FIFA Women's WC LIVE | Spain crowned world champions

RESULT

Spain 1-0 England

Spain secured their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup after defeating England 1-0 in the final on Sunday afternoon.

The European champions went close to finding the opening goal 16 minutes when Lauren Hemp sent a curling effort against the crossbar from the edge of the box.

The first-time finalist got the breakthrough on 26 minutes, as Olga Carmona embarked on a marauding run on the left before drilling the ball into the far corner for her second goal in as many games.

With England pushing for the equaliser, Spain were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute when Keira Walsh was deemed to have handled the ball in the box.

Jennifer Hermoso took responsibility from 12 yards out, but only for England goalkeeper Mary Earps to pull off a save to keep her side in the contest.

The saved penalty did not prove to be Spain's downfall, as they saw out the rest of the half to claim their first-ever World Cup crown.

MATCHDAY 28, 20 August 2023

FINAL

12:00 Spain vs England

RESULT

Sweden 2-0 Australia

Sweden secured the bronze medal at the FIFA Women's World Cup after defeating co-hosts Australia 2-0 on Saturday morning.

The Swedes broke the deadlock after 30 minutes in the first half, with Fridolina Rolfo converting a penalty after Stina Blackstenius was brought down in the area.

The lead was doubled after the hour mark through Kosovare Asllani, who found the back of the net with a wonderful first-time finish.

MATCHDAY 27, 19 August 2023

3RD PLACE PLAY-OFF

10:00 Sweden vs Australia

With that, the two finalists of the tournament have now been confirmed, with an all-European decider set to take place on Sunday between the Lionesses of England and La Roja of Spain, with both teams reaching the final for the first time in their history!

FINAL

Sunday, 20 August

12:00 Spain vs England (Stadium Australia, Sydney)

RESULT

Australia 1-3 England

It was a fast start to this semi-final tie as the Matildas had their first chance to score in the seventh minute when Sam Kerr was put through to score, but the offside flag was raised.

Two minutes later, the European champions responded, going close through Georgia Stanway, but her shot was saved by Mackenzie Arnold to keep the score level.

The two teams continued to trade blows in similar fashion until England broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, with No. 10 Ella Toone lashing in with a sumptuous first-time strike following a pull-back from the byline.

With no further goals in the first 45 minutes, England went into the break with the advantage.

After half-time, though, Australia fought back hard, and their pressure eventually told in the 63rd minute when Chelsea's Sam Kerr picked the ball up on the halfway line, drove forward and unleashed a sensational strike to beat Mary Earps and equalise for the tournament co-hosts.

Their happiness would be short-lived, however, when Lauren Hemp capitalised on indecision in Australia's defence to slot the ball past Arnold in the 71st minute and restore the Lionesses' lead.

Alessia Russo then sealed the deal for the European champions following a delightful through-ball from Hemp in the 86th minute, to send the Matildas and home and the Lionesses to the final in Sydney on Sunday. 

MATCHDAY 23, 16 August 2023

TODAY'S SEMI-FINAL

12:00 Australia vs England

RESULT

Spain 2-1 Sweden

The game started on an even keel as the teams felt each other out without really threatening the goals. Spain then began to take control, enjoying more of the ball possession and threatening Sweden's attacking third, with reigning Best FIFA Women's Player Alexia Putellas particularly impressing, but they still struggled to find the back of the net. 

The Swedes finally got their first real chance of the match when Fridolina Rolfo connected sweetly with a cross in the 42nd minute, only for La Roja stopper Cata Coll to parry the ball to safety, with the teams unable to break the deadlock before half-time.

The two European nations continued to exchange blows in the second half, with Spain going close in the 70th minute when Alba Redondo poked just wide after good work from substitute Salma Paralluelo.

The game then really sprung to life, and it was Paralluelo, who scored Spain's extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, who once again produced the goods for La Roja, the electric 19-year-old slotting the ball past Zecira Musovic in the 81st minute with her weaker foot.

The match was turned on its head in the 88th minute, though, when Sweden hit back, Rebecka Blomqvist drawing her side level following a cross into the box.

