pitted against each other in the final of the Cincinnati Open this August. The matchup was another spectacle, lasting nearly 4 hours, and with Djokovic victorious this time around. Despite losing the first set 7-5, Djokovic was able to close out the game, winning the next two sets and producing many stunning sports highlights on his way to the trophy. Take a look back at the games’ tense ending!
7. Pole Vaulting’s Golden Moment
A heartwarming moment from the pole vault at the World Athletics Championships this month. After Australia’s Nina Kennedy and America’s Katie Moon both were able to conquer a 4.90m target, setting themselves apart from the rest of the field, it looked as if it would be a face off to see which single vaulter would be awarded the gold. However, after both athletes found themselves unable to conquer the taller height set for them in the one- versus-one bout, the pair agreed to split the medal between them, sharing an embrace, and their joy. Congratulations to the two on their success!
8. Dutch Disaster
Another moment from the World Athletics Championships now. The mixed 4x400m relay was a closely fought fight, with the USA and the Netherlands looking like the two nations with the best chance of claiming gold. As the race began, it was the Dutch runners who took the edge, and as the baton was passed into the hands of fourth and final runner Femke Bol, the Netherlands were still looking the better of the teams. However, as Bol approached the finish line, leading in first place, she sadly suffered a dramatic fall, letting her US counterpart overtake her and crushing her nation’s hopes of glory. A moment that, sadly for Bol, will be included in sports highlights reels for years to come. Watch the ending back below.
9. Oakland A’s Odd Play
The Oakland Athletics are a team in disarray off the field, with owner John Fisher keen to relocate them from Northern California to Las Vegas. The fans have shown their displeasure at this idea, and this play from the past month was one that only added to their frustrations. In a game between the A’s and the Washington Nationals, Oakland pitcher Luis Medina made a great grab to make what should have been an easy out. However, Medina took his time tagging the base or the batter, with Nationals’ batsman Vargas able to avoid him at the last second and make it safely to first base. Watch the moment back for yourself below.
10. Kane’s New Challenge
Harry Kane has finally departed Tottenham Hotspur after 19 years at the club. He leaves as their record goal scorer, as well as the second highest Premier League goal scorer with 213 goals. It was Bayern Munich who managed to prize Kane away from North London, paying a fee of around €100m to secure his services. In Kane’s first start for Munich in their Bundesliga opener, the striker showed his new side just how valuable he can be, walking away from the game with a goal and an assist. Bayern won 3-1, securing their first three points of the season. We’re sure we’ll be seeing a lot more from Kane in the season ahead, but for now watch his opening goal below.
11. Brook’s Hundred Century
The Hundred’s return this summer had produced some stellar sports highlights, and Harry Brook is the latest to add to these. The cricket tournament, which takes place in the UK every summer, sees teams limited to just 100 balls, with the highest scoring squad handed victory. In the matchup between the Northern Super Chargers and the Welsh Fire, Harry Brook was able to reach a score of 100, a century, after just 41 balls. This was the fastest ever century recorded in the tournament, with fans everywhere lauding the batter for his achievement. Watch back the highlights from Brook’s big day!
Bonus – Baseball’s Smashing Success!
A Home Run from Fenway Park unlike any ever seen before. Watch as the fielder struggled to figure out just where exactly the ball had gone!
If you enjoyed August’s sports highlights roundup, be sure to check out July’s edition!
