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.

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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.

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.

Focus, unity driving Japan

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Focus, unity driving Japan

Wellington: Japan's polished performances have changed their status from darkhorses to potential FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 winners, a shift which head coach Futushi Ikeda has attributed to his players' determination to excel. 

A perfect group stage campaign was followed by an impressive 3-1 win over Norway in the Round of 16 to set up a quarter-final against Sweden in Auckland on Friday. 

Jonker admits relief after Netherlands survive South Africa scare

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Jonker admits relief after Netherlands survive South Africa scare

Sydney: Netherlands head coach Andries Jonker did not hide his relief after side avoided becoming the latest to be on the end of a FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 shock on Sunday.

The 2019 runners-up defeated South Africa 2-0 in their Round of 16 tie but had goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to thank for keeping the African champions at bay in the first half.
 
Jill Roord scored after nine minutes to put the Dutch on their way against a team ranked 45 places below them and featuring in the knockout rounds for the first time.
 
South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart then made a mess of an innocuous Lineth Beerensteyn shot midway through the second half to give the Dutch a second.

Sweden's Musovic praises teammates, devastated Rapinoe heads home

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Sweden's Musovic praises teammates, devastated Rapinoe heads home

Melbourne: Goalkeeper Zecira Musovic hailed her teammates after Sweden edged the United States on penalties to advance to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 quarter-finals on Sunday. 

The defending champions found Musovic a stumbling block in the shoot-out following a goalless stalemate over 120 minutes, with Sweden to face Japan in Auckland on Friday.