This is what happened in sport during 2023 | CNN (2024)

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By Sam Joseph, CNN

6 minute read

Published 5:00 AM EST, Sat December 23, 2023

CNN

2023 has been a year unlike any other in sport.

Records were broken, torches were passed, movements were started and tears were shed as fans experienced every emotion possible.

Here’s a look back at the biggest stories this year from all over the sporting world.

January

2nd: Damar Hamlin suffers a cardiac arrest on the field while playing for the Buffalo Bills against the Cincinnati Bengals.

This is what happened in sport during 2023 | CNN (1)

Bills players gather as an ambulance parks on the field at Paycor Stadium, while CPR is administered to Hamlin. The game was suspended with suspended in the first quarter.

11th: Hamlin is discharged from hospital.

28th: Aryna Sabalenka wins the women’s singles at the Australian Open.

29th: Novak Djokovic wins the men’s singles at Australian Open.

This is what happened in sport during 2023 | CNN (2)

Djokovic celebrates after winning in Melbourne.

February

1st: Tom Brady announces his retirement from football for the second time.

6th: The Brooklyn Nets trade Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks.

7th: LeBron James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 38,387 points to become the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.

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James fades away to make NBA history.

9th: The Brooklyn Nets trade Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns.

11th: Real Madrid wins the Club World Cup.

12th: The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, February 12. The Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35.

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Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is dunked with Gatorade after the win.

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Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts reacts after the game.

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Confetti falls after the final whistle.

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Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce embraces his brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce, during the postgame celebrations. This was the first Super Bowl in history where two brothers played on opposite teams.

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Mahomes celebrates at the end of the game.

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Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker kicks what proved to be the game-winning field goal.

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A pass soars over the head of Kansas City wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster late in the fourth quarter. Eagles cornerback James Bradberry was called for holding on the play, setting up the Chiefs' game-winning field goal.

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Hurts scores a two-point conversion to tie the game at 35-35 in the fourth quarter. Hurts finished the game with three rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown.

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Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore runs in for a touchdown that gave Kansas City a 34-27 lead in the fourth quarter.

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The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney returned a punt for a Super Bowl-record 65 yards during the fourth quarter. Moore caught his touchdown soon after.

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Mahomes celebrates with Toney after they connected on a 5-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. After the extra point, the Chiefs had their first lead of the game, 28-27.

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Toney eases into the end zone on his touchdown.

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An Eagles fan watches the game in the second half.

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Hurts hands off to running back Kenneth Gainwell in the second half.

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Mahomes is hit by Jordan Davis on a pass play in the third quarter.

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Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni gestures during the second half.

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Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco runs for a 1-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the second half.

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Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert pulls in a pass late in the first half. Philadelphia led 24-14 at halftime.

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Mahomes reacts on the bench after he appeared to aggravate an ankle injury near the end of the first half. He came back, however, for the start of the second half.

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Mahomes was in pain after this tackle by T.J. Edwards.

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Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith tries to bring in a pass late in the first half. The officials reviewed the play and ruled that it was not a catch.

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Hurts runs for a 4-yard touchdown in the second quarter. It was Hurts' second rushing touchdown of the first half, and the Eagles led 21-14 after the extra point.

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Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (No. 32) chases down a Hurts fumble, which he ran back for a 36-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

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Hurts throws a pass in the second quarter.

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Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown catches a 45-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter.

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Butker missed a 42-yard field goal attempt in the first half. It bounced off the left upright.

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Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is seen in the second quarter.

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Travis Kelce catches an 18-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. After the extra point, the game was tied 7-7.

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Kelce celebrates with JuJu Smith-Schuster after the touchdown.

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Fans watch the action during the first quarter.

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Mahomes rolls out of the pocket on his team's opening drive.

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Hurts scores on a quarterback sneak to give the Eagles an early lead.

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US Navy jets fly over State Farm Stadium before the start of the game. For the first time ever, the ceremonial act was performed by an all-women crew.

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Donna Kelce, the mother of Travis and Jason Kelce, wears a jacket showing support for both of her sons' teams.

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The Chiefs take the field before the game.

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Mahomes gets fired up before the game.

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Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin walks on the sidelines before kickoff. Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during a game against Cincinnati on January 2.

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The Eagles take the field.

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An Eagles fan with a cheesesteak hat gestures at the camera during pregame warmups.

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Sheryl Lee Ralph performs "Lift Every Voice and Sing" before the game.

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Fans watch teams warm up for the game.

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Hurts runs onto the field for warmups.

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Chiefs fans in Kansas City gather before a Super Bowl watch party in the Power and Light entertainment district.

The best photos from the 2023 Super Bowl

March

4th: The NBA begins an investigation into Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant after a video emerges of him displaying a gun at a Colorado nightclub.

17th: Three people finish the Barkley Marathons for only the second time in the 37-year history of the ultra-race.

17th: No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson University beats No. 1 Purdue in the first round of the men’s NCAA basketball tournament in a historic upset.

