Australia edge France in shootout thriller to reach semi-finals

Sun, 13 Aug, 2023

Australia edge France in shootout thriller to reach semi-finals

Brisbane: Australia booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 for the first time in their history after beating France 7-6 on penalties after the 120 minutes at Brisbane Stadium ended 0-0 on Saturday.

Cortnee Vine scored the winning penalty for the Matildas, who will face either England or Colombia in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

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Future bright for Japan, says Ikeda

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Future bright for Japan, says Ikeda

Auckland: Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda said his team could take pride in their run at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 despite being knocked out in the quarter-finals in a 2-1 defeat by Sweden on Friday.

The Nadeshiko had been touted as candidates to go all the way after cruising through the group stage with three wins out of three, including a 4-0 demolition of Spain, before seeing off Norway in the last 16.
 
A win over Sweden in Auckland would have set up another meeting with Spain, but Ikeda's side fell short at Eden Park, going two goals down early in the second half before attempting a late comeback.

Japan's title dreams dashed by Sweden

Fri, 11 Aug, 2023

Japan's title dreams dashed by Sweden

Auckland: Japan were eliminated from the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 following a 2-1 defeat to Sweden in the quarter-finals at Eden Park on Friday.

Sweden took a deserved lead shortly after the half hour through Amanda Ilestedt before Filippa Angeldal doubled their advantage from the spot early in the second half.

Riko Ueki missed a penalty with 15 minutes to play before Honoka Hayashi pulled one back in the 87th minute to set up a thrilling finale, but it was not to be as Sweden held out to book a date with Spain in Tuesday’s semi-final.

Paralluelo lives up to expectations for history-making Spain

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Paralluelo lives up to expectations for history-making Spain

Wellington: Teenager Salma Paralluelo was ecstatic to have played a defining role in Spain's 2-1 win over the Netherlands in their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-final on Friday. 

In an exciting tie at the Wellington Regional Stadium, Mariona Caldentey scored an 81st-minute penalty for Spain, only for Stefanie van der Gragt to equalise in added time.
 
The 19-year-old Paralluelo, however, ensured penalties would not be needed as she produced a brilliant solo finish in the 111th minute to put Spain into the semi-finals for the first time, with Sweden up next on Tuesday. 

Firmino hits hat-trick on Al Ahli debut

Sat, 12 Aug, 2023

Firmino hits hat-trick on Al Ahli debut

Jeddah: Brazilian forward and former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino hit a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut on Friday as Al  Ahli Saudi FC defeated Al Hazem 3-1.

The 31-year-old skipper found the net in the sixth, 10th and 72nd minutes for the promoted team who also fielded fellow new signings Riyad Mahrez, Allain Saint Maximin, Frank Kessie and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.