FINAL
Spain 1 - 0 England
Spain is world champion after beating England 1-0 in the final in Sydney, Australia. This was the first final match in history for both teams where Spain won its first title with Olga Carmona's goal. English goalkeeper Mary Earps saved a penalty but wasn't enough to bring England back even with 13 more minutes of added time.
SEMIFINALS
Australia 1 - 3 England
England is through to the World Cup final by defeating the host country 3-1 with goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo. Sam Kerr couldn't prevent Australia's elimination even when scoring the equalizing goal, the Australian star had several missed chances before England scored the third goal to close the game. The final between Spain and England will be played on Sunday.
Spain 2 -1 Sweden
Early this morning, Spain and Sweden battled in the first semifinal, where once again Salma Paralluelo came on as a substitute to score and give Spain the lead. Two minutes before the end, Sweden reacted with a beautiful goal from Rebecka Blomqvist. But just one minute later, Olga Carmona shot from outside the box and scored the winning goal. This is the first time Spain has reached the final of a major tournament, while Sweden suffered another failure in their quest for the title. They have reached 4 semifinals in the last six World Cups, in addition to 8 semifinals in European Championships and two silver medals in the Olympics.
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Tomorrow England faces Australia in the second semifinal.
QUARTERFINALS
England 2 - 1 Colombia
England came from behind to snatch the victory from the only team from the American continent that was left, and with Alessia Russo's goal, they defeated Colombia 2 to 1, securing a spot in the semifinals.
Australia 0(7) - (6) 0 France
Penalty shootouts were needed to see a goal in this match. A new record was broken in World Cups, as each team took 10 penalties before being able to determine the winner. The host Australia is now a semifinalist, and the atmosphere remains lively in Oceania.
Spain 2 - 1 Netherlands
While Spain dominated the first half, they scored until the 81st minute of the second half from a penalty. . The Netherlands scored at minute 91 to send the game to overtime. The emerging talent Salma Paralluelo secured Spain's historic first-time entry into the semifinals with a second goal just eight minutes before the final whistle.
Japan 1 - 2 Sweden
Japan's performance was very different from past games and fell behind after two goals from Amanda Ilestedt and Filippa Angeldal, giving Sweden the lead. Japan managed to score in the 87th minute after two attempts that included a missed penalty and hitting the crossbar, but their efforts fell short and were eliminated. Sweden will meet Spain in the semifinal clash next Tuesday.
Tomorrow
England vs Colombia
Australia vs France
Round of 16
England 0(4) - 0(2) Nigeria
Australia 2 - 0 Denmark
Jamaica 0 - 1 Colombia
France 4 - 0 Morocco
United States 0(4) - 0(5) Sweden
In a tightly contested match, goalkeeper Zecira Musovic repeatedly saved Sweden from the attacks launched by the United States who couldn't find the back of the net resulting in a goalless draw. During the penalty shootout, Megan Rapinoe and Sophia Smith had the opportunity to secure victory for the United States but failed to convert their chances. Sweden staged a comeback to force the match into sudden death, where Kelley O'Hara hit the ball against the post missing the chance for USA, then Lina Hurtig stepped up to score the decisive penalty that sent Sweden through after the VAR reviewed the play. Sweden now awaits their opponent in the quarterfinals, and if Japan doesn't emerge as the champion, the World Cup will crown a new titleholder.
Netherlands 2 - 0 South Africa
Jill Roord opened the score early in what seemed like an easy match for the Netherlands, however, South Africa continued to relentlessly push forward with their impressive speed, creating several scoring chances that they couldn't capitalize on to make the game more balanced. Lineth Beerensteyn netted the second goal, securing Netherlands' qualification and setting up a quarter-final clash against Spain.
Japan 3 - 1 Norway
Japan continues their dominant run as they defeat Norway 3-1, securing a spot in the quarter-finals. Hinata Miyazawa's 81st-minute goal shattered Norway's hopes, and she now leads the tournament's goal-scoring chart. Japan has scored an impressive 14 goals in four games while conceding only one and will play against the winner of USA vs Sweden in the next round.
Switzerland 1 - 5 Spain
In the round of 16's opening match, Spain showcased their dominance over Switzerland, securing a resounding victory with an outstanding display by Aitana Bonmatí, who netted the first and third goals. This is the first time Spain qualifies to quarter-finals in a World Cup, making them a strong contender for the title. Spain will play against the winner between South Africa and the Netherlands.
England vs Nigeria
Australia vs Denmark
Jamaica vs Colombia
France vs Morocco
Group Stage
August 2
Germany 1- 1 South Korea
Germany had many chances in the game to win but South Korea scored first and the European team couldn't handle the pressure and ended up desperate and missing every opportunity they had. Germany was eliminated for the first time in the group stage due to Morocco's win and South Korea also goes home with this tie.
Colombia 0 - 1 Morocco
Morocco achieved the miracle and move to the next round for the first time ever in great part because Khadija Er-Rmichi, their goalkeeper, stopped every ball from going inside the net, the victory came after Morocco missed a penalty Morocco secured the win after missing a penalty but still managing to score during the play after Anissa Lahmari anticipated everyone in the rebound. Despite the loss, Colombia qualified in first place and will face Jamaica in the Round of 16.
August 2
Argentina 0 - 2 Sweden
Argentina needed a victory to sneak into the next round but the Swedish team, even with nine changes in their starting lineup, took a two-nil victory and won the group. USA will be Sweden's rival in the round of 16 in what promises to be a highly contested match.
South Africa 3 - 2 Italy
South Africa made history with their first World Cup victory over Italy and classified to the next round eliminating Italy. The game began with Italy taking the lead, but a mistake by Benedetta Orsi who tried to pass the ball to her goalkeeper Francesca Durante ended up in her own net for the South African equalizer. Hildah Magaia scored the second for South Africa at minute 67 but minutes later Ariana Caruso leveled the game. In stoppage time Thembi Kgatlana shot inside the box after a great play to leave the score 3 - 2 in favor of South Africa. The Netherlands will be the rival of the African team in the round of 16.
Jamaica 0 - 0 Brazil
Jamaica resisted the onslaught of Brazil throughout the game with the Brazilian star Marta in the field, which was her last representing Brazil in a World Cup. Jamaica qualified in second place with the draw and will face France in the round of 16 while Brazil will return home.
Panama 3 - 6 France
Panama paid dearly for its defensive errors, was thrashed and eliminated from the World Cup by France, which advanced as first group to the next round. The first goal was very emotional, it was the first in a World Cup for Panama in a free kick by Marta Cox who could not contain her tears during the celebration. Then France took advantage of all the Panamanian errors and ended up scoring six goals.
August 1
USA 0 - 0 Portugal
The United States could not materialize the chances they had throughout the game and near the end Portugal crashed the ball into the post which could've been the play that changed the course of both teams. In the end USA qualified having more opportunities and eliminated Portugal who had more possession of the ball.
Netherlands 7 - 0 Vietnam
In the first 23 minutes, the Netherlands was already ahead 4-0 against Vietnam and with this they won the group, leaving the United States in second. Vietnam was eliminated without scoring goals in all three games and finished with 12 goals against.
England 6 - 1 China
England showed that they are a big contender and finished top of the group eliminating China. Lauren James was unstoppable, scoring two superb goals and contributing several assists.
Denmark 2 -0 Haiti
Denmark had no problems defeating Haiti and moved on to the next round. Haiti returns home with three losses and without being able to score a single goal.
July 31
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Japan 4 - 0 Spain
In a game that was expected to be close, Spain collapsed and was thrashed by Japan, who took advantage of the counterattacks and won the group. The first half ended with Japan leading by three, Spain did not react and took another one in the second half. Both coaches brought out their stars as they were already in the second round. Spain will face Switzerland and Japan against Norway in the round of 16.
