NEWS

31Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Nigeria advance in World Cup after draw with Ireland

Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria is tackled by Niamh Fahey of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 31, 2023 in Brisbane / Meaanjin, Australia.Nigeria are through to the round of 16 after a 0-0 draw with Ireland in their Women’s World Cup clash at Suncorp Stadium. The Super Falcons finished second in Group B on five points after Australia went one point ahead of them to top the group following their 4-0 win over Canada in Melbourne. Nigeria will be back at Suncorp Stadium to play the winner of Group D in the knockout phase on Monday. Ireland secured their first point in the competition in what was their debut World Cup. Captain Katie McCabe shot just wide in the fifth minut...

30Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Colombia stun Germany with famous late win at World Cup

Manuela Vanegas (L) of Columbia scores the second goal of Team Columbia during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Germany and Colombia at Sydney Football Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.Manuela Vanegas scored a 97th-minute winner as Colombia stunned Germany at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup. Linda Caicedo netted a wondergoal to give the South Americans the lead, before Germany equalised with an 89th-minute Alexandra Popp penalty. Vanegas then headed Leicy Santos’ corner past Merle Frohms to send the vast numbers of Colombia supporters at Sydney Football Stadium wild. It condemned Germany to a first World Cup group stage defeat since 1995. A manic ending came after Caicedo, 18, had brilliantly curled into the top corner on 53 min...

30Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Morocco beat South Korea as Benzina makes history

Park Eunsun of Korea Republic controls the ball against Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Korea Republic and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. Morocco gained a shock win over South Korea as defender Nouhaila Benzina made history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup. Ibtissam Jraidi scored Morocco’s first ever goal at the tournament with a sixth-minute header as the side ranked 72nd in the world took the victory. Sixteen-year-old substitute Casey Phair fired wide for South Korea late on. South Korea lost for the second time and will be eliminated if Germany avoid defeat against Colombia on Sunday. Benzina, 25, wore the Islamic headscarf as ...

29Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Jamaica record first-ever Women’s World Cup win to knock out Panama

Emily Cedeno of Panama controls the ball against Allyson Swaby of Jamaica during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Panama and Jamaica at Perth Rectangular Stadium on July 29, 2023 in Perth / Boorloo, Australia. Jamaica won their first-ever Fifa Women’s World Cup match as Allyson Swaby’s goal gave them victory over Panama in Perth. Swaby rose highest to head home from a Trudi Carter cross in the 56th minute as the Reggae Girlz recorded a historic win – and in the process knocked Panama out of the tournament. France and Jamaica are joint top of Group F and now face final decisive group matches against Panama and Brazil respectively on Wednesday, 2 August. Lorne Donaldson’s side, who were without captain Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw after she...

29Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Renard heads late winner as France beat Brazil

Wendie Renard of France and Lauren of Brazil compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between France and Brazil at Brisbane Stadium on July 29, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. Captain Wendie Renard headed a late winner as France beat Brazil in a thrilling game in Brisbane at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup. Eugenie le Sommer put the French ahead after 17 minutes, before Debinha pulled Brazil level in the second half. There was end to end action as two of the pre-tournament favourites delivered a game which lived up to expectations. But it was Renard – who had been an injury doubt – who headed in the decisive goal with seven minutes to go. “She is the leader of the team,” France manager Herve Renard said of his captain. “I...

28Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Knee injury fears over England midfielder Walsh

Keira Walsh of England receives medical treatment after an injury during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between England and Denmark at Sydney Football Stadium on July 28, 2023 in Sydney / Gadigal, Australia.England midfielder Keira Walsh was taken off the pitch on a stretcher in the 38th minute during the World Cup match against Denmark in Sydney. The Barcelona player, 26, appeared to hurt her knee and looked in distress before signalling to the bench that she could not carry on. She was comforted by team-mates and appeared to mouth: “I’ve done my knee.” Manager Sarina Wiegman said afterwards: “Of course I’m concerned because she couldn’t walk off the pitch.” She added: “But we don’t know yet so we can’t make any assumptions. Let’s wait unti...

28Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Superb Argentina comeback earns South Africa draw

Tiisetso Makhubela of South Africa (L) fights for the ball with Romina Nunez of Argentina (R) during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between Argentina and South Africa at Dunedin Stadium on July 28, 2023 in Dunedin, New Zealand.Argentina manager German Portanova told his team to “play with the love that optimises our football” before they produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to draw with South Africa. South Africa were on course to pick up a first ever Women’s World Cup victory in a pulsating encounter in Dunedin but in the end they had to settle for their first point after Argentina scored twice within five second-half minutes. Knowing defeat would take Argentina to the brink of elimination, they threw everything at Desiree Ellis...

27Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Horan denies Netherlands famous World Cup win

Lindsey Horan of USA (L) fights for the ball with Jill Roord of Netherlands (R) during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. Captain Lindsey Horan came to the rescue of defending champions the United States after the Netherlands had threatened an upset at the Women’s World Cup. New Manchester City signing Jill Roord put the Dutch on course for a famous win after a clinical finish from the edge of the box. The Stars and Stripes have been a superpower on the world stage, winning their previous 13 matches spanning three tournaments, but they struggled to breakdown a resolute Netherlands defence until Horan equalised with a header from a corner. In a ...

26Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Canada knock Republic of Ireland out of World Cup

Jayde Riviere of Canada and Katie McCabe of Republic of Ireland compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Canada and Ireland at Perth Rectangular Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Perth, Australia. Canada fought back from a goal down to beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 and knock the debutants out of the Women’s World Cup. Irish captain Katie McCabe scored the Republic’s first World Cup goal when her superb corner flew into the net after just four minutes. The Irish had chances to add a second against the Olympic champions, but they were undone in first-half injury time as Julia Grosso’s cross took a touch off defender Megan Connolly and nestled in the bottom corner in torrential conditions. Adriana Leon poked Canada into th...

26Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spain progress to knockouts after win over Zambia

Jennifer Hermoso of Spain (L) dribbles Margaret Belemu of Zambia (R) during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C match between Spain and Zambia at Eden Park on July 26, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand.Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo scored twice as Spain underlined their credentials as potential Fifa Women’s World Cup winners by thrashing Zambia to progress to the last 16 with a game to spare. The Spanish opened their Group C campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win against Costa Rica last week, having a total of 46 shots on goal. They picked up where they left off against Zambia, racing into a ninth-minute lead when Teresa Abelleira drove in a stunning strike from distance. Hermoso doubled the lead just four minutes later, heading home a cross on her 100th app...

26Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Wrexham beat Man Utd but striker Mullin injured

An anxious Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee of Wrexham as Paul Mullin of Wrexham gets treated for a punctured lung during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Wrexham at Snapdragon Stadium on July 25, 2023 in San Diego, California.Wrexham beat 10-man Manchester United 3-1 but the newly promoted League Two club’s victory was overshadowed by an injury to talisman Paul Mullin. Mullin, 28, suffered a punctured lung in a collision with goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, part of a United side mostly comprised of Under-21 players. Goals from Elliot Lee, Aaron Hayden and Sam Dalby sealed victory for Wrexham. Marc Jurado scored in first-half injury time for United, who had Dan Gore, 18, sent-off shortly after the restart. Ryan Reynolds was unable to attend but Wrexham co-owner Rob Mc...

25Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Colombia beat South Korea as Phair makes history

Ji So-yun (L) of Korea Republic and Catalina Usme (R) of Colombia compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Colombia and Korea Republic at Sydney Football Stadium on July 25, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.Colombia got their 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup off to the perfect start with victory over South Korea in Sydney. Catalina Usme put the South Americans ahead from the penalty spot, before teenager Linda Caicedo, 18, doubled the lead thanks to an error from Korean keeper Yoon Young-geul. That was enough to give Colombia their second ever win at the tournament. For South Korea, history was made as Casey Phair became the youngest-ever player at a Women’s World Cup. The forward, aged just 16 years and 26 days, was introduced...

24Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Bellingham impresses on Real debut in friendly win

Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid CF and Tommaso Pobega of AC Milan battle for the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Real Madrid and AC Milan at Rose Bowl Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Pasadena, California.Manager Carlo Ancelotti said Real Madrid are “lucky” to have the “fantastic” Jude Bellingham after the England midfielder impressed on debut in a 3-2 pre-season win against AC Milan in Los Angeles. It was another Englishman, Fikayo Tomori, who got his name on the scoresheet, heading the opener for AC Milan, but two second-half goals from Federico Valverde and a superb winner from Vinicius Jr, who ran on to a sublime Luka Modric pass, sent the majority of fans in a 70,000 crowd at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena home happy. Bellingham’s 62-minute debut had flashes of his natura...

23Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Ilestedt scores late as Sweden beat South Africa

Amanda Ilestedt of Sweden celebrates after scoring her team's second goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group G match between Sweden and South Africa at Wellington Regional Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. Amanda Ilestedt scored a last-minute winner as Sweden beat South Africa at the Fifa Women’s World Cup in Wellington. The 2022 Africa Cup of Nations champions came close to picking up their first point at a World Cup, having lost all three matches on their only previous appearance in 2019. South Africa opened the scoring with a 48th-minute goal from Hildah Magaia, but it was cancelled out by a deflected Frida Rolfo effort before Ilestedt’s decisive header. Sweden top Group G, with Argentina and Italy to meet on Monday. So...

23Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Van der Gragt gives Netherlands win over Portugal

Stefanie van der Gragt of Holland Women celebrates 1-0 with Dominique Janssen of Holland Women, Esmee Brugts of Holland Women during the World Cup Women match between Holland Women v Portugal Women at the Dunedin Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Dunedin New Zealand.Stefanie van der Gragt’s first-half goal gave the Netherlands a 1-0 victory over Fifa Women’s World Cup debutants Portugal in Dunedin. Van der Gragt’s powerful header was ruled out by referee Kateryna Monzul before the video assistant referee encouraged her to review her decision. Portugal failed to trouble the Netherlands defence, registering their only shot on target in the 82nd minute. The win moved the Netherlands second in Group E, below reigning world champions USA on goal difference. Despite coming under pressure from a ...

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Denmark score late winner to mark World Cup return

Amalie Vangsgaard #9 of Denmark celebrates with team mates after scoring her team's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between Denmark and China at Perth Rectangular Stadium on July 22, 2023 in Perth, Australia. Amalie Vangsgaard scored a late winner as Denmark marked their their return from a 16-year Fifa Women’s World Cup absence with a 1-0 win over China. The substitute, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, headed home Pernille Harder’s corner in the 90th minute in Perth, Australia. There were doubts over whether the goal would stand but VAR officials decided that Danish defender Rikke Sevecke had not interfered with China’s goalkeeper Xu Huan as the ball hit the back of the net. The result moves Denmark to ...

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Messi scores late winner on Inter Miami debut

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball during the second half of the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Argentina star Lionel Messi curled in a stunning stoppage-time free-kick on his Inter Miami debut to clinch a 2-1 victory against Mexican side Cruz Azul. Messi, 36, struck in the fourth minute of added time as his Major League Soccer side won the Leagues Cup tie. The 20,000-capacity crowd included celebrities such as basketball’s LeBron James, tennis legend Serena Williams and US TV star Kim Kardashian. “We wanted to start like this by giving these people a victory,” said Messi. “We knew that it was very important for us to start this championship in winning fashion. Luckily we w...

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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USA launch World Cup defence with victory over Vietnam

Sophia Smith of USA and Portland Thorns and Le Thi Diem My of Vietnam and Than Khoang San compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C match between Spain and Costa Rica at Wellington Regional Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara, New Zealand.United States launched their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive world crown with a comfortable win against Women’s World Cup debutants Vietnam in Auckland. Sophia Smith struck twice before half-time for the the four-time world champions in front of thousands of travelling USA fans in a crowd of 41,107. Smith, one of 14 players in the squad appearing at their first World Cup, fired the number one ranked team in the world ahead with a low drilled finish from an ...

21Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Superb Spain earn comfortable win over Costa Rica

Alba Redondo of Spain and Valeria Del Campo of Costa Rica embrace after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C match between Spain and Costa Rica at Wellington Regional Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara, New Zealand. Spain cruised to victory in their Women’s World Cup opener as they dominated Costa Rica in Wellington. Valeria del Campo scored an own goal to put Spain ahead, before Aitana Bonmati curled in a second two minutes later. Esther Gonzalez added a third after a header against the crossbar by Jennifer Hermoso, who then had a penalty saved by Daniela Solera. Olga Carmona hit the bar and Solera made a number of fine saves to restrict Spain to three goals. The Spanish team’s dominance was shown in the match stats, as t...

20Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Rice and Havertz make mark as Arsenal crush MLS All Stars

Gabriel Martinelli #11 of Arsenal FC is congratulated by Declan Rice #41 and Jurriën Timber #12 after scoring during the MLS All-Star Game between Arsenal FC and MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. Declan Rice made his Arsenal debut and Kai Havertz scored his first goal for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta’s side hammered the Major League Soccer All Star team 5-0 in a friendly at Audi Field on Wednesday. Rice became the most expensive British player in history when Arsenal signed the England midfielder from West Ham for a reported £105 million ($137.5 million, 122.4 million euros). The England international was introduced from the bench in the 65th minute to huge cheers from the overwhelmingly Arsenal supporting crowd. German Havertz, who joined Arsenal fr...