Group G: Sweden fight back to sink South Africa

Sun, 23 Jul, 2023

Group G: Sweden fight back to sink South Africa

Wellington: Sweden fought back and struck late on to grab a 2-1 win over South Africa in their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand opener on Sunday in the Wellington rain.

The third-ranked Swedes conjured up the winner in the 90th minute through defender Amanda Ilestedt, much to the relief of their fans in the miserable conditions.
 
A goal early in the second half by Hildah Magaia - in which she suffered a match-ending injury - gave the African champions hope of an upset.
 
But that was cancelled out by Barcelona star Fridolina Rolfo soon afterwards, before Ilestedt's late intervention, heading home from close range. It denied South Africa a first point ever at the World Cup.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2969049.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2969051.html

Clinical Japan please Ikeda

Sat, 22 Jul, 2023

Clinical Japan please Ikeda

Hamilton: Japan's polished performance in their opening FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C tie against Zambia on Saturday was a case of mission accomplished, said head coach Futoshi Ikeda.

The 2011 world champions took the lead through Hinata Miyazawa two minutes before the break and then turned on the style in the second half with four more goals to surge to the top of the Group C standings with Ikeda saying the three points were a must in their bid to advance to the knockout stage. 

Mai: Vietnam players did their best

Sat, 22 Jul, 2023

Mai: Vietnam players did their best

Auckland: There was not to be a FIFA Women's World Cup winning debut for Vietnam but head coach Mai Duc Chung was more than satisfied with the performance of his players against the United States on Saturday.

The defending champions were the overwhelming favourites going into the Group E tie at Eden Park but were instead made to work hard for a 3-0 win.
 
Sophia Smith scored twice with Lindsey Horan netting the third as the United States kicked off their bid for a fifth world title.

Shui challenges China PR to bounce back

Sun, 23 Jul, 2023

Shui challenges China PR to bounce back

Perth: Head coach Shui Qingxia wants China PR to bounce back from their heartbreaking FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D opener on Saturday by winning their remaining matches.

With the game seemingly headed for a goalless stalemate, substitute Amalie Vangsgaard stunned China PR in the 89th minute to snatch a vital victory for Denmark in front of a packed Perth Rectangular Stadium on Saturday.

Wiegman demands more ruthless England after narrow Haiti win

Sat, 22 Jul, 2023

Wiegman demands more ruthless England after narrow Haiti win

Brisbane: Sarina Wiegman challenged her England side to be more ruthless after the European champions underwhelmed in a 1-0 win over Haiti to start their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D campaign on Saturday.

England are expected to be the main challengers to holders the United States but they looked anything but champions as they laboured to a narrow win over the World Cup debutants in Brisbane.

'No limits' for New Zealand after historic triumph

Sun, 23 Jul, 2023

'No limits' for New Zealand after historic triumph

Auckland: New Zealand "set a new standard" for themselves by winning a FIFA Women's World Cup match for the first time, defender CJ Bott said Sunday, as the co-hosts eye a landmark place in the knockout stages.

The Football Ferns had never won a game in 15 attempts at the Finals before defeating former champions Norway 1-0 in Auckland on Thursday in the opening match of the tournament.
 
Now they face the Philippines on Tuesday knowing that another victory could secure their place in the last 16 even before their final Group A match against Switzerland.