Group E: Holders USA survive scare to reach last 16

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

Group E: Holders USA survive scare to reach last 16

Eden Park: Holders the United States survived a huge scare to reach the last 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw against Portugal, who were unlucky not to claim a sensational win at Eden Park that would have taken them through instead.

The USA struggled to impose themselves against opponents ranked 21st in the world and appearing at their first World Cup, and Portugal almost won the game in injury time when substitute Ana Capeta hit the post.
 
Holding on for the draw means Vlatko Andonovski's side finish in second place in Group E.
 
The Netherlands go through as group winners after a 7-0 demolition of a Vietnam side who were beaten just 3-0 by the Americans in their first match at the tournament.
 
That means pre-tournament favourites the USA will move to Australia to play a last-16 tie on Sunday against the winners of Group G, in all likelihood Olympic silver medallists Sweden.

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Group E: Vietnam bow to Netherlands' superiority

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

Group E: Vietnam bow to Netherlands' superiority

Dunedin: Vietnam brought their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 campaign to a close following a 7-0 defeat to the Netherlands at Dunedin Stadium on Tuesday.

With their sights set on finishing above the United States at the top of Group E, the Dutch were relentless in the opening stages and were five up by half-time as Vietnam struggled to deal with wave after wave of attacks.

The Southeast Asians put up greater resistance after the interval with the Netherlands adding just two more as they advanced to the Round of 16 as group winners while Vietnam bowed out of their maiden World Cup having created plenty of memories along the way.

Stajcic parts ways with the Philippines on high note

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

Stajcic parts ways with the Philippines on high note

Manila: The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) bid goodbye to women’s national team head coach Alen Stajcic following a hugely successful period at the helm, where the Australian guided the team to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.

The contracts of both Stajcic and assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte expired after the conclusion of Philippines' FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 campaign where their committed performances saw them earning a magnificent 1-0 win over hosts New Zealand.

Gustavsson proud of Australia's response

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

Gustavsson proud of Australia's response

Melbourne: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson praised his players for showing maturity and determination to claim an impressive 4-0 victory over Canada and punch their ticket into the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 on Monday.

Australia bounce back from their 3-2 defeat to Nigeria with Hayley Raso scoring a brace and Mary Fowler and Steph Catley netting one each against Olympic champions Canada to leave the packed Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in raptures.
 
The victory meant Australia finished top of Group B and they will face the Group D runners-up in the Round of 16 on August 7.

Ikeda the mastermind as Japan send warning

Mon, 31 Jul, 2023

Ikeda the mastermind as Japan send warning

Wellington: Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda's coaching acumen was on full display in Japan's impressive 4-0 win over Spain in their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C tie on Monday. 

Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, went into the match at the Wellington Regional Stadium favoured to win but were blown away in blustery conditions by a tactically disciplined Japan who sealed top spot and a Round of 16 meeting with Norway on Saturday. 
 
While Ikeda went to great lengths to praise his players, it was obvious that victory was due to his well-laid plans with Barcelona stars Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati reduced to being mere passengers with Spain not creating a single chance.

Perfect homecoming for Catley

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

Perfect homecoming for Catley

Melbourne: With everything on the line for Australia, Steph Catley produced a captain’s performance to lead her country to a 4-0 victory against Canada in their final FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Monday.

Australia dominated from start to finish, taking a 2-0 lead thanks to Hayley Raso with Mary Fowler etching her name on the scoresheet in the second half before Melburnian and stand-in captain Catley added the fourth in added time to cap an impressive performance that sealed their place in the knockout stage as group winners. 

Fabinho leaves Liverpool for Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

Fabinho leaves Liverpool for Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad

Riyadh: Brazil midfielder Fabinho has signed a three-year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad after completing his move from Liverpool on Monday.

The 29-year-old was left out of Liverpool's pre-season squads for trips to Germany and Singapore after Al Ittihad made a bid for him.
 
He will join Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante at reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad