The traditional elite have been cut down to size at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup. This has been the lone standout theme as a tournament that has already set records for attendance and goals scored even before entering the quarterfinals stage, and it has made for some high drama.

“It’s been absolutely incredible and a great testament to some of the work that is happening around the world,” FIFA’s head of women’s football, Sarai Bareman told reporters.. “To see the results of this World Cup brings so much meaning to the work that we do. It’s really special, not only for the players and the teams, but for those of us who are working on the game day in and day out.”