I still remember the excitement building up to the 2017 Tournament of Nations, that unique women's soccer championship that brought together four powerhouse teams - the United States, Australia, Japan, and Brazil. What made this tournament particularly fascinating was how it served as a crucial preparation ground for teams ahead of the 2019 World Cup. I recall reading about the meticulous preparation strategies, especially from the Australian camp where their coach Alen Stajcic shared some revealing insights about their training schedule. He mentioned they were aiming for "maybe about, if we can, 18 practices together including two-a-day practices" and hoping to get "18 practices including friendlies before we actually get into the first game proper on August 5th." This level of preparation intensity really stood out to me and showed how seriously teams were taking this championship.

The tournament itself delivered some absolutely thrilling soccer moments that I still find myself rewatching. The opening match between the US and Australia was particularly memorable - a 1-0 victory for the Americans that showcased their defensive solidity. But what really captured my imagination was watching the evolution of team chemistry throughout the competition. You could see those 18 practice sessions paying off in real time as teams developed their rhythm and understanding. The second round produced that incredible 4-2 victory for Australia over Japan, with Sam Kerr's hat-trick performance being arguably one of the best individual displays I've seen in international women's soccer. Her third goal, that looping header, was simply breathtaking and demonstrated what happens when raw talent meets rigorous preparation.

As the championship progressed toward its conclusion, the final match day delivered drama that exceeded all expectations. The United States versus Brazil match turned into an absolute goal fest, ending 4-3 in favor of the Americans. Meanwhile, Australia secured the tournament title with their 6-1 demolition of Japan - a scoreline that still surprises me when I think back on it. What made these 2017 Tournament of Nations highlights so special was how they previewed the rising stars who would dominate women's soccer in the coming years. Looking back, I feel this championship doesn't get nearly the recognition it deserves in women's soccer history. It wasn't just another international tournament - it was a proving ground where we saw teams testing strategies and players establishing themselves on the global stage. The combination of intense preparation, emerging talent, and competitive fire created exactly the kind of championship that makes international soccer so compelling to follow year after year.