FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 schedule, scores: Japan, Spain through to Round of 16, Canada beat Ireland
It wasn’t pretty, but Canada has got the job done, eliminating Ireland from the World Cup and putting pressure on the Matildas to beat Nigeria to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
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Manchester United forward Adriana Leon ignited Canada’s Women’s World Cup campaign Wednesday with the winner in a 2-1 victory to end Ireland’s hopes.
The pressure was on Olympic champions Canada after being held to a goalless draw against Nigeria but they fought back in Perth after the worst start possible.
They were left stunned in the fourth minute when Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe scored direct from a corner, much to the delight of the 17,065 fans, most of whom were loudly cheering for Ireland despite the rain.
But Canada clawed back through an own goal from Megan Connolly just before half-time before Leon provided the winner in the 53rd minute.
The result ended Ireland’s hopes of progressing on their World Cup debut. Canada moved top of Group B with four points, ahead of Australia’s clash with Nigeria in Brisbane on Thursday.
Canada’s victory has put some pressure on the Matildas, who must now defeat Nigeria to guarantee a spot in the Round of 16, although a draw would still leave Australia in a decent position.
CONTENDERS ROMP INTO LAST 16 IN WORLD CUP’S MOST LOPSIDED GROUP
Rampant title contenders Spain and former champions Japan became the first teams to reach the Women’s World Cup last 16 on Wednesday as both won with ease.
Two-times Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas started for Spain following her serious knee injury and played her part in a 5-0 demolition of Zambia.
Japan had been on the brink of reaching the knockout rounds following their 2-0 win over Costa Rica earlier in the day and the Spain result sent both of them sailing through.
Japan and Spain meet on Monday to decide who wins Group C, and with it a theoretically easier draw. Both have a perfect six points from two games and are yet to concede a goal.
Costa Rica and Zambia play the same day in the fight to avoid finishing bottom of the pile.
Barcelona’s Putellas came off at half-time at Eden Park in Auckland but Zambia were already dead and buried by then with Spain two goals in front against the lowest-ranked team in Australia and New Zealand.
Teresa Abelleira put Spain, 3-0 winners over Costa Rica in their World Cup opener, ahead after nine minutes with one of the best goals of the tournament yet.
After a neat interchange, the ball came to her on the edge of the box and she slammed it into the top corner in front of just over 20,000 spectators.
Jennifer Hermoso made it 2-0 four minutes later and Spain coach Jorge Vilda rang the changes at the break with an eye on the Japan clash and the last 16.
Hermoso scored again in the second half and substitute Alba Redondo also got a brace as Spain added gloss to the scoreline.
The 2011 champions Japan similarly beat an error-prone Costa Rica comfortably in front of 6,992 spectators in Dunedin, the smallest crowd at the tournament yet.
Japan, who began their campaign by thrashing Zambia 5-0, were never in trouble against an outclassed Costa Rica at the nearly 30,000-capacity Dunedin Stadium, where there were rows of empty seats.
The game was effectively killed off in the space of three first-half minutes with goals from Hikaru Naomoto and 19-year-old Aoba Fujino.
In the last match of the day, in Perth, Olympic champions Canada face World Cup debutants Ireland.
The 40-year-old Christine Sinclair will become the first man or woman to score at six World Cups if she gets on the scoresheet.
WORLD CUP STAR FED-UP WITH TATTOO CRITICS
She’s the Argentinian star with arguably the world’s most controversial tattoo – and now Yamila Rodriguez has spoken about the ink that has divided the football world, telling fans she’s ‘not doing well’ in the wake of the criticism.
Rodriguez dipped her toe into the murky waters of the GOAT debate when fans spotted the face of Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo poking out from behind her sock.
Ronaldo, of course, is the fierce rival of her countryman Lionel Messi.
But Rodriguez, who also sports a tattoo of late Argentine great Diego Maradona, took to social media this week tell fans to pipe down.
“Please, that’s enough. I’m not doing well. When did I say that I am anti-Messi? Stop saying things that I didn’t say because I’m really going through a tough time,” Rodríguez said.
“We are not all obliged to only love the players from our country.
“Messi is our great captain in the national team, but just because I say that my inspiration and idol is CR7, it doesn’t mean I hate Messi.”
7:30PM SPAIN, JAPAN PROGRESS TO KNOCKOUT STAGE
Braces from Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo helped Spain to a crushing 5-0 win over Zambia, earning them a place in the round of 16 with a game to spare.
