Group B Canada 0:4 Australia results and highlight goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia-New Zealand]

Soccer results and highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal collection

 Monday 31 July 2023 19:00

Group B Canada  0:4  Australia

Australia make Hay early for a Ras-ounding scoreline


Hayley Raso was the standout performer for Australia, as the co-hosts waltzed their way to a fifth consecutive Women’s World Cup knockout appearance, courtesy of a dazzling 4-0 victory over Olympic gold medalists Canada.

Despite missing star player Sam Kerr, and knowing how small the margin of error was in Group B, Australia took the game to Canada early on and found a breakthrough after just nine minutes. Dominating the right flank from the first whistle, Raso stepped up and tucked home a right-footed strike from inside the penalty area to put the Matildas ahead. On-field referee Stéphanie Frappart initially deemed her strike offside, but a lengthy VAR check ruled that call to be incorrect, much to the delight of a buoyant Melbourne crowd.

Following New Zealand’s exit yesterday, Australia knew they were the last remaining flag bearer for the Oceanic hosts, and the Matildas took one step closer towards progression into the knockout stages just before the break, when Raso netted her second of the game. Arriving in much scrappier fashion than the first, the Real Madrid attacker was on hand to poke home a bouncing ball inside the six-yard box, giving Australia breathing space at HT.

Over 1,700 km away in Brisbane, Nigeria and the Republic of Ireland spent their interval goalless, putting Australia top of Group B as things stood. But the Aussies refused to rest on their laurels, and a game-sealing third goal eventually arrived via Mary Fowler. Having been denied a first-ever World Cup goal during the first half, the Manchester City forward would get her name on the scoresheet midway through the second, when she converted Caitlin Foord’s pin-point cross into the empty Canadian net.

The Canadians were by now visibly itching to just get on the plane home, but more late punishment was afoot. Deep into added time, Jessie Fleming was adjudged to have brought down Katrina Gorry in the box, with yet more VAR intervention leading to an Australian penalty. Stephanie Catley added to her goal from the spot against Ireland on matchday one with another composed penalty, confirming Australia’s biggest-ever World Cup victory.

Following their commanding performance, Tony Gustavsson’s side will enter the knockouts in fine form, as dreams of a first-ever World Cup triumph remain well and truly alive. With their next opponents being the Group D runners-up, the Matildas will most likely meet China or Denmark in the Round of 16.

Player of the Match: Hayley Raso (Australia)

Group B Ireland 0:0 Nigeria results and highlight goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Football World Cup Australia-New Zealand]
Group B Australia 2:3 Nigeria Result and Highlight Goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
Group B Canada 2:1 Ireland Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group B Nigeria 0:0 Canada Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result

Group B Ireland 0:0 Nigeria results and highlight goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Football World Cup Australia-New Zealand]

Soccer results and highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal collection

 Monday 31 July 2023  19:00

Group B Ireland  0:0  Nigeria

World Cup stalemate sees Nigeria advance


Despite failing to beat the Republic of Ireland, Nigeria booked their spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) knockout stages as they extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a goalless draw.

With half an eye on Group B’s other clash between Australia and Canada, Nigeria knew a victory here would likely see them top the group. The Aussies taking an early lead certainly helped their quest for supremacy, but Nigeria themselves nearly got off to a perfect start when Asisat Oshoala broke free in behind the Irish defence. However, her effort was unusually wayward, letting the already eliminated Ireland off the hook as they continued their search for a first-ever WWC point.

Goalmouth action was certainly at a premium before the break, but with Nigeria looking fairly comfortable in the group’s second place, the pressure was off them a little, though they would undoubtedly have been acutely aware of the permutations needed to top the group. In spite of that incentive, Nigeria’s opening to the second half was largely uninspiring and were in fact indebted to a last-ditch Oluwatosin Demehin block to deny Katie McCabe an almost certain opener.

The game was still hanging in the balance entering the final stages, and with Australia holding a healthy lead against Canada, Nigeria simply needed a goal to snatch top spot. Try as they might, Nigeria couldn’t force the issue and were forced to settle for a goalless draw that ensured they finish the group in second place and must now wait patiently to await who they will face in the last-16. The picture isn’t quite as positive for Ireland, who crashed out at the group stage on their WWC debut.