In an exciting finale, however, the Spaniards responded instantly, with Olga Carmona scoring off the crossbar with a delightful strike from just outside Sweden's box in the 89th minute.

The Swedes were unable to produce another response in the seven minutes of injury time that followed, with La Roja now making their way to their first-ever World Cup final, which will be held in Sydney on Sunday.

TODAY'S SEMI-FINAL

10:00 Spain vs Sweden

MATCHDAY 22, 15 August 2023

The final four has arrived, with Spain set to do battle with Sweden, and then Australia will take on England, for a shot at glory in the final on Sunday!

Let's go!

RESULT

England 2-1 Colombia

England progressed to the Women's World Cup semi-finals after rallying from behind to defeat Colombia 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.

Leicy Santos put the Colombians ahead in the 44th minutes with an impressive striker. 

Lauren Hemp got England back on level terms minutes later, before Alessia Russo secured the win with her first goal of the tournament on 63 minutes.

The European champions will now face Australia in the semi-finals.

RESULT:

Australia 0-0 France

Co-hosts Australia sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup after defeating France on penalties.

The two nations could not be separated after 120 minutes, even with the host nation finally introducing star striker Sam Kerr in the second half.

Australia would go on to book their spot in the final four after winning a thrilling penalty shoot-out 7-6, with Cortnee Vine converting the winning spot-kick.

RESULT

Japan 0-2 Sweden

The opening stage of this knockout tie was tight and scrappy as both teams nullified the other's attacks, with there being no shots on target in the first 30 minutes.

Things changed after that, though, when the deadlock was broken in the 31st minute, with Amanda Ilestedt poking in from close range following a goalmouth scramble after the Nadeshiko conceded a free-kick close to their box.

The Swedes went up a gear thereafter, pushing for a second before half-time with more chances created, but it did not arrive, with the Japanese glad to go into the break only 1-0 down.

Soon after the break, the Europeans were rewarded for their continued pressure on the Japanese as they scored again, this time through a Filippa Angeldal penalty after a handball in the box.

The Asian nation then created some chances of their own, forcing goalkeeper Zecira Musovic into a number of saves before a penalty was awarded to Japan in the 74th minute after a Madelen Janogy foul in the Sweden box, only for Riko Ueki to miss the spot as her strike slammed against the crossbar and over.

The 2011 World Cup champions went close again in the 86th minute when Kiko Seike's free-kick hit the crossbar, and they finally got one back a minute later when Honoka Hayashi prodded the ball home after Musovic parried a shot in her direction to give her team a late lifeline.

This led to a tense final few minutes for the Swedes, but they were able to keep the Japanese comeback at bay and secure their spot in the semi-finals upon the final whistle being blown.

RESULT

Spain 2-1 Netherlands

The World Cup's quarter-finals stage kicked off with a bang as Spain dominated the first half for large parts, hitting the woodwork twice. They thought they got their breakthrough in the 37th minute only for the VAR to rule Esther Gonzalez's strike out for offside, with their Dutch lucky to still be level at half-time.

The second half started in much the same fashion, but then there was drama in the 62nd minute when a penalty was awarded to the Dutch following a coming together between Lineth Beerensteyn and Parades, only for the referee to reverse her decision after the VAR's intervention, with it being decided no foul had taken place after all.

Spain finally got their opener in the 81st minute through Mariona Caldentey following a handball in the box, but the Netherlands would respond one minute into injury time, with Stefanie van der Gragt scoring a late equaliser after being put through on goal by Coll to beat the keeper and take the tie to extra-time.

With both teams pushing for a winner before a potential shootout, it was Spain who broke the deadlock through Salma Paralluelo in the 111th minute with a smart strike that went in off the post, leaving the keeper no chance and ultimately sending La Roja to the semis and the devastated Dutch back home.

MATCHDAY 20, 11 August 2023

TODAY'S QUARTER-FINAL GAMES

03:00 Spain vs Netherlands 

09:30 Japan vs Sweden

CONFIRMED QUARTER-FINALS

With the round of 16 officially over, here are the official last eight:

Spain vs Netherlands - Friday 11 August, 03:00

Japan vs Sweden - Friday 11 August, 09:30

Australia vs France - Saturday 12 August, 09:00

England vs Colombia - Saturday 12 August, 12:30

See you here again on Friday!

