Abadia: Colombia playing for all the Americas

Tue, 08 Aug, 2023

Abadia: Colombia playing for all the Americas

Melbourne: Nelson Abadia said his Colombia team were "playing for all the Americas" after a 1-0 win over Jamaica on Tuesday set up a FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-final clash with European champions England.

Colombia failed to qualify for the 2019 Women's World Cup but topped their group in Australia - stunning Germany along the way - and are now into the last eight for the first time.

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Colombia beat Jamaica to reach quarters

Tue, 08 Aug, 2023

Colombia beat Jamaica to reach quarters

Melbourne: Catalina Usme scored the only goal as Colombia kept their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 charge on track on Tuesday by beating Jamaica 1-0 to secure a maiden quarter-final against European champions England.

The South Americans failed to qualify for the 2019 tournament, but have taken huge strides since, topping their group in Australia and stunning world number two Germany along the way.
 
The 25th-ranked Colombians carried the form into a sold-out Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, grinding down a resolute and physical Jamaica side who had not conceded a goal all tournament.

France ease past Morocco to set up Australia clash

Tue, 08 Aug, 2023

France ease past Morocco to set up Australia clash

Adelaide: Eugenie Le Sommer scored twice as France eased to a 4-0 win over Morocco at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 on Tuesday and set up a quarter-final with Australia.

Morocco had upset the odds to qualify for the last 16 at the expense of Germany in their debut appearance at the tournament but they never managed to lay a glove on Herve Renard's French side in Adelaide.
 
Kadidiatou Diani opened the scoring on the quarter-hour mark and it was 3-0 just after the midway point in the first half as Kenza Dali and Le Sommer added further goals.
 
Veteran striker Le Sommer, who is France's all-time top scorer, netted again 20 minutes from time before a crowd of 13,557 as Les Bleues advanced to the last eight with a minimum of fuss.

Fowler brilliance sparks Matildas

Tue, 08 Aug, 2023

Fowler brilliance sparks Matildas

Sydney: Despite being the youngest Matilda on the roster, Mary Fowler captured complete attention with her outstanding performance in Australia's 2-0 victory over Denmark in their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 last-16 match at Stadium Australia on Monday.

Fowler displayed her immense talent when her perfectly-timed through ball sent Caitlin Foord into open space, with the midfielder calmly finishing past Danish goalkeeper Lene Christensen for the opening goal.

That kick-started Australia's dominant display, with Hayley Raso’s effort then securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

Gustavsson hails Australia's composure, focus in win over Denmark

Tue, 08 Aug, 2023

Gustavsson hails Australia's composure, focus in win over Denmark

Sydney: Tony Gustavsson applauded his players for maintaining their composure and remaining focused after Australia advanced to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-finals with a 2-0 defeat of Denmark on Monday. 

The 75,784 in attendance at Stadium Australia witnessed a dominant display from the Matildas, who went in front through Caitlin Foord just before the hour mark with Hayley Raso then sealing the victory with 20 minutes to go.

Sweden keeper Musovic 'in the zone' in Japan message

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Sweden keeper Musovic 'in the zone' in Japan message

Melbourne: Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic says she is "in the zone" at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 after a succession of crucial saves denied the United States in an ominous sign for quarter-final opponents Japan.

The Chelsea stopper exploded on the global stage with her breathtaking performance in their penalty shootout win against the defending champions in Melbourne on Sunday.
 
The 27-year-old produced 11 saves, many world-class, to keep the Americans at bay over 120 minutes of action.

Penalty practice makes perfect for England, says Kelly

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Penalty practice makes perfect for England, says Kelly

Brisbane: England's Chloe Kelly said plenty of penalty practice had paid off after scoring the winning spot-kick to send the Lionesses into the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-finals after a nervy 0-0 draw against Nigeria.

The European champions had to survive extra-time a player down after Lauren James was sent off towards the end of 90 minutes for violent conduct.
 
Georgia Stanway then fired England's first penalty wide, but Bethany England, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Kelly found the net to prevail 4-2 in the shootout and prevent a huge upset in Brisbane.

Nigeria are inspiration for women's football in Africa, says coach

Tue, 08 Aug, 2023

Nigeria are inspiration for women's football in Africa, says coach

Brisbane: Nigeria's impressive run at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 may have come to an end on Monday, but head coach Randy Waldrum said their performances had made the football world sit up and take notice.

The Nigerians bowed out when they went down 4-2 on penalties to football heavyweights England when their last-16 encounter finished goalless at the end of extra time.