Costa Rica 1 - Zambia 3
Costa Rica and Zambia were playing for the honor, both already eliminated before playing this match. Zambia took the lead from minute 2 with a header and the second with a penalty kick. Costa Rica struggled to try to catch up and came close on the scoreboard, but an offside confirmed by the VAR took the second away from the Costa Ricans. Zambia took advantage of a counterattack and scored the third in the last minutes of the game.
Nigeria 0 - 0 Ireland
Nigeria needed a draw to qualify and they did so by keeping their goal scoreless. Nigeria had more chances to score but Ireland's goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan had a great game and saved Ireland who is eliminated from the competition.
Australia 4 - 0 Canada
Host Australia didn't use their now healthy star Sam Kerr and easily beat Canada to qualify, knocking them out of the tournament in one of the World Cup's biggest disappointments. Hayley Raso scored her first goal in a World Cup and a second more for Australia in the first half. Mary Fowler and Steph Catley completed the rout in the second half.
Canadian star Christine Sinclair probably said goodbye to the World Cups having played 6 World Cups.
July 30
Germany 1 - 2 Colombia
Colombia took the victory in the last minute of the match against Germany with a header from Manuela Venegas and with this result only a miracle would prevent them from advancing to the next round. Linda Caicedo scored Colombia's first in an individual move while Germany could only score from a penalty and will have to beat South Korea to get past the group stage.
Norway 6 -0 Philippines
Norway thrashed the Philippines, who, thanks to New Zealand's draw with Switzerland, made it through to the next round. Sophie Roman Haug broke through with three very good goals, while the Philippines finished the match with 10 due to a red card.
New Zealand 0 - Switzerland 0
New Zealand tried everything but lacked the goal that would put them into the second round and the host was eliminated. With this tie Switzerland continues to advance together with Norway in group A.
South Korea 0 - 1 Morocco
Morocco made history by winning their first match at a Women's World Cup after beating South Korea 1-0 with an early goal from Ibtissam Jradi in the 6th minute.
July 29
Panama 0 - 1 Jamaica
Jamaica achieved its first victory in a world cup against Panama to keep alive the hopes of qualifying. Jamaican's goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer stopped at least 4 dangerous opportunities from Panama to get the long-awaited victory.
Brazil 1 - 2 France
A two-legged match that was defined by French legend Wendie Renard, who in the 83rd minute headed for the winning goal for France. A great performance by goalkeeper Leticia from France prevented Brazil from scoring any more goals.
Sweden 5 - 0 Italy
Amanda Ilestedt once again came from defense to score two goals and set Sweden on course against Italy. Sweden had much more opportunities against an inoperative Italy that did not know how to defend against Swedish corner kicks.
July 28
England 1 - 0 Denmark
England managed to maintain the lead from the 7th minute when Lauren James scored a nice goal from outside the area. Denmark held the equalizer near the end of the match with a header that hit the post but denied them the equalizer. England midfield star Keira Waslh came off with a knee injury. England is the group leader but need to tie or win vs China to avoid compromising the qualification.
China 1 - 0 Haiti
China won by the minimum against Haiti, which despite two defeats, has not been an easy opponent to beat. China played with 10 players for most of the game after a red card nut in one of their few opportunities, the VAR ruled a penalty that Wang Shuang scored for the Asian team to take the victory. In a highly controversial decision in the last moments of the game, the VAR denied a penalty for Haiti. China is required to beat England to sneak into the second round.
July 27
Argentina 2 - 2 South Africa
Argentina came from behind to tie 2-2 with South Africa in what could've been the elimination of the albiceleste. Kgatlana and Mothalo scored first for the African team but US-born Sophia Braun fired from long range for Argentina's first which inspired the South Americans to keep pressing. The second goal came with a good header from Romina Nuñez and the group classification will be defined in the third game.
