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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Philipp Lahm

What the men’s Euros next year can learn from a superb Women’s World Cup

Jamaica's Khadija Shaw hugs Marta after Jamaica knocked out Brazil
Jamaica's Khadija Shaw hugs Marta – emblematic of this Women’s World Cup – after Jamaica knocked out Brazil. Photograph: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Reuters

I was recently at my foundation’s summer camp where educators train children in exercise, nutrition and personality development. I noticed that the guests regularly looked excitedly at their mobile phones. They wanted to know what the score was. That morning, Germany were playing against South Korea and everyone felt something is at stake here.

The Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has been exciting. The atmosphere in the stadiums has been excellent, millions in Europe and elsewhere are cheering at unusual times of the day. That would not have happened a few years ago: a group stage match captivating people in Germany. Women’s football has become more attractive because it is better. It can now be enjoyed without saying “yes, but”.

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