Player of the Match: Christy Ucheibe (Nigeria)

Group B Australia 2:3 Nigeria Result and Highlight Goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
Group B Canada 2:1 Ireland Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group B Canada 2:1 Ireland Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group B Nigeria 0:0 Canada Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result

Group C Japan 4:0 Spain results and highlight goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Football World Cup Australia-New Zealand]

Soccer results and highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal collection

 Monday 31 July 2023  16:00

Group  C Japan 4-0  Spain

Japan signal intent as La Roja routed

Japan fired a warning shot to their FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) rivals, demolishing Spain 4-0 in a Group C dead rubber at the Sky Stadium – their first-ever H2H win over La Roja.

Spain have flown out of the traps in the early stages of this tournament, leading by 2+ goals at the half-hour mark in both of their previous group games, but they were on the receiving end of an onslaught in an enthralling first half. Japan’s speed on the counter was irresistible, and after Jun Endo’s pinpoint pass broke the Spanish offside trap, Hinata Miyazawa raced clear to give her side the lead against the run of play.

Jorge Vilda’s side hadn’t learned their lesson, once again caught out on the transition by Japan as Riko Ueki cut in from the left before her shot deflected off the unfortunate Irene Paredes and looped over Misa Rodríguez into the net. Spain were stunned, but their inability to contain Japan saw them fall three behind before the break thanks to another lightning counter. The two goalscorers combined, as Ueki slotted in Miyazawa to provide another sublime finish to cap off an almost unimaginable start from Futoshi Ikeda’s side.

Spain needed a miraculous comeback to rescue the match and their desire of topping the group, but they were brilliantly neutralised by a resilient Japanese outfit happy to play on the break. Vilda’s side continued to dominate possession, but they were continually denied a path to goal, failing to register a second half shot on target before Japan struck again on the counter. This time it was substitute Mina Tanaka who added a fourth in the closing stages, turning the Spanish rearguard inside-out before firing into the top corner to round off the scoring.

The Nadeshiko have successfully kept all three of their opponents at bay in this WWC so far, winning with an aggregate score of 11-0, signalling their presence as a threat to fellow favourites for the coveted title. They will relish the prospect of a fourth straight knockout stage appearance, where they face Norway next in the last 16. An unexpectedly heavy defeat provides a real dent to Spain’s confidence, but there’ll be no time for soul searching as they gear up to face Switzerland in the first knockout round.

Player of the Match: Hinata Miyazawa (Japan)

Group C Spain 5:0 Zambia Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia New Zealand] Goals
Group C Japan 2:0 Costa Rica Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group C Zambia 0:5 Japan Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
Group C Spain 3:0 Costa Rica Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result

Group C Costa Rica 1:3 Zambia results and highlight goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Football World Cup Australia-New Zealand]

Soccer results and highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal collection

 Monday 31 July 2023  16:00

Group  C Costa Rica 1:3  Zambia

Copper Queens show mettle to take Group C bronze

It was an evening of firsts and ‘thousandths’, as Zambia overcame Costa Rica in their final group game to record a maiden win at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. The 3-1 victory enabled the Copper Queens to leapfrog their opponents into third position and avoid a pointless exit.

Despite them both being eliminated already, the two nations were still desperate to claim maximum points in the final group fixture. Costa Rica were targeting a positive start, after conceding all five goals in defeats to Japan and Spain inside the opening half-hour. However, it proved to be another disastrous opening act for Las Ticas, as Zambia quickly took the lead inside three minutes. An out-swinging corner from the right flank was hooked home by Lushomo Mweemba, who had the honour of scoring Zambia’s very first goal at a Women’s World Cup.

With Costa Rica finding it tough to contain Zambia’s attacking efforts, they gifted their opponents the chance to double their advantage, when Katherine Alvarado pulled down Barbra Banda in the box. The Zambia forward assumed responsibility to send Daniela Solera the wrong way, duly registering the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup final history. In response, Costa Rica went close to halving the deficit through María Coto, who produced a thumping header against the woodwork to ensure that the Copper Queens would take a two-goal lead into HT.

After showing signs of promise before the break, Las Ticas finally established a foothold within three minutes of the restart, when Melissa Herrera bundled the ball home for a scrappy goal. With momentum in their favour, Costa Rica thought a penalty was quickly heading their way, but an offside infringement prevented the referee Bouchra Karboubi from pointing to the spot for a foul on Priscila Chinchilla.