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FDU guard Grant Singleton shoots during one of the all-time March Madness upsets.

21st: Japan wins the 2023 World Baseball Classic with Shohei Ohtani winning tournament MVP.

April

2nd: Angel Reese and LSU beat Caitlin Clark and Iowa to claim the women’s college basketball National Championship.

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Reese gestures to Clark during the game.

3rd: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Endeavor (the majority owner of the UFC) announce that the two companies will merge.

6th: European champion England beats South American champion Brazil on penalties, 1-1 (4-2) to win the first ever Women’s Finalissima.

9th: Spaniard Jon Rahm wins the Masters.

22nd: Wrexham A.F.C., co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is promoted to the Football League after a 15-year absence.

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Welcome to Wrexham - striker Elliot Lee celebrates during the match that confirmed his team's promotion to the Football League.

26th: The Green Bay Packers trade Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets.

27th: Brittney Griner speaks at a press conference for the first time since her release from Russia in December 2022 after being detained there earlier that year.

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Griner fights back tears at the news conference.

May

14th: Ja Morant is suspended by the Grizzlies after being seen with a gun for a second time, this time on Instagram Live. He would later be suspended without pay by the NBA for 25 games.

20th: Manchester City wins the Premier League.

21st: Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinícius Jr. is persistently racially abused by members of the crowd during Madrid’s 1-0 defeat against Valencia.

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Vinícius was visibly upset during the match.

June

3rd: Manchester City wins the FA Cup, defeating bitter rival Manchester United 2-1 in the final.

6th: PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf announce that they will merge.

10th: Iga Świątek wins the women’s singles at the French Open.

10th: Manchester City wins the Champions League, beating Inter Milan 1-0 to complete a historic treble.

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Rúben Dias and the Manchester City squad celebrate their historic treble.

11th: Novak Djokovic wins the French Open and becomes the all-time leader in men’s grand slam titles.

12th: The Denver Nuggets win their first NBA Championship in franchise history, defeating the Miami Heat in five games.

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Denver's Bruce Brown drives to the basket in Game Five.

13th: The Vegas Golden Knights win their first Stanley Cup in only their sixth NHL season, beating the Florida Panthers in five games.

22nd: French teenage sensation Victor Wembanyama is selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft.

July

15th: Major League Soccer club Inter Miami officially announce the signing of Lionel Messi.

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Messi celebrates after scoring a 94th minute game-winning free kick against Cruz Azul, only six days after signing.

15th: Markéta Vondroušová wins the women’s singles at Wimbledon, the first to do so as an unseeded player.

16th: Carlos Alcaraz won a five-set thriller against Novak Djokovic, 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4, to win the men’s singles at Wimbledon.

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Alcaraz lifts the trophy on the Centre Court Balcony.

24th: Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, suffers a cardiac arrest while at USC basketball practice.

August

6th: The USWNT is knocked out of the Women’s World Cup on penalties by Sweden in Megan Rapinoe’s final international match.

15th: Soccer superstar Neymar Jr. signs for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, the highest profile name amongst a slew of international players to move to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League.

20th: Spain win the Women’s World Cup for the first time, defeating England 1-0 in the final.

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Spanish players celebrate after winning the Women's World Cup final on Sunday, August 20.

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Spain's Eva Navarro celebrates with the Women's World Cup trophy.

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Spanish players celebrate with the trophy during the post-match award ceremony.

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Players from Spain and England react after the final whistle.

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Fans cheer for Spain during a broadcast of match in Barcelona.

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England captain Millie Bright looks dejected after the match. "We gave everything," she said. "First half we weren't at our best but second half we bounced back. ... We just didn't have that final edge today."

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Players embrace at the end of the match.

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Spanish coach Jorge Vilda reacts as England's Lucy Bronze, left, and Spain's Mariona Caldentey compete for the ball in the second half of the final.

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English goalkeeper Mary Earps saves a Jennifer Hermoso penalty during the second half.

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Members of the 1972 England team react while watching a live broadcast together in London.

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Spain's Salma Paralluelo (No. 18) received a yellow card from referee Tori Penso after England's Alex Greenwood was hurt on a play in the second half.

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Spanish fans celebrate as the teams leave the field at halftime.

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Spain's Olga Carmona celebrates after she scored with a left-footed shot in the 29th minute.

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A shot from England's Lauren Hemp hits the crossbar in the first half.

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Paralluelo, left, competes for the ball with Greenwood.

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England fans cheer on the Lionesses in Sydney.

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Earps makes a save in the first half.

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Tennis legend Billie Jean King walks onto the pitch ahead of the final.

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Players stand for the national anthems before the final.

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Paralluelo huddles with teammates before the match.

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A closing ceremony took place before the final.

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Swedish players celebrate after defeating Australia 2-0 in the third-place playoff on Saturday, August 19. Sweden also finished third in 1991, 1995 and 2019.

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Australia fans in Brisbane show their support for their team following the loss to Sweden.

