1. Spain 2-2 England. England to win on penalties.
The grudge match; will the Lionesses devour the Roos?
Australia are the ONLY team to have beaten England. In the space of around two years. It is the only team that have outfoxed Wiegman with her 36 games in charge - 31 of which have been won. She is, undisputedly, the best female manager in the national game. I would wager one of the best managers in the world, with Klopp, Guardiola, Arteta and the like. But...against a team who have unlocked England before where nobody has - whilst incongruent as it was a friendly - and who are the host nations with a 75K strong stadia following, can England take revenge on the country that has not just beaten them in the football but the cricket AND the netball so recently?
Predicta-balls: DAY 28 (SF)
England: Russo to score (anytime), Hemp to assist (anytime).
Australia: Kerr to score (anytime), Fowler to assist (anytime).
Spain reach first ever World Cup final at the expense of Sweden ; 2-1
Spain beat Sweden in a thrilling finish to reach their first Women's World Cup final. Third-place ranked Sweden will now compete for play-off 'bronze' for the second World Cup in a row.
Captain Olga Carmona scored an 89th-minute winner to spark wild scenes of jubilation among their supporters at Eden Park, Auckland.
Sweden - who have now lost back-to-back World Cup semi-finals - had equalised through Rebecka Blomqvist just 93 seconds earlier and it looked like the match would be going to extra time.
A game of few chances had sparked into life when substitute Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead with just 10 minutes remaining.
They will face England or Australia in the final in Sydney on Sunday.
Steely England summon another semi; England 2-1 Colombia
England set up a Women's World Cup semi-final with co-hosts Australia as they came from behind against a dangerous Colombia side.
The European champions, favourites to go all the way in Australia, have not played their best football in the tournament but this was a much more rounded display in front of a hostile crowd in Sydney.
Largely composed in defence and hard-working in attack, the Lionesses were rewarded with two slices of luck which they capitalised on, after goalkeeper Mary Earps had been beaten by a quick-thinking lob in the first half.
Lauren Hemp poked in the equaliser, just seven minutes after Leicy Santos had caught out Earps, when Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez spilled a routine gather in the six-yard area under pressure from Alessia Russo.
Arsenal striker Russo, who had only scored once in four World Cup matches prior to Saturday's quarter-final, worked tirelessly out of possession, earning her opportunity when she pounced on a kind deflection to drill in England's second.
Earps was called into action later, tipping Lorena Durango Bedoya's effort over the bar, while England were put under further pressure by Colombia's talented attacking line-up, which included Real Madrid's teenage sensation Linda Caicedo.
The Lionesses, who had to deal with a crowd of 75,784 who were largely backing Colombia, face co-hosts Australia next on 16 August at 11:00 BST, live on BBC.
It will be the Lionesses' third straight World Cup semi-final after defeats by the USA in 2019 and Japan in 2015.
Battle of Brisbane; Australia edge French in foot-slinging duel, 0-0 AET
Co-hosts Australia reached the Women's World Cup semi-finals for the first time as they beat France in an incredible penalty shoot-out at Brisbane Stadium.
Following a goalless 120 minutes, the Matildas triumphed 7-6 in a shootout which defied belief with its dramatic twists.
Cortnee Vine scored the winning spot-kick for Australia, after Vicki Becho had struck the post for France.
Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold made a total of four saves in the shoot-out - including twice from Kenza Dali, having moved off the line for the first stop, leading to a retake.
Arnold herself had the opportunity to score the winning penalty as the fifth taker for Australia, after saving from Eve Perisset, but struck the post as nearly 50,000 Australians inside the stadium went through every emotion imaginable.
But it is the hosts who march on, reaching their first ever Women's World Cup semi-final.
Australia will play England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on 16 August at 11.00 BST.
Sweden scrape JABBAnese job; 2-1
Sweden are into the last 4 teams of the tournament as they completed their Jabbanese job, but it was far from plain sailing for the stout Swedes.
