“This is progress” – Billie Jean King heaps praise on the three women who officiated Germany vs Costa Rica at the 2022 Fifa World Cup

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Tennis legend Billie Jean King is one of the trailblazers of the women’s game and has always stood up for women’s empowerment.

The ongoing Fifa World Cup has already given us some exhilarating matches and it is still in the initial group phase. The likes of Netherlands, Senegal, England, USA, Argentina, Poland, France, Australia, Brazil, and Portugal had already made it to the round of 16 before Germany versus Costa Rica encounter. Germany needed to defeat Costa Rica and hope for Spain to do them a favor by taking points off Japan in their last match. While the 2014 champions won their match, Japan emerged victorious in their clash against Spain. This resulted in Germany crashing out of the tournament and the football world received a huge shock.

Billie Jean King is a legend in the world of sports
Billie Jean King (Getty Images)

A special moment happened during Germany versus Costa Rica encounter. Three women, Stephanie Frappart, Neuza Back, and Karen Diaz took charge of the officiating duties. Stephanie Frappart has the experience of being the head referee at the 2019 Women’s World Cup final for FIFA.

Billie Jean King lauded the three women and rightly called female referees officiating a men’s world cup match a “progress”. She took to Twitter and wrote:

“It’s match time for Germany and Costa Rica, and three women are set to make history.

Stéphanie Frappart, Neuza Back, and Karen Diaz will referee a men’s match at the #FifaWorldCup for the first time ever.

This is progress.

#equalityforall”

Billie Jean King congratulated USA for making the Knockouts at the Fifa World Cup

The 79-year-old Billie Jean King witnessed her home nation make it to the round of 16 after finishing second in Group B at the Fifa World Cup.

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Billie Jean King (Image: USTA)

The USA finished second behind England with five points from three games. They will face the Netherlands in the round of 16 on Saturday.

Billie Jean King took to Twitter and congratulated the team for making the knockout stages in their 11th appearance at the world event.

“Congratulations to the #USMNT on their #WorldCup win today.

🇺🇸 heading to the Knockout stage!

#WorldCup2022″

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