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. 

Clinical Australia defeat Denmark to book q-final spot

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Clinical Australia defeat Denmark to book q-final spot

Sydney: Australia progressed to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 after a 2-0 win over Denmark at Stadium Australia on Monday.

Caitlin Foord opened the scoring on 29 minutes before Hayley Raso doubled the lead on the 70th minute as the Matildas advanced to the last eight for the fourth time and their first appearance since the 2015 edition. 

Tony Gustavsson’s side will next face either France or Morocco on Saturday at Brisbane Stadium.

Preview - R16: France v Morocco

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Preview - R16: France v Morocco

Adelaide: France head coach Herve Renard has warned his team not to take Morocco lightly as they face one of the surprise packages of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand in the last 16 on Tuesday.

While France's objective is to win a major women's title for the first time, Morocco qualified for the last 16 at their debut World Cup against the odds and at the expense of Germany.
 
There are 67 places between the nations in the FIFA rankings as they clash in Adelaide with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

Preview - R16: Colombia v Jamaica

Tue, 08 Aug, 2023

Preview - R16: Colombia v Jamaica

Melbourne: Jamaica head coach Lorne Donaldson likened their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 last-16 clash against Colombia in Melbourne on Tuesday to a boxing bout and pledged to be the ones delivering the knockout punch.

Both sides are gunning to make the last eight for the first time with a clash against either European champions England or another tournament surprise-package, Nigeria, at stake.