There was to be more frustration for Amelia Valverde’s side when Herrera had her second goal chalked off by the assistant’s flag. And Costa Rica’s hopes of picking up a point were quashed in stoppage time when Racheal Kundananji calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing Solera to wrap up a historic victory. Zambia’s future generation will look back on this as a source of hope, while it is now two tournaments and two group stage failures for Costa Rica.

Player of the Match: Barbra Banda (Zambia)

Group C Spain 5:0 Zambia Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia New Zealand] Goals
Group C Japan 2:0 Costa Rica Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group C Zambia 0:5 Japan Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
Group C Spain 3:0 Costa Rica Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result

Group A Switzerland 0:0 New Zealand Results and Highlight Goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia New Zealand]

Soccer Results and Highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal Collection

Sunday 30  July 2023 16:00

Group A Switzerland  0-0  New Zealand

Flailing Ferns fall short as La Nati hold firm


New Zealand became the first-ever host nation of a FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) to crash out at the group stages after the Ferns were frustrated by a defensively resolute Switzerland.

Roared on by the electric Forsyth Barr Stadium, New Zealand started brightly and took control of possession in the hope of reaching the WWC knockout stages for the first time ever. Although the initial vociferous home support was soon hushed by news of two quickfire Norway goals against the Philippines, which shifted the Ferns out of the Group A qualification spots.

But the developments did not deter New Zealand and Jacqui Hand’s looped strike beat Gaelle Thalmann but clipped the woodwork as the co-hosts pushed on for an opener. Despite coming under pressure early on, Switzerland showcased their threat with a fast break before HT that finished with Seraina Piubel’s deflected shot straight at Victoria Esson.

A cagey second half ensued and Switzerland were aware that a draw would be enough to reach the final 16. Subsequently, New Zealand once again struggled to break the La Nati rearguard that kept three consecutive clean sheets and Malia Steinmetz had the best chance to score when her rising strike was held by Thalmann.

The Ferns continued to attack, but the moment of quality was lacking in the final third and their best-ever return of four points from a World Cup group stage was not enough to advance. Switzerland continued to display a rock-solid approach as La Nati are yet to concede at the competition as they move into the WWC round of 16 for just the second time.

player of the match: Gaelle Thalmann (Switzerland)

Group A Switzerland 0:0 Norway Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group A Philippines 0:2 Switzerland Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
Group A New Zealand 0:1 Philippines Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group A New Zealand 1:0 Norway Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result

Group A Norway 6:0 Philippines Result and Highlight Goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]

Soccer Results and Highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal Collection

Sunday 30  July 2023 16:00

Group A Norway  6-0  Philippines

Grasshoppers find their voice in opposition territory

A partisan local crowd at New Zealand’s national stadium Eden Park wasn’t enough to put fellow Group A competitors Norway out of their stride, as they rolled out facile 6-0 winners against the Philippines to secure progression to the last-16 in second place.

It has been some fall from grace for the 1995 Women’s World Cup (WWC) champions Norway who sat bottom of Group A knowing only a three goal margin of victory would definitely secure progression. That seemed a forlorn task, with no goals from 24 efforts so far this tournament seeing some unrest within the experienced ranks.

That being said, the Grasshoppers looked to have the bit between their teeth and swiftly put their goalscoring woes to bed inside the opening six minutes. The ball was recycled out on the right, before Thea Bjelde whipped in a teasing ball to the back post. With work to do from a tight angle, Román Haug nonchalantly guided the volley back across a helpless Olivia McDaniel and in via the post. Hege Riise’s women were finding so much joy down the Philippine right and in an almost exact replica of the cross for the first goal, Román Haug was on hand to profit once again as she headed home for her seventh international goal in 10 caps.

After being benched in the prior game, talismanic Caroline Graham Hansen was sure to let Riise know exactly what she was missing. Picking up the ball 30-yards out she took aim and found the bottom left corner with a thunderous effort to put her side in the qualification box seat.

Putting the game beyond all doubt was clearly the message from Riise at half time and a new found clinical nature saw two goals in the five minutes thereafter seal the deal. The first saw the fifth own goal of the WWC to date, as Alicia Barker cruelly deflected beyond McDaniel under pressure from Guro Reiten who would have most certainly profited had Barker not intervened. Reiten was tripped in a shooting position moments later and sent McDonald the wrong way with the resulting penalty.