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Sweden's Fridolina Rolfo celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's first goal against Australia.

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Sweden fans show support outside the stadium before the third-place playoff match.

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Rolfo converts a penalty to give Sweden a 1-0 lead over Australia.

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England players celebrate after their 3-1 victory over Australia booked a spot in the final.

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Australian star Sam Kerr did everything she could to carry the Matildas, but it wasn't enough as her team fell 3-1 to England in the semifinals.

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Australia fans react in the stadium as their team falls behind late in the semifinal.

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England's Alessia Russo celebrates scoring the Lionesses' third goal to seal the victory against Australia.

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English goalkeeper Mary Earps dives in vain to stop Kerr's rocket from distance — arguably the goal of the tournament.

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English midfielder Ella Toone scores the opener against Australia.

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English defender Alex Greenwood, left, battles Kerr for the ball.

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Salma Paralluelo, left, celebrates with teammates after Spain defeated Sweden 2-1 in the semifinals on Tuesday, August 15.

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Swedish players are dejected following the 2-1 loss to Spain.

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Sweden's Fridolina Rolfo jumps for a header with Spain's Alexia Putellas.

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Spain fans watch the semifinal inside Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

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A performer dances before the semifinal between Spain and Sweden.

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Alessia Russo, bottom, celebrates after scoring England's second goal in the 2-1 over Colombia in the quarterfinals on August 12.

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Colombia's Catalina Usme and Daniela Arias are dejected after the loss to England.

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England's Lauren Hemp, left, and Colombia's Ana Guzman fight for the ball.

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England's Chloe Kelly controls the ball.

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Leicy Santos celebrates her goal that gave Colombia a 1-0 lead against England.

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Australian players celebrate after winning a dramatic penalty shootout against France on August 12. The shootout was decided on the 20th kick.

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French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin punches the ball away during the quarterfinal match against Australia.

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Australia fans show their support at Brisbane Stadium.

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Australia's Mary Fowler controls the ball between France's Sakina Karchaoui and Wendie Renard.

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French players are dejected after the match against Australia.

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Sweden's Filippa Angeldal, second right, celebrates after scoring a penalty against Japan on Friday, August 11. Sweden won 2-1 to book a spot in the semifinals.

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Japanese players react following the loss to Sweden.

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Sweden's Amanda Ilestedt scores the first goal of the quarterfinal match against Japan.

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Japan's Risa Shimizu dribbles the ball during the match against Sweden.

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Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani talks to her teammates prior to playing Japan.

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Spain's Salma Paralluelo celebrates after scoring in extra time during the quarterfinal clash against the Netherlands on August 11. It ended up being the winning goal as Spain advanced with a 2-1 victory.

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Esmee Brugts of the Netherlands goes for a header against Spain.

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Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll and defender Olga Carmona watch as a shot from the Netherlands' Lineth Beerensteyn goes wide during extra time.

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Spain's Jennifer Hermoso celebrates the victory over the Netherlands.

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France's Selma Bacha, left, and Élisa De Almeida celebrate after a 4-0 victory against Morocco in the round of 16.

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Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui is consoled by France's Estelle Cascarino after the match.

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France's Eugénie Le Sommer heads the ball for her team's fourth goal — and her second of the match — against Morocco.

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Morocco's Ghizlane Chebbak and France's Sandie Toletti compete for the ball.

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French midfielder Kenza Dali, left, celebrates with teammate Kadidiatou Diani against Morocco.

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Colombia's Daniela Arias celebrates with fans on August 8 after her team defeated Jamaica 1-0 to progress to the quarterfinals.

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Catalina Usme celebrates after scoring Colombia's goal against Jamaica.

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Jamaica's Kiki Van Zanten, left, and Colombia's Carolina Arias compete for the ball.

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A Colombia fan soaks up the atmosphere before the match in Melbourne.

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Jamaica's Jody Brown controls the ball next to Colombia's Diana Ospina Garcia.

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Denmark's Amalie Vangsgaard, left, and Australia's Caitlin Foord compete for the ball during a round-of-16 match on August 7. Australia won 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.

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Australia fans wave placards during the match in Sydney. The team is nicknamed the Matildas.

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Foord scores a goal past Denmark goalkeeper Lene Christensen.

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Denmark's players gather in a huddle before the match against Australia.

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England's Chloe Kelly, bottom, celebrates with teammates Mary Earps, left, and Rachel Daly after scoring the winning penalty against Nigeria in the round of 16 on August 7. The match went to a shootout after ending 0-0.

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Members of Nigeria's team react during the penalty shootout.

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England's Lauren James received a red card in the 87th minute after stepping on Michelle Alozie.

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Earps makes a save against Nigeria.

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US players comfort one another after being eliminated by Sweden in a penalty shootout on August 6. The United States won the last two tournaments.

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US star Alex Morgan cries after the loss to Sweden.

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Swedish players celebrate the victory over the United States.