It was too little too late for the Japanese as they turned on the style in the final third of the match, Sweden prevailing - albeit nervily - despite a missed penalty that cannoned off of the bar, a similarly resultant free kick and a goal in the 87th minute.
Japan's failure to find a rhythm, at least until tensions rose for Sweden in the latter business stages of the contest, ultimately cost the exit of probably the most electric team of the World Cup.
Whilst Japan staged a riveting comeback, it was Amanda Ilestedt's fourth goal of the tournament partnered with Angeldahl's precise penalty that were the penultimate nails in the Japanese coffin.
Sweden...they go again, and will meet Spain to win the ultimate fixture in football history: the final.
Netherlands and Neverlands; Spain 1-1 Netherlands (2-1 AET)
The Netherlands, largely outplayed for most of the game, were made to come from behind and nearly steal the win from a dominant Spanish team that should have settled the result much earlier in the game.
Spain played some cut-throat candy football, nearly breaching the Netherlands at least four times in the first half but were denied by goalie in yellow and twice goalie in post-white.
Both teams - with their determination and spirit - were advocates for the quality and pride ubiquitous within the tournament.
Spain sizzled in attack and continued to push the Dutch back, relentlessly stepping up the pressure which finally paid dividends in the 81st minute when Oliver neatly netted from the spot.
The Netherlands sparked into life after conceding, Stefanie van de Gragt leveling the contest with a fine left-footed strike in the first of 12 additional minutes added for injury time.
Gragt's goal was enough to send the contest into extra-time, but that was as far as the 2019 finalists would go, with substitute Salma Paralluelo's astute finish sealing the eventual win for Spain on 111 minutes.
Spain will progress to the semi-finals for the first time in their history, meeting either Sweden or Japan.
Predicta-balls: DAY 23 (QF)
1. Spain 1-2 Netherlands
2. Japan 1-1 Sweden. Japan to win in extra time.
France inflict Moroccan mirth; 4-0
Eugenie Le Sommer scored twice as France cruised into the Women's World Cup quarter-finals, thrashing Morocco to end the African side's dream run.
Goals from Kadidiatou Diani, Kenza Dali and Le Sommer put France 3-0 ahead at half-time in Adelaide, with Le Sommer adding her second after 70 minutes.
France will now face Australia in the last eight in Brisbane on Saturday.
Morocco had been hoping to become the first African side to win a knockout match at the Women's World Cup.
Colombia too strong for stern Jamaican rearguard; 1-0
Colombia set up a Women's World Cup quarter-final against England with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica.
Catalina Usme, who captained Colombia in Melbourne, curled home the decisive strike in the 51st minute.
It was the first goal Jamaica had conceded at the tournament after 321 minutes of play, but they could not find a response.
This is the first time Colombia have reached the last eight of the Women's World Cup.
They will face European champions England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday, kick-off at 11.30 BST.
Hosts hop into QF's; Australia 2-0 Denmark
Co-hosts Australia reached the Women's World Cup quarter-finals with a clinical win over Denmark in the last 16 at a packed Stadium Australia.
Caitlin Foord put the Matildas ahead in the 29th minute, finishing from a tight angle following a great pass from Mary Fowler.
Hayley Raso added a second in the 70th minute with a driven finish after good work from Emily van Egmond.
Australia will face either France or Morocco in the last eight on Saturday.
Lucky Lionesses limp on; England 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 on penalties)
England scraped through to the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria despite Lauren James' red card.
Georgia Stanway fired wide with the opening penalty but Nigeria missed their next two efforts and the European champions secured their spot in the last eight when Chloe Kelly smashed in the winning kick.
In an outburst of frustration, James stamped on Michelle Alozie's back in the 87th minute after losing possession and was rightly shown a red card following a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
England were given an almighty scare but face Colombia or Jamaica next at 11:30 BST on Saturday.
ONE KICK IS ALL IT TAKES: Good luck England!!!
