Marta (R) of Brazil celebrates her goal against the US in their semi-final match in the FIFA Women's World Cup football tournament at the Hangzhou Dragon Stadium in Hangzhou, 27 September 2007. Brazil leads 2-0 in the first half. AFP PHOTO/MARK RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)

FIFAWWC Countdown: Day 48 - Top Nine Goals

Marching steadily towards Day 48 of Edge of the Crowd's epic 70-day lead-up to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, we've decided it's an apt moment to delve into the treasure trove of unforgettable episodes that have defined the history of the Women's World Cup. Today, we spotlight the nine most electrifying goals scored at the crowning stage of women's football.

Ingrid Johansson (1991)

In the team's opening game of the inagural FIFA Women's World Cup, Sweden's Ingrid Johansson scored a long-range stunner against the USA. Johannsson seemed to have all the time in the world to consider her options and opt for the shot, perfectly executing the height and flight to put the ball into the top right corner. Unfortunately, Sweden wouldn't come back from a 3-0 deficit, with Johansson's goal making it what would be the final 3-2 scoreline.

Carli Lloyd (2015)

It was a Final to remember for the USA, and especially for Carli Lloyd at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. The striker netted a hat-trick inside the first 16 minutes of play as the USA went 4-0 up on the way to a 5-2 victory against Japan. This particular effort saw her receive a pass from a teammate following a turnover, poke the ball in front of her to keep control, before noticing the keeper off her line. Llyod struck from the halfway line, catching Ayumi Kaihori out as it sailed over her head and trickled into the net, with the attacker's vision, technique, and long-range shooting ability showcased hugely.

Monica Ocampo (2011)

The opening fixture for Mexico at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup saw the side come up against England. The Three Lionesses took a 1-0 lead early before Monica Ocampo netted the equaliser from afar for La Tri with a screamer. The strike saw Menixo claim its first-ever point at a Women's World Cup tournament.

Homare Sawa (2011)

One of the most important goals in Japan's history was Homare Sawa's extra-time equaliser in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final against the USA. From a corner, Sawa was in front position, elequently kicking up her back heel to see the ball glide through on the faint touch and into the net at a tight angle. Japan would go on to win the Final in a penalty shootout.

Birgit Prinz (2003)

Getting in on the goalscoring in the final Group C fixture at the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, Germany's Birgit Prinz exceptionally handled an almost-perfectly weighted cross for her in the middle of the box, surrounded by two Argentian defenders either side of her. Knowing the ball would be a touch full to take control of it herself, Prinz executed a volley into the opposite side of the net, as the keeper stood still to watch it sail past her to make it a 3-0 scoreline.

Marta (2007)

The FIFA Women's World Cup's all-time leading scorer, Marta - in her second World Cup tournament - gave a glimpse into why she is so with a semi-final effort against the USA. The Brazilian star first took possession of the ball on the outer corner of the box and sidestepped two opponents while running towards goal before firing off a low strike that dribbled across the line. Marta announced herself to the world at this tournament, winning the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.

Erika (2011)

In the final match of Group D at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Brazil's Erika produced the opening goal of her side's 3-0 triumph over Equatorial Guinea. Standing at the back of the box, Erika was ungaurded as the deflected block by the keeper fell to her, executing the skill to control the ball onto her chest before looping it via her right boot to her left side as a defender neared, volleying the ball to herself as she struck the goal with her left boot.

Heather O'Reilly (2011)

Heather O'Reilly opened the scoring in the Group D match-up with Colombia at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. The USA's Heather O'Reilly took advantage of a defender's poor touch, pouncing on the opportunity with an outside-of-the-boot long-range curler into the top right corner of the goals. It would be the midfielder's only goal of the tournament.

Abby Wambach (2011)

Abby Wambach's 122nd-minute header was a moment of pure ecstacy for the USA as it sent the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final against Brazil into penalties, of which the USA would eventually win. A pinpoint cross by Megan Rapinoe into the penalty area saw Wambach demonstrate her aerial prowess to rise above Brazil's defence and deliver in a crucial moment, and crucial blow to the USA's opponents.

To get the full experience of Edge of the Crowd's 70-Day Countdown to the FIFA Women's World Cup this July, don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Also don't forget to listen to the Australian World Cup Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. New episode out now!