The result also booked Japan a place in the knockout stage, with both countries now on six points at the top of Group C.
It’s the second five-goal loss of the tournament for Zambia, who now can’t make it past the group stage.
La Roja dominated the contest, recording 13 shots on target and holding 76% of the possession.
The gap between the two teams would have been more if it wasn’t for Zambia’s goalkeeper Eunice Sakala making some stunning saves to deny the Spaniards.
Spain will play Japan on Monday to determine the winner of Group C.
Jenni Hermoso makes it 50 goals for Spain on her 100th cap 💯
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 26, 2023
Two on the evening. Brilliance from La Roja’s No. 10.
Her celebration was worth the wait 😅
Watch LIVE | https://t.co/hflNFjLtK3#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/cSNyI91u9B
5:55PM GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT CONTENDER
Brazil scored the team goal of the World Cup so far against Panama, but Teresa Abelleira’s worldie might have just gone to the top of the list for the best goal of the tournament.
Spain had already peppered Zambia’s goal for the opening eight minutes, but it took a stunning strike from the Spanish No. 3 from outside the box to give La Roja the advantage.
Jennifer Hermoso then made it two-nil in less extraordinary fashion, by heading in a precise cross from Alexia Putellas in the 13th minute.
OH MY DAYS TERESA ABELLEIRA 🤯🤯🤯
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 26, 2023
The Spanish midfielder puts it right into the top corner from range and gave the keeper absolutely no chance!
What. A. Strike.
Watch LIVE | https://t.co/hflNFjLtK3#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/E3JIVmSAWJ
5:25PM FANS GO NUTS OVER FOOD PRICING AT WORLD CUP
Fans heading to a game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup may want to consider eating beforehand or packing some snacks to avoid paying stadium food prices.
Food offerings at the Sydney Football Stadium, in Sydney’s Moore Park, have been spotlighted this week over how expensive they are.
It’s one of several venues across Australia and New Zealand hosting the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and on Tuesday hosted the Colombia vs. Korea Republic game.
The priciest item on the menu is a $65.50 “chook pack”, while a “snack pack” costs just slightly less at $57.
The third most expensive item was what tipped one fan over the edge on Twitter, with them highlighting the “bucket of chicken for 44 bucks”.
In what has caused division among fans, hospitality group Merivale has taken over all catering and beverage services at both the Sydney Football Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“This is what happens when Merivale partners with the SCG/SFS for hospitality. Over inflated prices for average food. Will be like this until September 2027,” one response to the tweet read, referencing Merivale’s six-year contract.
Bucket of chicken 44 bucks?
— Matt Vandenberg (@M1D3V) July 25, 2023
Scrandelous.. pic.twitter.com/sW3ObMNL9p
Others were less offended by what was on offer.
“To be fair, before the WWC, I thought Merivale had been great at the stadium. Re food and pricing,” the man behind the original post wrote.
“I think the food offered for a stadium is exceptional in terms of quality, but pricing vs. portion is skewed,” someone else said.
Elsewhere on the menu was popcorn chicken and chips for $23, buffalo wings for $21, crispy fried chicken wings for $16.50, and most shockingly, additional sauce for $2.
“It should be law that these can only be sold for 20c and should be included when you’re paying $16.50 for some battered f***ing cauliflower. The sauce is a humanitarian addition to make it palatable. Where’s the UN?” one person wrote of the pricey packet.
- News.com.au
4:58PM DOUBLE BLOW FROM THE JAPANESE
Two goals in three minutes gave Japan the edge over Costa Rica in their second group match of the World Cup.
Fresh from their 5-0 thumping of Zambia, the Japanese took control of the game from the outset.
In the 25th minute they struck first, as Hikaru Naomoto snuck the ball under the keeper to take the lead.
Two minutes later, it was Aoba Fujino who went on a brilliant solo run before squeezing the shot in at the near post.
The double blow was enough for Japan to run out 2-0 winners.
Japan strike twice in a couple minutes 💥
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 26, 2023
First Hikaru Naomoto. Then Aoba Fujino. Tidy finish after tidy finish.
Nadeshiko take control.
Watch LIVE | https://t.co/lnlQ6GWCE3#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/gGk9yHL2sB
3:30PM SEXUAL ABUSE PROBE SHUTS DOWN FIFA MEETING
Zambia’s pre-match press conference was cut short after the coach was fired a number of questions about him being investigated over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Bruce Mwape, the head coach is among a group of individuals to be referred to FIFA by the Football Association of Zambia over allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual abuse in the women’s game.