RESULT

France 4-0 Morocco 

The French took control of proceedings early in the final round of 16 match of the competition, with Kadidiatou Diani scoring in the 15th minute with a resounding header against Herve Renard's Moroccans. 

Kenza Dali added a second just five minutes later, and then Eugenie Le Sommer scored in the 24th minute as Les Bleues completed a dominant first half over the African nation without reply.

Morocco emerged with intent in the second half, with Anissa Lahmari going close before being ruled offside in another attack, while Ibtissam Jraidi forced Pauline Peyraud Magnin into a save. 

The African side continued to push for a goal but struggled to create further clear-cut chances, and they were punished yet again when France's all-time leading goalscorer Le Sommer put away her second strike of the day in the 70th minute to see the European powerhouses through to the quarter-finals of the competition.

RESULT

Colombia 1-0 Jamaica 

With much at stake, it was a tentative start to the round of 16 tie, with both teams feeling each other out in the early stages, with Jamaica initially having more of the ball but not doing any damage with it.

Colombia then had some half-chances but failed to really test Reggae Girlz 'keeper Rebecca Spencer before the half-time whistle blew.

The match came alive in the 51st minute, though, when Colombia's Catalina Usme finished with aplomb to break the deadlock.

This marked the first time Jamaica had conceded all tournament.

The Reggae Girlz then applied heavy pressure on the South Americans in search of an equaliser, with Khadija Shaw going close on a couple of occasions, but this was to no avail as the Caribbean nation dropped out of the tournament while Colombia marched on to the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time in their history.

MATCHDAY 19, 8 August 2023

TODAY'S ROUND OF 16 GAMES

10:00 Colombia vs Jamaica 

13:00 France vs Morocco

RESULT

Australia 2-0 Denmark 

In a closely-contested first half, it was the co-hosts took the lead in the 28th minute when Caitlin Foord finished cleanly following a sensational through-ball from Mary Fowler, and the teams headed for the break with the Matildas in the ascendancy, although the Danes did have a few chances of their own too.

The Australians cemented their superiority in a fiesty second half that saw a number of hard challenges, sealing the deal through a Hayley Raso goal in the 70th minute to send the home support into delirium as they successfully closed the game out and booked their spot in the quarter-finals.

RESULT

England 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 after penalty shootout)

The Super Falcons, the only African country to have played at all nine Women's World Cups, did all the early running, and were unlucky not to score in the 24th minute when Uchenna Kanu hit the bar. 

The Lionesses forced a few chances of their own thereafter, and were almost rewarded for their pressure when a penalty was awarded to them, but this was overturned by the VAR, who determined that no foul had been committed to close off an exciting first half that ended goalless.

The second 45 started in the same exhilirating fashion, with Kanu hitting the bar again in the 47th minute as the Nigerians continued to probe for the match's first goal.

England then had a big chance to score in the 76th minute, but Super Falcons stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie was brilliant in reacting to a headed effort from close range at a corner to keep the Lionesses at bay.

There was controversy when England's Lauren James was initially handed a yellow card for a stamp on Michelle Alozie following a challenge in the 85th minute, but this was changed to a red card upon review by the VAR, and the match went to extra-time with the European champions down to 10 women.

With no breakthrough coming in the nervy 30 minutes that followed, the game went to penalties, where both teams missed their first spot-kicks. The Super Falcons' Alozie then skied her penalty over the bar to see the Lionesses win the shootout 4-2 and progress to the quarter-finals.

MATCHDAY 18, 7 August 2023

TODAY'S ROUND OF 16 GAMES

09:30 England vs Nigeria

12:30 Australia vs Denmark

RESULT

Sweden 0-0 United States

Sweden progressed to the Women's World Cup quarter-finals after defeating reigning champions United States on Sunday.

