Changes are happening fast in women’s football.

The game is starting to become more balanced and the World Cup showed it after two-time champions Germany were knocked out in the group stage for the first time in their history.

Copa América champions Brazil and Olympic gold medalists Canada were also eliminated in the first round, while Morocco, South Africa and Jamaica advanced to the knockout stage.

“To be honest, that surprises me,” admitted Jill Ellis, who led the United States to titles in 2015 and 2019. “I don’t think anyone could have predicted that Germany or Brazil would be eliminated in phase of groups.”

The United States looked vulnerable as they bid to win their third consecutive World Cup. The selection has never finished below third place. But the Americans qualified for the knockout stage with problems, as did fifth-placed France.

The Associated Press explains how the gap in women’s football between powerhouses and minor teams has narrowed:

AUDACITY

Gone are the days when minor teams were impressed by powerhouses. Jamaica drew 0-0 with France in their first encounter and repeated the feat of knocking out Brazil in the final game of Group F.

“I think minor nations are jumping on the bandwagon and saying ‘We can do this too’,” said Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson.

As South Africa stunned Italy with the winning goal in the 92nd minute to advance.

STRATEGY

Teams are smarter.

Jamaica have not conceded a goal in three group stage matches.

“It’s hard to find teams that are very, very organized,” admitted Ellis.

Haiti gave England problems with their speed and counterattack in the opener. The European champions needed Georgia Stanway to make two penalty attempts to win 1-0.

GROWTH

FIFA has invested $1 billion in women’s football with 168 development programs in 211 member associations.

“We are working on programs that focus on improving the quality of leagues, competitions in which players grow every day,” Sarai Bareman, FIFA women’s football director, told The Associated Press.

Football, Ellis added, “is becoming a global sport. We are the sport of women in the world”.

WITHOUT MOVING

While the smaller nations are rising rapidly, some of the favorites have been accused of not changing with the times.

Canada entered the tournament with veteran striker Christine Sinclair, 40, going unscored to add to her international record of 190 goals.

Brazil legend Marta, 37, said goodbye to the World Cups, while Megan Rapinoe, 38, is on a farewell tour with the national team and was unable to inspire her team.

Even Alex Morgan, 34, had problems with the United States.