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Sweden's Amanda Ilestedt, left, and Fridolina Rolfö celebrate the win.

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US forward Lynn Williams, left, and Sweden defender Jonna Andersson compete for the ball.

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Megan Rapinoe takes a corner kick for the United States.

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Morgan heads the ball against Sweden.

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Morgan and Ilestedt go up for a header.

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US midfielder Lindsey Horan grimaces in pain after a collision.

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US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher grabs the ball in front of her goal.

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Horan gets to a header against Sweden.

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Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Mušović dives to save a Horan header.

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Sweden's Johanna Kaneryd, center, fights off Andi Sullivan.

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Naeher rises for a ball during the match against Sweden.

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Rapinoe, left, looks on from the substitutes' bench.

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Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani talks to her teammates before the US match.

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The Netherlands' Jill Roord celebrates after scoring the first goal in her team's 2-0 victory over South Africa on August 6. With the victory, the Dutch advanced to the quarterfinals.

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Fans of the Netherlands cheer before the start of the match against South Africa.

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South Africa's Bambanani Mbane grimaces after colliding with the Netherlands' Lieke Martens. She was taken off on a stretcher shortly after.

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Japan's Risa Shimizu, third from left, celebrates with teammates after scoring in the 3-1 victory over Norway on August 5.

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Japan's Ayaka Yamash*ta of Japan dives in vain to stop a Norway shot on goal.

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Japan's Mina Tanaka, center, rises for a header against Norway.

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Spain's Aitana Bonmatí celebrates a goal in the 5-1 win against Switzerland on August 5.

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Spain's Alba Redondo puts the ball past Swiss goalkeeper Gaëlle Thalmann to score her team's second goal.

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Spectators show their support during the match between Spain and Switzerland.

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Morocco players celebrate on August 3 after beating Colombia 1-0 to advance to the round of 16.

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Fans of Colombia watch their team's match against Morocco.

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Colombian teenage star Linda Caicedo, left, challenges Morocco's Zineb Redouani during their final group match.

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German players react after they crashed out of the tournament following a 1-1 draw with South Korea on August 3.

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South Korean goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi dives for the ball during the match against Germany.

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South Korea's Cho So-hyun celebrates after giving her side the lead against Germany.

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Brazil's Marta, right, competes against Jamaica's Tiernny Wiltshire on August 2. The two teams drew 0-0, but it was Jamaica that advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament. This was the last World Cup for Marta, the tournament's record scorer and veteran of six tournaments.

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Jamaica's Deneisha Blackwood celebrates with teammates after the draw with Brazil.

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Marta reacts after Brazil's elimination.

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France's Vicki Becho celebrates after scoring her team's sixth goal against Panama on August 2. France won 6-3 to advance to the knockout stage.

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Panama players spend time with fans after the France match. This was Panama's first year playing at a Women's World Cup.

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France's Maëlle Lakrar celebrates after scoring her team's first goal against Panama.

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South Africa's Linda Motlhalo celebrates her team's 3-2 win over Italy on August 2. It was South Africa's first-ever win at a Women's World Cup, and it helped them clinch a spot in the next round. Italy was eliminated with the loss.

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South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana tries to hold off Italy's Elena Linari.

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Italy's Arianna Caruso celebrates after scoring against South Africa.

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Sweden's Elin Rubensson celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot against Argentina on August 2. Sweden won 2-0.

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Sweden's Rebecka Blomqvist heads the ball for a goal against Argentina.

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Argentina's Florencia Bonsegundo lies on the pitch after getting injured against Sweden.

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England's Chloe Kelly celebrates after scoring against China on August 1. England won 6-1 to advance to the tournament's round of 16.

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England's Rachel Daly, right, scores the sixth goal against China.

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Chinese forward Wang Shuang, left, celebrates with Yang Lina after scoring against England.

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Chinese defender Yao Wei, right, blocks a shot from England's Lucy Bronze.

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Pernille Harder celebrates after scoring the first goal of Denmark's 2-0 victory over Haiti on August 1. The win, coupled with China's defeat against England, meant Denmark would advance to the knockout stage and face co-host Australia.

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Denmark's Amalie Vangsgaard shields the ball from Haiti's Ruthny Mathurin.

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Haiti fans cheer their team at the stadium in Perth, Australia.

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Haiti's Melchie Dumornay, left, gets tangled with Denmark's Simone Boye.

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US forward Sophia Smith heads the ball during the goalless draw against Portugal on August 1. The result meant that the Americans, the two-time defending champions, would advance to the round of 16.

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Megan Rapinoe consoles Portugal's Jessica Silva following the draw, which knocked Portugal out of the competition.

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US forward Alex Morgan collides with Portuguese goalkeeper Inês Pereira in the first half.

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US fans show their support ahead of the Portugal match.

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US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher collides with the post.

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Referee Rebecca Welch shows a yellow card to US midfielder Rose Lavelle.