After neither side could find a breakthrough after 120 minutes of action, the Swedes managed to get the victory in a dramatic penalty shoot-out win that ended with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirming their final penalty to win 5-4.

RESULT

Netherlands 2-0 South Africa

The Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup after defeating South Africa 2-0 on Sunday morning.

RESULT

Japan 3-1 Norway

Japan sealed their ticket to the last eight with a 3-1 victory over Norway on Saturday afternoon.

An own goal from Ingrid Engen and second-half goals from Risa Shimizu and Hinata Miyazawa guided the Japanese to victory, while Guro Reiten's first-half goal for Norway proved to be a consolation.

RESULT

Switzerland 1-5 Spain

Spain stormed into the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup after thrashing Switzerland 5-1 on Saturday morning.

A brace from Aitana Bonmatí and further strikes from Alba Redondo and Laia Codina cancelled out Laia Codina's own goal in the 11th minute.

Jenni Hermoso rounded off the scoring for the Spanish in the second half, as they advanced to the last eight.

CONFIRMED ROUND OF 16 MATCHES

With the competition's group stage now officially over, here are all the round of 16 matches: 

Switzerland vs Spain - Saturday, 5 August, 07:00

Japan vs Norway - Saturday, 5 August, 10:00

Netherlands vs South Africa - Sunday, 6 August, 04:00 

Sweden vs USA - Sunday, 6 August, 11:00

England vs Nigeria - Monday, 7 August, 09:30

Australia vs Denmark - Monday, 7 August, 12:30

Colombia vs Jamaica - Tuesday, 8 August, 10:00

France vs Morocco - Tuesday, 8 August, 13:00

RESULTS

Korea Republic 1-1 Germany

Morocco 1-0 Colombia

The Koreans took a surprise early lead against their European opposition when Cho Sohyun scored in the sixth minute, the first time the team had found the back of the net in the tournament.

Two-time champions Germany began to turn the screw, however, and were rewarded in the 42nd minute when Alexandra Popp was successful with her header from a looping cross, to see the teams head for the break on level terms.

VAR intervened early in the second half to rule out a Germany goal for offside, but the Koreans kept on fighting despite the onslaught from the Europeans, with 38-year-old goalkeeper Kim Jungmi particularly impressive in goal.

With no breakthrough made by either team by the time the final whistle blew after 106 minutes of football, both Germany and Korea were knocked out of the tournament.

In the other Group H tie, Morocco started brightly, forcing early saves from Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez. Thereafter, though, the South Americans came back into it, creating a few chances of their own.

The game was turned on its head when the African nation was awarded a penalty for a foul in the box, and while the initial attempt from Ghizlane Chebbak was saved, Anissa Lahmari pounced during the scramble that followed to give Morocco the lead in the 45th minute.

In the second half, Colombia pushed hard for an equaliser, while Morocco had some late chances of their own, but with the score staying 1-0 to the African nation, both teams qualified for the round of 16 with six points each, Morocco doing so in their debut appearance in the competition.

TODAY'S MATCHES

12:00 Korea Republic vs Germany (Group H)

12:00 Morocco vs Colombia (Group H)

MATCHDAY 15, 3 August 2023

The World Cup's final group games will take place today, with Korea Republic taking on Germany and Morocco set to do battle with Group H leaders in a tie they have to win to stand a chance of progressing to the round of 16, which kicks off on Saturday.

Let's go!

RESULTS

Panama 3-6 France 

Jamaica 0-0 Brazil

Group F had it all to play for before kick-off as every team still had a chance to qualify for the last 16.

Panama shocked many when they struck first against France through Marta Cox's unbelievable free-kick in the second minute for their first-ever World Cup goal. The French would quickly take control of the tie, though, scoring in the 21st, 28th, 37th and 45th minutes (through Maelle Lakrar, Kadidiatou Diani twice and Lea le Garrec, respectively) to take a commanding 4-1 lead into the half-time break.

Diani completed her hat-trick in the 52nd minute, only for Panama to score twice more through Yamira Pinzon and Lineth Cedeno, but it was too little too late as the French went on to score a sixth in injury time to seal their lead at the top of Group F and progression to the round of 16 at their opposition's expense.