Speaking to The Guardian [UK], an anonymous female player confirmed the extent of the abuse: “If he [Mwape] wants to sleep with someone, you have to say yes… It’s normal that the coach sleeps with the players in our team.”
Until now he has vehemently denied the allegations and yesterday he was asked if he felt it more appropriate that he reassign from his position.
“What environment affecting the team in particular?” he said. “What are you talking about? I would like to know because there is no way I can retire without reason.
“Maybe your reason is because what you are reading from the media or from the press, but the truth of the matter should actually come out, not just on rumours.”
The press conference then abruptly ended after several more questions were rejected by the Fifa and Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) press officer.
Zambia lost their opening World Cup game 5-0 defeat to Japan.
3.10PM: MATILDAS STAY COY ON KERR RECOVERY
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said there still isn’t an update on Sam Kerr until her injury is reassessed after the Nigeria game.
Gustavsson said an update on whether Kerr would play against Canada would have to wait until the day before the third round game.
“I just focus on the players that I have available for tomorrow. And I know that’s how Sam wants it as well,” he said.
“And I’m sure that the majority of the fans out there want us to focus on the players that are available to play the game and then we have an evaluation of Sam between the Nigeria and the Canada game.
“A heads up now in advance that most likely we won’t be able to give you an answer on that until the day before the game because we want to wait until the last minute to see where she’s at in terms of availability.”
2.30PM: NIGERIA REACT TO FOWLER’S ABSENCE
Nigerian women’s coach Randy Waldrum said he wouldn’t be changing his game plan following the news of the withdrawal of Australian striker Mary Fowler.
“We never like to see players injured and I know how devastating that is missing matches, Waldrum said.
“But I don’t think it really changed changes our tactics and what we’re trying to do.
“They obviously still have a lot of weapons that can hurt you I know for them, maybe it might be somewhat of a challenge but for us, we know the strength of their team.
“I know a lot of the players really well from playing back in the NWSL and I was coaching in the pro league and I know the quality of those players.
“So we can’t go into the match thinking we’re at some advantage for that reason. We have to stick to the game plan and the way we’ve been preparing for them since after the Canada match.”
Waldrum said he wasn’t surprised by the way Ireland were able to frustrate Australia and said he would be a very happy coach if his side could do the same on Thursday night.
“I don’t know about everybody in this room, but I wasn’t surprised with the way the match went,” Waldrum said.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if (Ireland) do the same against Canada. I think they’re fully capable of getting results in this group.
“We would hope we can make it difficult on Australia.
“And this group is just so difficult. I mean on a given day I think you know, anybody can make anything happen.
“It’s just an extremely difficult group. So yeah, we would, we would hope we could cause those problems as well.”
2.00PM: EX-MATILDAS COACH’S ‘MONUMENTAL’ TASK
Philippines head coach Alen Stajcic said the Women’s World Cup debutants faced a “monumental” task to beat Norway and squeeze into the tournament’s knockout stages.
Ranked 46th in the world, the Philippines blew Group A wide open with a shock 1-0 win over co-hosts New Zealand on Tuesday.
Sarina Bolden scored the winning header in Wellington to claim her country’s first goal at a Women’s World Cup -- which also sealed the Philippines’ maiden victory at either a men’s or women’s finals.
The side can reach the last 16 by beating Norway on Sunday, the same day New Zealand face Switzerland.
The former Australian coach, Stajcic, said his team, who bounced back after losing their opening game to the Swiss, had to quickly shift focus to their final pool game.
“The job is not done,” he said. “It’s very important we switch back into competition mode and think what we have to do in the last game to try and squeeze out of this group.
“That’s such a monumental task, especially when it’s our third game in just over a week, so we have to recover physically and from the emotion.”
1.00PM: WORLD CUP WAR: PLAYER GOES PUBLIC ON COACH SPAT
All is not well in camp Norway at the World Cup.
In fact their own players are describing things as “a mess”.
Winger Caroline Graham Hansen was furious with her coach’s decision to bench her in her side’s 0-0 draw against Switzerland and she couldn’t hold her tongue afterwards.
“I feel that my hands are tied behind my back. It would’ve been a bad outcome for me no matter what I had said/done ahead of this match,” she said.
“I think it speaks for itself. I don’t even know what to say. There’s a lot I want to say, and there’s a lot that’s already been said. There’s also a lot of things one disagrees on, but it’ll probably always be that way. It’s unfortunate that you can’t have confidence in yourself without being put down for it.
