July saw sporting legends continuing to cement their legacies, future stars adding to the writing of their own stories, and of course we witnessed an array of fantastic sports highlights to round off the month. Join us as we take a look back at the best bits you may have missed!
1. Messi Magic in Miami
It simply had to be. What seemed like the entire city of Miami had been bracing themselves for weeks. Since the announcement that Lionel Messi, who most would consider the greatest soccer player to ever have lived, would be heading to South Florida, the excitement had been unbridled. With all the hype surrounding Messi’s Miami debut, it was going to be hard even for Messi to match the level of anticipation for his first appearance. However, the man who delivered Argentina their first World Cup in over 30 years was able to show the world exactly why he is the sport’s greatest player. With Miami tied 1-1, Messi entered the field in the 54th minute as a substitute. His influence on Miami’s playing style was instant, but they were still struggling to break down the opposition’s defenses. In the 94th minute, four minutes into added time and with essentially the last kick of the game, Miami won a free kick on the edge of the opposition’s box. Up stepped Messi, producing a moment of magic to announce himself on the stage of American soccer. A must see moment!
2. A New Era at Wimbledon
This year’s Wimbledon Men’s final produced one of the greatest matches in recent years, as all-time-great and world number two, Novak Djokovic, faced off against the up-and-coming world number one, Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz got off to a shaky start, losing the first set 6-1, however he was able to rally quickly and win the next two sets. Djokovic was then able to put together a strong fight back, claiming the fourth, and sending the game to a deciding set. Ultimately, a resilient performance from young Carlos Alcaraz saw him beat the veteran, and claim his second ever Grand Slam victory. A match that showed we can expect to see Alcaraz be one of tennis’s future greats in years to come, take a look back at a stunning point won by the Spaniard, as well as the moment his victory was confirmed.
3. Women’s World Cup
The Women’s World Cup got underway this July, with the 2023 edition of soccer’s biggest competition being held in Australia and New Zealand. The tournament’s group stage has already produced some stellar sports highlights, but none compare to the thriller between Germany and Columbia. With Germany heavily favored to win the game, it was a shock to viewers when Columbia took the lead in the 52nd minute. The Germans spent the remainder of the 90 minutes attempting to recoup at least one goal and secure some points, and in the 89th minute, it looked as if they had done so, as Alexandra Popp netted an equalizer. However, deep into added time, in the 97th minute, the Germans were to be shocked once more as Columbia’s Manuela Vanegas put a second goal past the German keeper, sealing a win for the underdogs. Watch the frantic finish of the historic victory back below, made all the more exciting with Spanish commentary!
4. Harman Wins the Open
Golf’s oldest major was claimed this July by a golfer who had never previously won a major championship. Brian Harman battled through wet and windy conditions at The Open to finish as the surprise victor of the tournament. The American was able to hold off any potential challenges from the likes of golfing greats Rahm and McIlroy thanks to a precise and effective performance. The win was also a major boost in Harman’s hopes of representing the US in the Ryder Cup later this year, as the top six golfers in the points table get the honor of joining team USA. Take a look at the emotion upon confirming his victory with his final putt.
5. The Ashes
The historic cricket rivalry between Australia and England continued this July with the 2023 edition of The Ashes. The Test Cricket Tournament, held every two years, is a competition to determine which of the two countries will win the historic Ashes trophy. This time around, the tournament was tightly contested. In the ‘best of five matches’ format, Australia claimed the first two wins, after which an England victory followed. A tie in the fourth match meant that for 2023, The Ashes would end in either an Australia win, or a tie. In the final test match, Stuart Broad, one of England’s greatest ever bowlers, got the last wicket to seal England’s victory. The rules state that in the event of a tie, the nation who won the previous match (between the two teams) will retain possession of The Ashes, so the trophy will stay with Australia for now. Take a look back at Broad’s send off!
6. Major League Cricket’s First Champion
Another moment from the world of cricket as the US’ latest attempt to grow the sport stateside reached the culmination of its inaugural season. The first ever MLC (Major League Cricket) final saw MI New York facing off against the Seattle Orcas. It was ultimately MI New York who claimed the championship, with much of the credit owed to their captain Nicholas Pooran. Pooran put together a performance worthy of the trophy, notching thirteen 6s during the final! What a way to make a mark on cricket in the US. Watch all of his biggest hits right here.
7. Curry’s Hole in One
Steph Curry has become the first athlete still active in their sport to win the ACC Golf Championship since 2000. The latest iteration of the celebrity golf tournament saw the basketball star walk away with the trophy, however it was one particular shot from Curry that caught the eyes of sports fans everywhere. On the seventh hole, Curry was able to hit a jaw dropping hole-in-one, a feat never before seen on this hole at the tournament! The moment sent fans wild, although it was certainly Curry himself who was the most thrilled as he took off running down the green. Some golfing glory to add to Curry’s array of sports highlights, take a look back at the stunning shot!
8. US Retain Lacrosse World Title
The Lacrosse World Championships were held in the US this July for the tournament’s first edition in five years. The host country was able to retain their crown after a finale matchup between the US and Canada. This was a game between rivals all too familiar, this being the seventh straight final where the two nations were pitted against each other. This time around, it was the US who were able to come out on top, claiming their 11th ever Lacrosse World Championship victory, and winning the final 10-7. Take a look back at some of the game’s best goals!
9. Gaelic Greatness
A moment that will be shown in sports highlights reels for years to come, Eoin Murphy produced what many Gaelic football fans are calling the greatest ever save in the sport’s history this past month. In the All-Ireland Football Semi Final between Murphy’s Kilkenny and the opposing Clare, the goalkeeper produced some last-gasp shot-stopping right at the games’ dying moments to help his side hold on to the lead and secure the win. A truly jaw-dropping save!
10. Young Euro Drama
The Under-21 European Championships tournament produced some spectacular sports highlights, but none were more dramatic than the scenes of the tournament’s final game with England versus Spain. The Three Lions got off to the stronger start, managing to take the lead at the culmination of the first half thanks to a goal from Curtis Jones. The remainder of the game was a cagey affair, with Spain doing their best to equalize and England doing their best to deny them. In the 99th minute of the game, 9 minutes into additional time, Spain were awarded a penalty and the chance to keep the game going. Up stepped England keeper James Trafford, whose tremendous double save at the death ensured England got their hands on the Under 21 trophy for the first time in 39 years. Watch the heroics back!
11. The Brit’s GP
The 2023 British Grand Prix was an event that delighted British F1 fans, mainly thanks to the success of their nation’s drivers. Despite the might of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, and the fact he was starting in pole position, it was Brit Lando Norris who took the lead in the race’s early stages, creeping ahead of his rival into first place. Although Verstappen proved to be just too good to keep at bay for the entirety of the race, Norris was able to secure a second place finish, his best ever career finish. To make the local fans’ day even better, fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton rounded off the podium with his third place finish, his first podium finish of the season! Watch the race’s opening to see the start of what was a great day for the fans in attendance.
Bonus: Southampton Shocker
This preseason penalty from the usually clinical James Ward-Prowse will be one the England star will not be wanting to see again anytime soon…
If you enjoyed July’s sports highlights roundup, be sure to check out June’s edition!