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Dutch midfielder Wieke Kaptein takes a selfie with fans after the Netherlands defeated Vietnam 7-0 and advanced to the knockout stage.

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Vietnamese players Trần Thị Thu Thảo, left, and Dương Thị Vân react after the loss to the Netherlands.

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Dutch forward Katja Snoeijs celebrates her team's first goal, which was scored by Lieke Martens.

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The Netherlands' Sherida Spitse, top, and Vietnam's Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã compete for the ball.

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Australian defender Stephanie Catley, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's fourth goal against Canada on July 31. Australia won 4-0 to book a spot in the round of 16.

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Australia fans in Melbourne celebrate after the Canada match.

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Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan makes a save against Australia. Canada was eliminated because of the loss and Nigeria's goalless draw against Ireland.

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Australia's Hayley Raso, right, celebrates after scoring her side's second goal against Canada.

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Ireland's Lily Agg, right, battles for the ball with Nigeria's Uchenna Kanu during a 0-0 draw on July 31.

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Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala, center, misses a chance against Ireland.

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A fan shows support for the Nigerian team during the match in Brisbane, Australia.

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Nigeria's Chiamaka Nnadozie and Ireland's Kyra Carusa react after a collision.

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Japanese players celebrate at the end of their 4-0 victory over Spain on July 31. Both teams are advancing to the round of 16.

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Fans of Japan help clean after the match in Wellington, New Zealand. Japan's fans have become known in recent years for their efforts to clean stands after matches.

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Japan's Hikaru Naomoto, top, and Spain's Ona Batlle compete for the ball.

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Japan's Hinata Miyazawa, second from left, celebrates scoring the team's third goal with Honoka Hayashi, left, and Risa Shimizu.

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Costa Rican players appeal to referee Bouchra Karboubi before a VAR check on July 31. Zambia beat Costa Rica 3-1. It was Zambia's first-ever win at a Women's World Cup.

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Zambia's Barbra Banda celebrates after scoring her team's second goal from the penalty spot.

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Costa Rican midfielder Melissa Herrera, right, scores her team's lone goal.

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Costa Rica's Fabiola Villalobos, left, takes a shot at goal as Zambia's Racheal Kundananji attempts to block.

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Colombia's Manuela Vanegas celebrates her team's winning goal against Germany on June 30. The goal came in the final seconds of the match and lifted Colombia to a 2-1 victory.

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Germany's Alexandra Popp and Colombia's Jorelyn Carabalí battle for the ball.

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Vanegas marks Germany's Jule Brand.

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Germany fans attend the match against Colombia.

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Linda Caicedo celebrates after scoring Colombia's opener against Germany.

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Norway celebrates a goal in its 6-0 victory over the Philippines on July 30. The victory helped Norway clinch a spot in the knockout stage.

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The Philippines' Dominique Randle, center, consoles a teammate after the loss to Norway. The Philippines, playing in its first Women's World Cup, was eliminated with the loss to Norway.

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The Philippines' Hali Long makes a heart with her hands at the end of the Norway match.

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Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel fails to stop Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen from scoring the third goal of the match.

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Norway's Sophie Roman Haug is challenged by Jessika Cowart.

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Philippines fans cheer for their team before the match against Norway.

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Ali Riley and Katie Bowen hug after New Zealand was knocked out of the tournament on July 30. The co-hosts drew Switzerland 0-0, but they will miss the knockout stage because of goal differential.

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Bowen clears the ball in front of Switzerland's Julia Stierli.

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Swiss forward Ramona Bachmann controls the ball against New Zealand.

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Moroccan players celebrate their 1-0 win over South Korea on July 30.

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Morocco's Nouhaila Benzina, the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup, is shown a yellow card by referee Edina Alves Batista.

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Morocco's Ibtissam Jraidi controls the ball before shooting on goal.

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Panama's Aldrith Quintero, right, reaches for the ball in front of Jamaica's Deneisha Blackwood and Kameron Simmonds on July 29. Jamaica won 1-0. It was Jamaica's first-ever win at a Women's World Cup.

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Jamaican players celebrate after Allyson Swaby scored against Panama.

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French coach Herve Renard kisses defender Wendie Renard on the forehead after her winning goal secured a 2-1 win against Brazil on July 29.

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Brazil's Debinha celebrates her goal against France.

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Renard celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's second goal.

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Sweden's Amanda Ilestedt, center, heads the ball to score the opening goal against Italy on July 29. Sweden won 5-0 to clinch a spot in the round of 16.

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Sweden's Rebecka Blomqvist celebrates after scoring her side's fifth goal against Italy.

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Italy fans cheer before their team's match against Sweden in Wellington, New Zealand.

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China's Wang Shuang celebrates after scoring against Haiti on July 28. China won 1-0.

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Haiti's Melchie Dumornay, left, collides with China's Dou Jiaxing on July 28.

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England's Chloe Kelly attempts a bicycle kick versus Denmark on July 28. England won 1-0.

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England goalkeeper Mary Earps makes a save against Denmark.