Portugal 2 - 0 Vietnam
Portugal dominated Vietnam and got the 3 points they needed to seek qualification. The constant attacks of the European team were luckily contained by Vietnam who avoided a big blowout but not the elimination adding their second defeat. Telma Encarnaco and Kiak Nazareth scored for Portugal.
Australia 2 - 3 Nigeria
Tournament host Australia paid dearly for their defensive errors and ended up losing a match that they could've resolved had they scored in the multiple opportunities they had during the match. Australia's Sam Kerr sat out due to injury again, while Barcelona's Nigerian star Asisat Oshoala came on as a substitute to settle the game scoring the third for Nigeria. Australia got a second goal late in the game but it wasn't enough to prevent a 3-2 loss that could knock them out of the second round.
July 26
United States 1 - 1 Netherlands
USA tied with the Netherlands and compromised qualification to the next round. The first half was dominated by the Netherlands, who scored a good goal from a shot from just outside the box by Jill Roord. USA reacted in the second half, but it wasn't until Lindsay Horan was inspired after getting a hard tackle by Danille van de Donk, got up and in the next play hit a header to score the equalizer for the United States. With this result, nothing is set for the next round yet, but if USA loses to Portugal in the third game, the pass to the next round will be compromised.
Japan 2 - 0 Costa Rica
Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujin scored in a span of two minutes and Japan qualified for the next round while the Costa Ricans lost any chance to advance. It is the fourth consecutive time that Japan has advanced to the group stage, in 2011 they won the cup against the United States in the final and lost the rematch in the 2015 final.
Canada 2 - 1 Ireland
Great game between Ireland and Canada that came from behind to beat the European team, the first goal was an Olympic goal by the Irish Katie McCabe in a corner kick and it is the first "Olimpico" in the history of the women's world cups. Canada is the group leader at the moment, while Ireland is last and it looks difficult for them to advance even with victory in their third game.
Spain 5 - 0 Zambia
Spain easily beat Zambia and if it weren't for the African goalkeeper Eunice Sakala would've been several more. Teresa Abelleira opened the score and the win was completed with two goals from Jennifer Hermoso and two from Alba Redondo. With this result Spain qualifies along with Japan while Zambia and Costa Rica are the first to be eliminated with one game left to play for all.
July 25
Colombia 2 - 0 South Korea
Colombia won its first match where Linda Caicedo, a cancer survivor, inspired the fans by scoring the second goal with the help of South Korean goalkeeper Young Geul Yoon who mistimed the ball. The first goal was scored by Catalina Usme in a penalty kick. Casaey Phair, born from an American father, made her World Cup debut for South Korea and became the youngest woman to play in a World Cup at 16.
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New Zealand 0 - 1 Philippines
Host New Zealand tried everything to catch up with the Philippines, who had scored in the first half with a header from Sarina Bolden, from Santa Clara, California. With the help of VAR, a controversial goal against New Zealand was disallowed. In the last minute Olivia Davies-McDaniel, Philippines' goalkeeper made an amazing save to stop the inevitable equalizer.
Switzerland 0 - 0 Norway
Norway's draw with Switzerland complicated their qualification in large part due to the great performance of Swiss goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen. Norway missed their star Ada Hegerberg who was injured before the start of the match while warming up.
July 24
Argentina 0 - 1 Italy
Argentina seeks to repeat what was done by the men's team but started on the wrong foot and lost to Italy who had more chances and scored near the end of the game. Italy's Cristiana Girelli's header finally counted as a goal after the Italians scored two goals earlier that were disallowed offside.
Germany 6 - 0 Morocco
Germany continues to be one of the favorite teams to win the tournament and gave a show against Marruecos scoring 6. The goals were the work of Alexandra Popp(2), Klara Bühl(1) and Lea Shuller(1), the other two were own goals from Morocco.