Matters went from bad to worse for the Philippine women when substitute Sofia Harrison was given her marching orders for an over zealous challenge on Bjelde, before Román Haug secured her hattrick in added time. It was one step too far for the Southeast Asian outfit, who can take pride from their tournament earning their first ever WWC win at expense of tournament hosts New Zealand, who also exit the tournament.

Player of the Match: Sophie Román Haug (Norway)

Group A Switzerland 0:0 Norway Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group A New Zealand 1:0 Norway Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
Group A Philippines 0:2 Switzerland Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
Group A New Zealand 0:1 Philippines Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result

Group H Korea 0:1 Morocco Result and Highlight Goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]

Soccer Results and Highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal Collection

Sunday , July 30,  2023 13:30

Group  H Korea Republic 0:1  Morocco

Atlas Lionesses roar to historic first World Cup win


Ibtissam Jraïdi scored a historic goal for Morocco as they secured their first-ever win at a FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), overcoming South Korea 1-0 who slumped to their sixth consecutive defeat at the WWC.

South Korea Women were attempting to get off the mark against a Morocco side also looking to pick up their first points of the tournament after suffering a heavy defeat to Germany in their opening game. Despite that 6-0 thumping at the hands of Germany, Morocco started brilliantly and deservedly took the lead inside six minutes when Hanane Aït El Haj’s cross was flicked in off the head of Jraïdi who scored her side’s first goal in six games.

South Korea were competing at their third successive WWC, however, they played like an inexperienced side at this level and were defensively all over the place. The worst mistake came from Hong Hye-ji who almost turned a routine clearance into her own net. Eun-Sun Park was a shining light for the Taegeuk Ladies in the first half however, and went inches away from equalising with a powerful header, but her miss saw Morocco head in with a narrow lead at the break.

The Taegeuk Ladies started to play more like the side ranked 55 places above their opponents in the second half, creating far more chances albeit without really testing Khadija Er-Rmichi in goal. A combination of second half defensive substitutions for Morocco and a poor miss from Casey Phair was enough for the African side to hold onto their narrow lead and claim a vital 1-0 victory and crucially gain three points.

Back-to-back defeats for South Korea now leave them at the mercy of Germany, who, if avoid defeat against Colombia, will knock them out of the tournament.

Player of the Match: Ibtissam Jraïdi (Morocco)

Group H Colombia 2:0 South Korea Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group H Germany 6:0 Morocco Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Football World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result

Group F Panama 0:1 Jamaica Results and Highlight Goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]

Soccer Results and Highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal Collection

Sat 29  Jul 2023 16:30

Group F Panama  0:1  Jamaica

Swaby header sparks Reggae Girlz celebrations

Allyson Swaby’s header gave Jamaica a 1-0 victory over Panama, considerably boosting the Reggae Girlz’s hopes of reaching the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) knockout stages for the first time in their history.

The two underdogs in Group F entered the contest knowing a win here was vital for any hopes of making it to the next round. Jamaica were quickest out of the blocks but couldn’t quite find the breakthrough as Tiffany Cameron struck wide after working space in the box, before Chantelle Swaby’s header from an exquisite Deneisha Blackwood delivery was well saved. The Reggae Girlz continued to have the better opportunities, with Atlanta Primus seeing one effort deflected off target and another sail marginally over.

Both teams came close to the all-important opener towards the end of the half, with Panama growing into the game and being presented an opening by a lapse in concentration from the Reggae Girlz, although Marta Cox’s shot was comfortably dealt with by Rebecca Spencer. Drew Spence then responded with a superb attempt from a free-kick that Yenith Bailey touched onto the crossbar.

Las Canaleras looked fearless as they tried to find an opener after emerging from the break, but instead found themselves behind when captain Swaby rose in the crowded box to glance Trudi Carter’s corner delivery out of Bailey’s reach. Panama refused to back down as they chased an equaliser, but Cox was unable to find the target when Riley Tanner’s cross was unconvincingly cleared. Jamaica have shown their determination just to be here, and that was once again on full display as they repelled Panama’s advances.

Tanner had a slight opening in the final stages but was let down by her touch as Jamaica took their tally to four points to go level with France, having never previously earned a point at a WWC. That also means a draw against Brazil would be enough for the Reggae Girlz to progress, while Panama still await their first-ever point at the finals and will not be going through.