“I can’t really do anything about it, it’s a disappointing situation when I’ve been here for so long. People can say whatever they want about me, but I know I’m in good form and I know what I deserve.
“No matter what I say now it’s going to be perceived wrong, as I said I’m bound with my hands behind my back. In this moment I choose to put my teammates and team ahead of the situation between me and the coach.”
Asked how things were in the dressing room, she added: “I guess there’s no point in standing here talking about that now. Let’s keep it internally, at least until the tournament is over. We still have everything to play for and we’re not out yet.
“I won’t elaborate any further. Cleaning up the mess publicly helps no-one.”
Graham Hansen wasn’t the only surprise in Norway’s clash with Ada Hegerberg playing no part despite lining up for the national anthems before storming off down the tunnel.
Even teammates looked bemused as their leading light exited the field without a ball being kicked.
Norway play the Philippines in their final Group A game.
11:20AM BREAKING NEWS FROM MATILDAS
Matildas have been rocked on the eve of their second World Cup clash with Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik ruled out with injury.
Both suffered a mild concussion at training in separate incidents on Tuesday and were ruled out of Thursday’s clash with Nigeria at Suncorp Stadium.
The Matildas issued a statement confirming the news as the team prepared for their final training session in Brisbane.
10:34AM TRANSGENDER PLAYER MAKES WORLD CUP HISTORY
The Women’s World Cup has been hailed a ground-breaking and historic event after the first ever transgender and non-binary athlete took to the field.
Canadian star Quinn, who came out in September 2020, played a full 90 minutes in their side’s opening clash with Nigeria which ended 0-0.
Quinn dropped their full name three years ago asking to be known only by a mononym and the pronouns they/them.
“Being a transgender athlete, it was difficult to see my place in sports and see that I belong,” Quinn said before travelling to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“And the same goes for cisgender girls who are navigating their experience; we have a male-dominated sports culture in North America and they deserve to see they have a place in this sport.
“It’s so important for young soccer players to have role models in sport. Seeing the women’s national team and fortunately being able to interact with some of them was hugely important for me in understanding that there was a pathway for me.”
Quinn also made history at the Tokyo Olympics where they became the first ever openly trans athlete not only to compete but to also win a medal.
Quinn was born female and called Rebecca Quinn.
After coming out they were allowed to continue playing the women’s game on the basis of their sex assigned at birth.
According to the BBC, they have no plans to medically transition or increase their testosterone intake while playing professionally.
Har Johal, a Canadian freelance journalist that has covered Quinn’s entire career.
“There will always be rubbish, people with closed minds who want to change laws,” Johal told the BBC.
“I hope that when they see an athlete like Quinn, they are a regular and normal person.”
Not everyone has celebrated Quinn’s arrival with controversial British media personality Piers Morgan saying: “How can you be transgender and non binary?..
“You both know this is such crap!”
Canada will play Ireland and Australia in their remaining group stage matches.
7:45AM IS MARY FOWLER INJURED?
It will be all eyes on the Matildas up and coming superstar Mary Fowler at training this morning after the striker took a heavy knock yesterday.
In the absence of Sam Kerr, Fowler is expected to start up front with Caitlin Foord against Nigeria tomorrow night but there are fears she’s suffered a setback.
Football Australia claim she is “all good”.
“It’s always heart in mouth and I think we’re head shy given what happened to Kerr,” ex Matilda Amy Chapman said.
“It’ll be all eyes on Mary.”
7AM NEW ZEALAND LEFT CRYING
New Zealand coach Jitka Klimkova said her players were in tears after the Women’s World Cup co-hosts suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to debutants the Philippines on Tuesday.
Sarina Bolden scored the only goal in Wellington to bring New Zealand crashing back down to earth after their 1-0 win in the opening match of the tournament.
It was the Philippines’ first win at a World Cup, women’s or men’s, and the result blew Group A wide open.
New Zealand face Switzerland in the last round of matches on Sunday, the same day the Philippines play Norway, with everything still to play for.
“It was heartbreaking, I could see tears in my players’ eyes,” said Klimkova. “I know how much it means to play in front of their family and friends. “But it’s not over yet. We still have one game to go. We still have time to reset and refocus before the game against Switzerland.”
Originally published as FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 schedule, scores: Japan, Spain through to Round of 16, Canada beat Ireland
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