Good luck @Lionesses, predicting a 3-0 win with a Russo hat-trick :)
— Mark Hale (@MarkHale1408) August 7, 2023
Statues at liberty; USA LOSE TO SWEDEN (0-0 AET: 4-5 on penalties)
Reigning champions the USA are out of the Women's World Cup after being stunned by Sweden on penalties on a night of incredible drama in Melbourne.
BREAKING: Woke US Women’s Soccer HumiliationBREAKING: Woke US Women’s Soccer Humiliation
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 6, 2023
After winning back-to-back World Cups the heavily favored Team USA has been ELIMINATED by Sweden in the 16th round.
Team USA’s downfall was delivered by anti-America, anti-woman activist Megan Rapinoe’s EMBARRASSING free kick here 🥴 pic.twitter.com/uO3aDQcYbl
After winning back-to-back World Cups the heavily favored Team USA has been ELIMINATED by Sweden in the 16th round.
Team USA’s downfall was delivered by anti-America, anti-woman activist Megan Rapinoe’s EMBARRASSING free kick here 🥴 pic.twitter.com/uO3aDQcYbl— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 6, 2023
There are a few reasons why the USA have had the worst tournament in their history; arrogance being one of them. Poor Lindsay Horan, captain fantastic, who was the ONLY states player to do herself justice amongst disservice.
Why was Trinity Rodman not utilized more?
Why was Megan Rapinoe even in the squad?
Why did the players crumble under the pressure of the media?
Why did Sophia Smith lose her confidence?
The fact Megan Rapinoe was nonchalantly laughing after missing a penalty that would have set the states up for the win just shows how egotistical the squad is. An American legend retires...so too the American's grip on world class football.
USA dominated the 120 minutes but were denied by an inspired goalkeeping performance from Zecira Musovic as the match finished goalless.
The drama only ratcheted up further in the shootout. Three USA players missed, including their footballing icon Megan Rapinoe on her last appearance on the world stage, before Sweden won in remarkable circumstances.
USA keeper Alyssa Naeher appeared to have saved Lina Hurtig's effort at the second attempt, having pushed the initial effort up before clawing it out.
But after checking with the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Stephanie Frappart awarded the goal and sparked wild Sweden celebrations.
USA manager Vlatko Andonovski was not convinced the ball had crossed the line, despite technology confirming the goal.
"It's a tough moment," he said. "It's a moment where it's hard to go through, where you hope it didn't cross the line. I see pictures and I still can't see it now, but proves how cruel this game can be."
Sweden go through to face Japan in the quarter-finals.
Dutiful Dutch dispel South Africa; 2-0
Netherlands manager Andries Jonker says his team have come to the Women's World Cup "with the conviction that we can beat everybody" after securing a quarter-final spot against Spain.
The Netherlands were forced to endure several anxious moments before defeating South Africa and booking a place in the last eight.
Jill Roord, Manchester City's new club record signing, nodded the Netherlands ahead but South Africa went close to equalising several times against the 2019 runners-up.
Banyana Banyana captain Thembi Kgatlana was once again a real handful and forced four fine saves from Daphne van Domselaar, Aston Villa's new goalkeeper, in front of a crowd of 40,233 at Sydney Football Stadium.
Lineth Beerensteyn doubled the lead after a mistake by South Africa keeper Kaylin Swart in the second half.
The Netherlands will return to New Zealand to face Spain in Wellington on Friday at 02:00 BST for a place in the semi-finals.
Predicta-balls: DAY 18 (/16)
1. Netherlands 2-0 South Africa
2. Sweden 2-2 USA. USA to win on penalties.
Norway nullified by jeopardy of Japan; 3-1
Japan took a step closer to a second Women's World Cup title when they beat Norway to reach the quarter-finals.
The 2011 champions made the ideal start when Norway defender Ingrid Engen turned Hinata Miyazawa's cross into her own net.
However, Norway equalised a few minutes later when Guro Reiten headed home.
Risa Shimizu's heavily defected strike restored Japan's lead before Hinata Miyazawa raced through to score a third and seal her side's progress.