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Denmark's Janni Thomsen, left, collides with England's Alex Greenwood.

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Lauren James celebrates after scoring against Denmark.

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England's Keira Walsh is stretchered off after sustaining an injury. Walsh, England's midfield metronome, went down clutching her knee with no other player in her vicinity

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South Africa's Bambanani Mbane slides in for a tackle against Argentina's Mariana Larroquette on July 28. Their match ended in a 2-2 draw.

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Argentina striker Yamila Rodriguez has received criticism for her Cristiano Ronaldo tattoo, the rival of Argentina star Lionel Messi.

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South Africa's Linda Motlhalo celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's first goal against Argentina. South Africa led 2-0 before Argentina's dramatic comeback.

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Onome Ebi, left, and Osinachi Ohale celebrate after Nigeria defeated Australia 3-2 on July 27. The stunning result means Nigeria has a one-point lead going into its final group game against already eliminated Ireland, while co-host Australia faces a must-win match against Canada.

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Players from Australia and Nigeria compete for a ball in the air on July 27.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese takes a selfie with fans before the Nigeria match in Brisbane.

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Portugal forward Jéssica Silva, right, watches a shot go wide during a match against Vietnam on July 27. Portugal won 2-0, eliminating Vietnam's hopes of advancing in the tournament.

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Portugal's Telma Encarnação reaches for the ball during the Vietnam match.

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Vietnam fans show their support before the Portugal match.

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Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar grabs the ball over the United States' Julie Ertz during their 1-1 draw on July 27.

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US fans react during the Netherlands match, which was played in Wellington, New Zealand.

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US midfielder Lindsey Horan celebrates after scoring against the Netherlands. It was her second goal of the tournament.

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Horan's header tied the match after the Dutch took an early lead.

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More than 27,000 fans attended the Netherlands-US match.

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Canada's Vanessa Gilles competes for a header with Ireland's Niamh Fahey, bottom, and Louise Quinn during a match on July 26. Canada won 2-1.

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Ireland's Katie McCabe applauds fans after the match against Canada.

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Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan can't get to a McCabe corner kick that went directly into the goal to give Ireland a 1-0 lead. The incredible "Olimpico" goal came in just the fourth minute of play.

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Canadian forward Adriana Leon celebrates after scoring her team's second goal against Ireland.

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Spain's Jennifer Hermoso is thrown in the air by teammates as they celebrate their 5-0 victory over Zambia on July 26. With the win, Spain clinched a spot in the tournament's knockout round.

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Hermoso, left, scores her first of two goals in the win over Zambia.

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Spain fans enjoy the Zambia match at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

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Spain's Alexia Putellas consoles Zambia's Mary Wilombe after the match. Zambia still had one match to play, but it was not going to be able to advance to the knockout stage.

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Japan's Hikaru Naomoto, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal in the 2-0 victory over Costa Rica on July 26. It was Japan's second win in as many games, and it clinched a spot in the knockout stage.

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Japan's Mina Tanaka heads the ball toward the Costa Rican goal.

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Japan fans react during the match against Costa Rica, which took place at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.

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Costa Rican goalkeeper Daniela Solera is shaken up during a play against Japan. She was able to continue.

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Switzerland players, in red, defend their box during a match against Norway on July 25. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

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Rain pours down during the Norway-Switzerland match.

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People in Indigenous dress perform during a welcome ceremony that was held before Norway-Switzerland.

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Philippines midfielder Sarina Bolden celebrates scoring against New Zealand on July 25. Bolden's first-half header lifted her country to a 1-0 victory — its first win ever at a Women's World Cup.

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New Zealand's Hannah Wilkinson attempts to head the ball past Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel during their match on July 25.

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Bolden scores on New Zealand keeper Victoria Esson.

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Philippines fans show their support during the team's first-ever win at a Women's World Cup.

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Colombia's Catalina Usme celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's first goal against South Korea on July 25. Colombia won 2-0.

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South Korea's Cho So-hyun, bottom left, competes for the ball against Colombia's Jorelyn Carabali and Carolina Arias.

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Colombia fans show their support in Sydney.

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Usme tries to control the ball in front of South Korea's Kim Hye-ri.

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Colombia midfielder Manuela Vanegas receives a yellow card from referee Rebecca Welch.

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Brazil's Marta, left, heads the ball during a match against Panama on July 24. Brazil won 4-0.

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Brazil's Ary Borges celebrates her third goal during the Panama. Her hat trick was the first of the tournament.

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Brazilian fans watch the match against Panama, which was held in Adelaide, Australia.

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Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi tries to punch the ball away during a match against Germany on July 24. Germany dominated Morocco 6-0 in what was the biggest scoreline of the tournament so far.

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Germany's Alexandra Popp celebrates scoring a goal against Morocco.

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Germany fans celebrate as their team gets off to a great start.

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Morocco's Fatima Tagnaout runs during the match against Germany.