In the other tie, Brazil started slowly but then dominated possession against the Jamaicans, but neither side was able to break the deadlock before half-time. 

The South Americans applied heavy pressure after the break, but found the Jamaican rearguard too difficult to break down, and with no goals coming before the final whistle, the South Americans go home while Jamaica made history in qualifying for the last 16 for the first time ever.

RESULTS

South Africa 3-2 Italy

Argentina 0-2 Sweden

Needing to a win to have any chance of progressing, Banyana Banyana were dealt an early blow when a penalty was awarded to Azzurre following a late challenge in the box, with Arianna Caruso scoring from the spot.

SA pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter, with Robyn Moodaly hitting the post with a volleyed effort in the 20th minute, and it arrived in the 31st minute when Benedetta Orsi put the ball into her own net following good pressure from SA.

Banyana created more chances in the second half, with Thembi Kgatlana particularly impressing, but lacked that finishing touch. 

Until the 66th minute that is, when Hildah Magaia struck following a delightful through-ball from Kgatlana.

Azzurre responded almost immediately, however, with Caruso bundling the ball in off a corner. 

With SA continuing to chase for the winner, it arrived in the 90th minute when Kgatlana slotted in from close range after good work from Magaia.

After a nervy 16 minutes of injury time, the final whistle blew to confirm that Banyana had qualified for the knockout stages of the competition for the first time ever.

In the other Group G tie, with Sweden having already qualified for the round of 16 and Argentina needing a win to ensure their progression, the South Americans did the early running but failed to score in what was ultimately an evenly-matched first half.

The Swedes then took the lead in the 66th minute through a Rebecka Blomqvist header, before Elin Rubensson sealed the deal with a second in the 90th minute to make it three wins in three games at the showpiece, with the Argentines bowing out.

TODAY'S MATCHES

09:00 South Africa vs Italy (Group G)

09:00 Argentina vs Sweden (Group G)

12:00 Jamaica vs Brazil (Group F)

12:00 Panama vs France (Group F)

MATCHDAY 14, 2 August 2023

Good morning!

It's a big day for South Africa as Banyana Banyana get set for their final group game of the tournament, and progression to the next round is still possible. Wishing coach Desiree Ellis and her African champions the best of luck against the Italians!

Let's go!

REMINDER

Banyana Banyana's final Group G game is against Italy at 09:00 on Wednesday morning.

Ahead of the all-important tie, it was revealed that the team is sweating on captain Refiloe Jane's fitness for the match, and coach Desiree Ellis has provided an update on the matter.

RESULTS

Haiti 0-2 Denmark

China PR 1-6 England 

In a lively start, Denmark scored in the fourth minute, only for Simone Boye's goal to be ruled out by VAR for offside. They would get their first strike of the match in the 21st minute, though, through a Pernille Harder penalty after Dayana Pierre-Louis had handled in the box.

The Danes' domination continued in the second half, and they sealed their progression to the knockout stages with Sanne Troelsgaard strike in the 100th minute of the tie.

In the other match, Alessia Russo put the Lionesses in the lead in the fourth minute following some good work from Lauren Hemp and Lauren James, with Hemp making it 2-0 22 minutes later, before James added a stunner from the edge of the box just before half-time.

China got back into the game after the break, when Wang Shuang scored from the spot after a Lucy Bronze handball.

Their joy was short-lived, though, as James scored again with an excellent volley to make it 4-1 in the 65th minute. Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly then completed the rout to send England to the round of 16.

RESULTS

Vietnam 0-7 Netherlands

Portugal 0-0 USA

Group E's final matches saw the Netherlands cruise past Vietnam, while the USA were able to hold a rampant Portugal at bay.

Goals for the Orange Lionesses from Lieke Martins, Katja Snoeijs, Esmee Brugts (2), Jill Roord (2) and Danielle van de Donk sent the European giants to the top of the group and the next round, and the minnows back home.

The tie between the USA and Portugal was a far closer match, with both teams startng strongly but unable to find the back of the net in an action-packed first half.

