Weakened by a string of injuries and the retirement of star players, the Euro 2022-winning Lionesses will need luck on their side to stop the USA lifting their third successive title
As the small flames began to lick out of the sides of the dry tinder nest cupped in the hands of the representative of the Gubbi Gubbi, or Kabi Kabi, people who lightly blew into it, the Lionesses watched on, soaking in their first taste of Australia’s rich history. A small cloud of smoke wafted from the holder’s painted hands, a welcoming, blessing of luck and warding away of bad spirits; the traditional smoking ceremony was under way.