Player of the Match: Allyson Swaby (Jamaica)

Group F Brazil 4:0 Panama Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group F France 0:0 Jamaica Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Football World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result

Group F France 2:1 Brazil Results and Highlight Goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]

Soccer Results and Highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal Collection

Sat 29  Jul 2023 19:00

Group F France  2-1  Brazil

Renard rescues France as Brazil edged out


A late header from captain Wendie Renard gave France a vital 2-1 win against their biggest 2023 Women’s World Cup (WWC) group rivals Brazil, sending them top and preserving their all-time unbeaten record against the South American side.

France failed to find any sort of rhythm in their goalless WWC opener against Jamaica, but they were immediately able to find more space in attack against a more enterprising Brazil side. The South Americans were handed a clear warning when record-goalscorer Eugénie Le Sommer flicked a header towards the far post, but Letícia scrambled across brilliantly to divert it away from the target.

With that sight at goal out of the way, Le Sommer, who returned to the national side ahead of the tournament after a two-year hiatus, would make no mistake when presented with a second opportunity. Winger Kadidiatou Diani sent Sakina Karchaoui’s looped ball back across for the lurking Le Sommer, and this time she directed her header out of reach of the flailing goalkeeper. With Brazil behind courtesy of that national-record sixth personal WWC goal for the legendary striker, Pia Sundhage’s side looked to draw level. The dancing feet of Debinha gave Adriana acres of space in the France area, but the Orlando Pride winger ballooned her shot well over.

France had learned their lesson – their opponents had no more significant opportunities for the remainder of the half, but Sundhage’s words in the dressing room made all the difference to her side’s play. The danger posed by the Brazilian front line was suddenly as apparent as it had been in their 4-0 win against Panama, and their luck was in when Kerolin’s shot ricocheted into the path of Debinha, who expertly prodded past Pauline Peyraud-Magnin from close range. The equaliser prompted play to open up, and both sides began to create chances, but ultimately it was France to strike the killer blow.

An excellent Selma Bacha found a completely unmarked Renard at the far post, and the towering France captain headed the ball down and into the net, sending the small French portion of the Brisbane crowd into pandemonium. Les Bleues even had the better of the late chances as they saw out the result, one which means that they ascend above their opponents to the top of Group F, while Brazil will now have a keen eye on Saturday’s late game, in which a win for Jamaica would see them slip out of the top two ahead of the final matchday.

Player of the Match: Selma Bacha (France)

Group F France 0:0 Jamaica Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Football World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
Group F Brazil 4:0 Panama Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result

Group G Sweden 5:0 Italy Result and Highlight Goals [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]

Soccer Results and Highlights  [2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goal Collection

Sat 29 Jul 2023 16:30

Group G Sweden  5-0  Italy

Super Sweden sweep past sorry Azzurre

Amanda Ilestedt took her 2023 Women’s World Cup (WWC) goalscoring account to three as her brace helped Sweden to an impressive 5-0 victory over Italy, helping claim back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021 and securing a spot in the knockout stages.

Sweden and Italy Women were looking to claim back-to-back victories at the WWC, with the prize of a knockout place at stake. Italy were unbeaten in their last five games and they once again started confidently, with Sofia Cantore posing a real threat after going close with a few early chances. After surviving some early pressure, Sweden grew into the game and looked far more dangerous as Stina Blackstenius and then Fridolina Rolfö got in behind, only to be frustrated by excellent Italian sliding challenges.

Italy had suffered their joint-most international defeats against Sweden, losing 15 times, and that record looked set to continue as a late first-half collapse saw the Blågult head in 3-0 up at the break. The first two goals came from Jonna Andersson corners, the first being turned in by Ilestedt, who made it two WWC goals in as many games, and the second by Rolfö at the back post. Blackstenius capped off an electric finish to the half when she capitalised on Italy’s failure to clear, poking the ball over the line on the stroke of HT.

The Azzurre did not learn their lesson from the first half and found themselves 4-0 down minutes after the restart through yet another corner. Ilestedt rose highest once again to score her second of the game – the first time Italy have conceded four or more goals in a WWC game in their history. Substitute Rebecka Blomqvist capped off a brilliant Sweden counter-attack to complete a stunning 5-0 victory over Italy, showing a great turn of pace to break free from the defence and coolly slot the ball into the bottom corner. The Blågult continue their fine form at the WWC, reaching their eighth knockout stage in nine attempts.

Player of the Match: Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden)

Group G Sweden 2:1 South Africa Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand]
Group G Italy 1:0 Argentina Results and Highlights [2023 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Australia/New Zealand] Goals
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand Open Summary result