2015 Women’s World Cup: First Stage
The world meets In Winnipeg, Edmonton, Ottawa, Moncton, Vancouver, and Montreal.
To advance to the round of 16, players resort to whatever works.
Wendy Acosta plays with a facemask, openings only for her eyes.
Each team has its own customs.
The Thai players bow to their coaches with palms together as they come off the field.
The Nigerian coach kisses the turf before a game.
A victorious Japanese team makes a curtain call to the stands.
Some gestures are international: a fouled opponent pulls her target off the ground
and gives her a fist bump.
Television zooms in on the drama:
The gracious 26-year-old woman’s coach from Ecuador,
a losing coach’s refusal to shake hands,
and the agony of the Spanish and ecstasy of the Koreans.