Dive into The Short Corner today for an eventful round-up of the 2023 Women's World Cup, with Vietnam's sad exit, Nigeria's hard-fought victory, and a curious case of an Argentine player's loyalty – to Cristiano Ronaldo!

Portugal vs Vietnam (2-0)

Portugal celebrated its first ever win at the Women's World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Vietnam, with goals from Telma Encarnação and Francisca Nazareth in the first half. This victory leaves Portugal hopeful of qualifying for the World Cup last-16 if they secure a win in their final game against the USA. Despite a commendable performance from Vietnam's goalkeeper, Tran Thi Kim Thanh, the team was unable to generate sufficient opportunities and is now eliminated from the tournament.

Australia vs Nigeria (2-3)

In an intense match with plenty of goals between Group B's Australia and Nigeria at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Nigeria emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. After a goalless first half, Nigeria scored two crucial goals after the halftime break, with Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala finding the net. Alanna Kennedy managed to pull one back for Australia with a late goal, but Nigeria held on to secure the win in the final moments of the match.

Argentina vs South Africa (8PM EST)

Argentina forward Yamila Rodriguez responded to criticism for having a tattoo of Cristiano Ronaldo on her leg after a FIFA Women's World Cup match. Some fans accused her of being disloyal to Argentina's icon, Lionel Messi, due to the Ronaldo and Messi rivalry. Rodriguez defended herself on Instagram, expressing that having a Ronaldo tattoo doesn't mean she dislikes Messi and that everyone can have their own idols and preferences. She clarified that the negativity from fans affected her emotionally during the World Cup where she represented her country.

Player Spotlight - Trinity Rodman

Meet Trinity Rodman, the 21-year-old firecracker with a last name that rings a bell. She's a part of the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) aiming to pull a hat trick with a third consecutive World Cup win, following the lead of famous teammates like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan. Daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, Trinity's making a name for herself by dribbling a different kind of ball and, judging by her World Cup debut, it's working out pretty well.

Bypassing college soccer after a pesky pandemic ruined her season, Trinity took the fast track to professional fame, becoming the youngest player ever drafted to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) at just 18. Her debut saw her scoring a goal, earning her the Rookie of the Year title, and helping her team, the Washington Spirit, clinch their first championship. With these accolades under her belt, she secured a record-breaking contract of $1.1 million, prompting a slightly baffled, yet grateful response: "What? Me? It took that long?”

Trinity's personal life comes with its own set of dribbles and strikes. Daughter of basketball's "bad boy" Dennis Rodman, she admits their relationship has been a rocky court-side drama. On the flip side, Trinity's relationship with her mom, Michelle Moyer, is pure gold. Growing up with economic hardships, they went from motel rooms to dollar tacos, building resilience and humility. So while her dad's famous for hoops, Trinity's rewriting the Rodman name one soccer goal at a time, proving that the apple can fall far from the tree and roll into a whole different sport.

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