Colombia 'dreaming big' as they plot England downfall

Thu, 10 Aug, 2023

Colombia 'dreaming big' as they plot England downfall

Melbourne: Colombia captain Catalina Usme is "dreaming big" and head coach Nelson Abadia wants to "make history" as the last team standing from the Americas plots the downfall of England in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-finals.

The 25th-ranked South Americans have never made the last eight before but they are brimming with confidence after grinding down Jamaica 1-0 on Tuesday thanks to a goal from their skipper.
 
They will now play England in Sydney on Saturday and are fearless, having beaten world number two Germany in the group stage.

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Fast, cool, deadly: Miyazawa spearheads Japan charge

Wed, 09 Aug, 2023

Fast, cool, deadly: Miyazawa spearheads Japan charge

Tokyo: Hinata Miyazawa had never been prolific for club or country before the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand - now she is the tournament's leading scorer and spearheading Japan's surprise title charge.

The 23-year-old already has five goals in four matches and has Sweden in her sights in Friday's quarter-final in Auckland.

Gustavsson: Kerr’s return a bonus for Matildas

Wed, 09 Aug, 2023

Gustavsson: Kerr’s return a bonus for Matildas

Sydney: Sam Kerr made a 15-minute cameo in Australia’s FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 last-16 win against Denmark on Monday with head coach Tony Gustavsson saying the forward’s return is a massive boost to their title hopes.

Kerr had been sidelined since suffering a calf injury on the eve of the tournament and Monday’s appearance as a substitute for goalscorer Haley Raso in the 2-0 triumph against the Danes provided the Matildas further assurance that they are indeed World Cup contenders.

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.

Renard confident of France's chances against Australia

Wed, 09 Aug, 2023

Renard confident of France's chances against Australia

Adelaide: Head coach Herve Renard is confident France will overcome Australia in their FIFA Women's World Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-final despite the expected partisan crowd backing the hosts.

Renard's side eased into the quarter-finals with a 4-0 win over Morocco on Tuesday.
 
France gained advantage early on and were 3-0 up midway through the first half thanks to goals from Kadidiatou Diani, Kenza Dali and Le Eugenie Sommer.
 
Les Bleues' all-time top scorer Le Sommer scored another in the second period at Hindmarsh Stadium to send France through to the last eight, setting up a clash with Australia.

Women's World Cup run on a par with Morocco's men in Qatar - Pedros

Wed, 09 Aug, 2023

Women's World Cup run on a par with Morocco's men in Qatar - Pedros

Adelaide: Morocco head coach Reynald Pedros said on Tuesday his team reaching the FIFAWomen's World Cup Australia & New Zeaand 2023 last 16 was as impressive as the country's men getting to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Their run ended with a 4-0 loss to France in Adelaide but Morocco exceeded all expectations by getting to the knockout rounds at their debut Women's World Cup.