With A Seleccao das Quinas needing a goal to have a chance of qualifying for the round of 16, it never came, with Ana Capeta going agonisingly close in the 91st minute when she hit the post with a strike.

As a result, the USA progressed to the knockout stages at Portugal's expense following their 0-0 stalemate.

MATCHDAY 13, 1 August 2023 

TODAY'S MATCHES

09:00 Vietnam vs Netherlands (Group E)

09:00 Portugal vs USA (Group E)

13:00 Haiti vs Denmark (Group D)

13:00 China PR vs England (Group D)

RESULTS

Canada 0-4 Australia

Republic of Ireland 0-0 Nigeria

Hayley Raso scored in the ninth minute to put the co-hosts in the lead against the Canadians, with the goal being given by VAR after initially being ruled out for offside. The script was then flipped when Raso thought she scored a second, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. She would complete her brace moments later from a corner in the 39th minute, though.

Mary Fowler added to the Matildas lead in the 58th minute, before Steph Catley sealed the win, and progression as group leaders, in injury time

With Nigeria needing just a draw to qualify for the round of 16 from their final Group B tie, Vera Pauw's Irish had the brighter start but failed to score before HT, which suited the Super Falcons.

The Nigerians came out with renewed vigour in the early stages of the second half, but then Ireland started turning the screw and applying pressure on the Super Falcons' goal.

This was to no avail, though, as the African nation secured the point needed to go to the next round. 

RESULTS

Japan 4-0 Spain

Costa Rica 1-3 Zambia

Group C's final matches were effectively both dead rubbers, with Spain and Japan having both already sealed qualification before kick-off.

Japan took the lead in their match against La Roja when Hinata Miyazawa found the back of the net, and a second soon followed through Riko Ueki, who scored following a rapid counter-attack, before Miyazawa completed her brace just before half-time.

With Mina Tanaka scoring a classy fourth for the Nadeshiko in the 82nd minute, Japan qualified for the round of 16 as group winners as Spain conceded four times in a game for the first time since 2012.

In the other tie, Lushomo Mweemba made history when she scored Zambia's first-ever goal at a World Cup, with Barbara Banda adding a second in the 31st minute.

Costa Rica hit back when Melissa Herrera scored in the 47th minute, but that would prove to be nothing more than a consolation strike as Racheal Kundananji scored in injury time to seal an emphatic and historic victory for the Zambians, their first at a WC, as both teams bowed out of the tournament.

MATCHDAY 12, 31/07/23

TODAY'S MATCHES

09:00 Japan vs Spain (Group C)

09:00 Costa Rica vs Zambia (Group C)

12:00 Canada vs Australia (Group B)

12:00 Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria (Group B)

RESULT

Germany 1-2 Colombia

Colombia moved top of Group H after defeating Germany 2-1 at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Linda Caicedo and a late winner from Manuela Vanegas handed Colombia a famous victory, while Alexandra Popp netted for the Germans, who sit second in the group

RESULT

Switzerland 0-0 New Zealand

Switzerland qualified for the knockout stage as Group A winners after goalless draw against co-hosts New Zealand.

The draw was enough to seal the Swiss' spot in the round of 16 and end New Zealand's journey at the tournament.

RESULT

Norway 6-0 Philippines

Norway sealed their spot in the last 16 with a 6-0 thrashing of Philippines on Saturday morning.

Sophia Haug had a day to remember after bagging the tournament's second hat-trick.

Caroline Graham Hansen, Guro Reiten and an own goal from Alica Barker helped the Norwegians over the line and sealed second spot in Group A

RESULT

Korea Republic 0-1 Morocco

Morocco picked up their first-ever win at the Women's World Cup with a 1-0 triumph over Korea Republic on Sunday morning.

Ibtissam Jraidi was the history maker on the day as he scored the nation's first-ever goal at the tournament, which sealed their maiden victory as well.

TODAY'S MATCHES

06:30 Korea Republic v Morocco (Group H)

09:00 Switzerland v New Zealand (Group A)

09:00 Norway v Philippines (Group A)

11:30 Germany v Colombia (Group H)