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Italy's Cristiana Girelli celebrates after scoring a late winner against Argentina on July 24. Italy won 1-0.

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Italian goalkeeper Francesca Durante makes a save during the match against Argentina.

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Argentina coach German Portanova reacts during the Italy match.

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Italy's Giulia Dragoni is challenged by Estefania Banini of Argentina. At the age of 16, Dragoni became the youngest player to represent Italy in the competition's history.

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Jamaican players celebrate on July 23, after their 0-0 draw against France earned them their country's first-ever point in the Women's World Cup.

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Jamaica's Atlanta Primus tugs the shirt of France's Grace Geyoro.

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Jamaican goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer marshals her defense.

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Jamaica's Khadija "Bunny" Shaw is sent off for a second bookable offense against France.

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France's Estelle Cascarino, left, and Shaw battle for the ball.

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Portugal's Ines Pereira dives in vain as the Netherlands' Stefanie van der Gragt, not pictured, scores the only goal in the match on July 23.

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Van der Gragt, left, and Portugal's Jessica Silva battle for possession.

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Silva signs autographs for fans after the match.

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Sweden's Amanda Ilestedt celebrates after scoring a late winner against South Africa on July 23. Sweden won 2-1.

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South Africa's Hildah Magaia, who scored the opening goal, runs with the ball alongside Sweden's Elin Rubensson.

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A South Africa fan shows support during the match.

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Danish players celebrate Amalie Vangsgaard's late goal that gave them a 1-0 victory over China on July 22.

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China fans show their support prior to their team's opening match against Denmark.

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China's Zhang Linyan competes for the ball with Denmark's Pernille Harder.

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China head coach Shui Qingxia gestures during the match.

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England's Alessia Russo and Haiti's Tabita Joseph fight for the ball during the two sides' opening game on July 22. England's Lionesses, the reigning European champions, earned a scrappy 1-0 victory over the tournament debutants.

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England's Georgia Stanway converts the winner against Haiti from the penalty spot.

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Nicolas Delépine, Haiti's head coach, instructs his team during the match.

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Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus jumps to make one of many impressive saves against England.

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Japan's Jun Endo celebrates with her bench after scoring her team's fourth goal in a 5-0 win against Zambia on July 22.

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Japan's Mina Tanaka battles with Zambia's Agnes Musase.

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Aoba Fujino of Japan is brought down by Zambian goalkeeper Catherine Musonda, resulting in a penalty to Japan. It was later overturned due to offside.

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Japan supporters react following their team's emphatic victory over Zambia.

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US forward Alex Morgan is surrounded by Vietnam defenders during their opening match on July 22. The United States, the two-time defending champs, won 3-0.

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Lindsey Horan, left, celebrates with US teammate Megan Rapinoe after Horan scored the third goal against Vietnam.

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Players collide in the box as Vietnam goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh looks to clear the ball away.

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US forward Sophia Smith dribbles the ball against Vietnam. She scored the first two goals of the match.

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Fans cheer during the US-Vietnam match in Auckland, New Zealand.

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Spain's Esther González wins a header against Costa Rica's Mariana Benavides on July 21. Spain won 3-0.

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González scores her team's third goal against Costa Rica.

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A Māori welcoming ceremony is held prior to the Spain-Costa Rica match.

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Switzerland's Seraina Piubel scores her team's second goal during its 2-0 victory against the Philippines on July 21.

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The Philippines' Katrina Guillou takes a shot against Switzerland's Gaëlle Thalmann. The goal was disallowed.

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A Philippines fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere. This was the country's Women's World Cup debut.

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Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan punches the ball clear during a 0-0 draw against Nigeria on July 21.

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Nigeria's Uchenna Kanu takes a selfie with fans after the Canada match.

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Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie clears the ball after saving a penalty by Canada's Christine Sinclair.

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Australia's Steph Catley, third from left, celebrates scoring her team's only goal against Ireland on June 20. Australia won 1-0 in Sydney.

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Fans in Melbourne celebrate as they watch the match between Australia and Ireland.

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Ireland's Heather Payne, left, tries to cross the ball past Australia's Kyra Cooney-Cross. This was Ireland's first-ever match in a Women's World Cup.

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Supporters of both Australia and Ireland watch the match in Sydney. The second match of this year's tournament set a new single-game attendance record for a women's soccer match in Australia, with 75,784 fans watching.

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Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold makes a save.

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New Zealand's Ria Percival and Katie Bowen, in black, compete for the ball with Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen on July 20. New Zealand won the opening match 1-0. It was the country's first-ever win at a Women's World Cup.

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Norway star Ada Hegerberg reacts after a missed chance against New Zealand.

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New Zealand's CJ Bott, left, and Norway's Mathilde Harviken vie for the ball.

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New Zealand fans react during the match against Norway, which was played in Auckland, New Zealand.

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Norway players huddle before the match against New Zealand.

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Fireworks explode during the tournament's opening ceremony, which was held before the New Zealand-Norway match.