Brazil 4 - 0 Panama
Ary Borges scored a hat-trick for Brazil for the win against a Panamanian team that is playing its first World Cup. Bia Zaneratto scored the third and probably the most beautiful goal of the competition in pure brazilian style. On the second half Marta, considered one of the best players in the world, came on as a substitute and became the first Brazilian to play in 6 World Cups for her country.
July 23
Netherlands 1 - 0 Portugal
The other two countries in the United States' group met where the Netherlands took the victory by the minimum against Portugal who had few opportunities. Van der Gragt scored the only goal of the game with a header with a Portugal that put up little resistance.
Jamaica 0 - 0 France
France was expected to crush Jamaica but the games need to be played first. France showed great attacking power but the post and goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer prevented the European team from taking victory. Jamaica added their first point in history with this tie. It is worth mentioning that Jamaica had to raise $50,000 through GoFundMe to pay part of the expenses of attending the World Cup.
Sweden 2 - 1 South Africa
In just their second World Cup, South Africa scored the first goal and it looked like they could surprise Sweden, but an own goal and a last-minute header put an end to the African illusion. Amanda Ilestedt scored the second for Sweden which gave them their first three points.
July 22
Zambia 0 - 5 Japan
Japan won, convinced and achieved the biggest win of the World Cup so far against Zambia. Jun Endo, from Angel City, scored the fourth goal for the Asians, the rest were the work of Hinata(2), Tanaka and Ueki.
England 1 - 0 Haiti
England won its first match against Haiti, who is playing its first World Cup in history. England could've scored more, but goalkeeper Théus from Haiti got tired of saving her net. Georgia Stanway scored the only goal in a penalty kick to give England their first three points.
Denmark 1 - 0 China PR
China proposed the game at the beginning but Denmark managed to win by the minimum thanks to an error by the Asian goalkeeper Huan who mistimed a ball and ended up in the net.
July 21
United States 3 - 0 Vietnam
United States dominated Vietnam from start to finish where Sophia Smith scored two of the goals as well as setting up Lindsey Horan to score the third. Alex Morgan did not have her best game missing a penalty. The game gave us the long-awaited debut of Los Angeles' star Alyssa Thompson who, at only 18 years old, came on as a substitute to play her first World Cup. Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle, both limited by pre-tournament injuries, also came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute.
Switzerland 2 - 0 Philippines
Seraina Piubel and Ramona Bachmann scored to guide Switzerland to victory vs Philippines in a match dominated by the European team.
Spain 3 - 0 Costa Rica
It took only 10 minutes for Spain to score 3 goals to finish with Costa Rica's hope. It all started at minute 20 with an own goal from Costa Rica's Valeria Del Campo. Aitana Bonmati Conca and Esther Gonzalez scored the other 2 before minute 30. After that it was chance after chance for Spain who had the luxury of starting the game without their superstar midfielder Alexia Putellas and also missed a penalty kick saved by Costa RIca's goalkeeper Daniela Solera.
July 20:
New Zealand 1 - 0 Norway
Hannah Wilkinson scores the first goal of the 2023 Women's World Cup and is the first women to score in 3 different World Cups for New Zealand. Norway almost tied at the end minutes after New Zealand's Ria Percival missed a penalty kick that would've sealed the victory earlier; the penalty marked the first time in history a referee announces the ruling of a VAR to the crowd in the stadium.
Australia 1- 0 Ireland
A penalty kick scored by Steph Catley from Australia was enough for the other host country to beat Ireland despite the fact that their biggest star Sam Kerr saw the game from the bench due to an injury. Everything was joy in the crowd of the Aussies that celebrate their first victory in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Nigeria 0 - 0 Canada
A very entertaining game that ended with no goals where Canada could not score due to some great saves by the Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, including a penalty kicked by Canada's big legend Christine Sinclair who has played 6 World Cups. Sinclair will need to redeem some missed opportunities in the following games if she wants to take Canada further.