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The roughly 10-minute opening ceremony celebrated both New Zealand and Australia's indigenous heritage and culture, with Māori and First Nations dancers and singers taking to the center of the field.

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Dancers perform during the opening ceremony at Auckland's Eden Park.

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Performers dance during the opening ceremony.

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A performer is pictured during the opening ceremony.

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Benee and Mallrat perform "Do It Again," the official song of this year's Women's World Cup, during the opening ceremony. Benee is from New Zealand and Mallrat is from Australia.

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Dancers take the field during the opening ceremony.

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Children hold flags during the opening ceremony.

The best photos of the 2023 Women's World Cup

20th: Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales is accused of multiple instances of inappropriate behavior after Spain’s victory, most notably forcibly kissing midfielder Jennifer Hermoso during the trophy ceremony.

21st: Sha’Carri Richardson wins the women’s 100m final at the World Athletics Championships.

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Richardson celebrates with the flag after being crowned world champion.

24th: Magnus Carlsen defeats 18-year-old Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa to become Chess World Cup champion.

25th: Rubiales defiantly refuses to resign at a press conference and condemns the rise of “fake feminism.”

25th: Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas posts on X (formerly Twitter) in support of Hermoso and kickstarts the #SeAcabó (#It’sOver in English) social movement.

27th: Simone Biles makes history at the US Gymnastics Championships with her 8th all-around title.

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Biles competes in the uneven bars on day four of the championships.

September

9th: American teenager Coco Gauff wins the women’s singles at the US Open.

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Gauff kisses the trophy after claiming victory at Flushing Meadows.

10th: Novak Djokovic wins the men’s singles at the US Open.

10th: Luis Rubiales resigns as RFEF president but does not offer an apology in his statement.

11th: Aaron Rodgers ruptures his Achilles just four snaps into his New York Jets career.

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Rodgers is sacked by the Bills' Leonard Floyd at MetLife Stadium - injuring him only four plays into his New York career.

24th: Taylor Swift attends an NFL game for the first time to watch Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs play the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium.

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Swift, the girlfriend of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and the world's most famous football fan, watches on at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

27th: The Portland Trail Blazers trade Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.

October

1st: Damar Hamlin returns to the Bills active roster.

6th: Simone Biles wins her sixth all-around world gymnastics title in Antwerp, Belgium, to solidify her status as the greatest gymnast ever. She would end up winning four golds at the event, taking her to 23 world titles – the most in men’s or women’s gymnastics history.

7th: Max Verstappen is crowned Formula One world champion for the third time, securing the title in the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix.

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Verstappen celebrates after winning the Qatar Grand Prix - he had already sealed the World Championship the day before in the sprint race.

16th: The IOC announces that flag football, baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse and squash will be included at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

18th: The Las Vegas Aces win the WNBA Finals 3-1 against the New York Liberty, becoming the first repeat WNBA champions in 21 years.

28th: South Africa wins the Rugby World Cup with a 12-11 victory over New Zealand.

28th: American ice hockey player Adam Johnson dies while playing for the Nottingham Panthers in England.

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Tributes to Johnson are laid outside the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England.

30th: Luis Rubiales is banned from all soccer-related activities for three years by FIFA.

30th: Lionel Messi wins a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award.

30th: Police confirm that they are investigating Adam Johnson’s death.

November

1st: The Texas Rangers win their first World Series in franchise history as they defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.

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The Rangers celebrate after taking Game Five on the road at Chase Field.

1st: The Philadelphia 76ers trade James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers.

6th: Iga Świątek wins WTA Finals and regains the world No. 1 ranking after thrashing Jessica Pegula, 6-1 6-0.

19th: Max Verstappen wins the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix.

19th: Australia wins the 2023 Cricket World Cup, beating India in the final.

This is what happened in sport during 2023 | CNN (354)

Australia's Glenn Maxwell celebrates after winning the Cricket World Cup.

19th: Novak Djokovic wins the ATP Finals, defeating Jannik Sinner with ease, 6-3 6-3.

30th: Tiger Woods makes his return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge after undergoing surgery in April.

This is what happened in sport during 2023 | CNN (355)

Woods tees off at the Hero World Challenge in Nassau, Bahamas.

December

3rd: Florida State, undefeated in the regular season, is controversially left out of the College Football Playoff.

7th: Jon Rahm announces that he is leaving the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf.

9th: Shohei Ohtani announces that he is signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, reportedly on a 10-year, $700 million contract, the largest deal in professional sports history.

13th: Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors is suspended by the NBA after striking Jusuf Nurkić during a game against the Phoenix Suns.

This is what happened in sport during 2023 | CNN (356)

Nurkić lies on the ground hurt while Green reacts after being whistled for a foul.

21st: The EU’s top court decides that FIFA and UEFA’s rules which blocked the creation of the controversial European Super League were unlawful, potentially removing obstacle for the controversial soccer competition to be established.

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This is what happened in sport during 2023 | CNN (2024)
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