The goal cemented Japan's place in the quarter-finals and kept Miyazawa on target for the Golden Boot - she leads the scoring charts in Australia and New Zealand on five.
Norway were second best for much of the game but almost set up an exciting finish when goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita superbly kept out Karina Saevik's bullet header.
Japan will play either defending champions the United States or Sweden in the last eight.
Penalty Pandemonium 3: It's all-right
So far in the tournament, 22 penalties have been awarded; three having been retaken due to goalkeeping infringements (2) or striker haste (1).
WWC 2019 saw 26 penalties awarded in total (not including shootouts), with 29 penalties being the all-time record.
Awarded penalties scored: 17/22 (77.3%)
Awarded penalties saved: 4/22 (18.2%)
Awarded penalties missed: 1/22 (4.5%)
Percentage of teams (32) awarded penalty: 59% (19)
Teams awarded most penalties: Australia (2), China (2), France (2)
Of the 22 penalty strikes, 15 spot-kicks have targeted the goalkeepers right with 14/15 being converted successfully. 3 spot-kick takers have opted to go down the middle, with 2/3 being converted. Surprisingly, only four penalty takers have chosen to go to the goalkeepers left; with only 1/4 penalties leading to goals, 2 saved and 1 missed.
Strike to goalkeepers right: 68%, success rate 93%
Strike to goalkeepers left: 18%, success rate 25%
Strike down the middle: 14%, success rate 66.6%
The most penalties that have been awarded in a full days roster of games - 4 - occurred in the culminating group stage games for Group F and Group G; seeing 5 penalties awarded in total within the space of a few hours (France x 2, Panama, Sweden, Italy).
Five-alive Spain bury porous Swiss; 5-1
Spain reached the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup for the first time after producing an outstanding display of firepower to send Switzerland out.
La Roja were beaten 4-0 in their final group game by Japan five days earlier in Wellington but bounced back in style to score four times during a dominant first half showing in front of 43,217 - a record crowd for a football match in New Zealand.
Predicta-balls: DAY 17 (/16)
1. Switzerland 1-1 Spain. Switzerland to win on penalties
2. Japan 2-1 Norway
Debutants Morocco snatch qualification into last 16; Morocco 1-0 Colombia
Morocco have reached the last 16 on their Women's World Cup debut after beating Colombia - although the South Americans progress as Group H winners.
Germany's failure to beat South Korea means Morocco are into the knockout rounds as runners-up.
Anissa Lahmari scored the only goal via a rebound after captain Ghizlane Chebbak's penalty was saved.
Morocco - who lost 6-0 to the Germans in their opener before successive wins - will face France in Adelaide next.
Colombia, who earned two wins in their first two matches and finish above Morocco on goal difference, will play Jamaica in Melbourne earlier on 8 August.
Snap, crackle...Popp! Germany phone home with Koreans; 1-1
Two-time champions Germany were sent crashing out of the Women's World Cup group stages in the biggest shock of the tournament thanks to a draw with South Korea.
It is the first time in Germany's history they have failed to reach the knockout stages.
One of the pre-tournament favourites, Germany knew they needed to better Morocco's result against Colombia to progress in Group H, but that match finished 1-0 to Morocco.
An early goal by South Korea's Cho So-hyun shook the Euro 2022 finalists in Brisbane, but captain Alexandra Popp netted her fourth goal in three matches to equalise shortly before half-time.
Popp was their best hope of scoring again and she almost did, thumping a header off the crossbar minutes after she had bundled it over the line, only for the video assistant referee to confirm it was offside.
Germany's players fell to the ground at full-time and were in tears as they were consoled by staff members.
South Korea finish bottom of the group, having lost their first two matches.
German national teams in the last few months:
— 𝔰𝔩𝔞𝔳𝔬𝔦𝔡 (@slxvxid) August 3, 2023
2022 World Cup group stage exit
2023 U21 Euros group stage exit
2023 Women's World Cup group stage exit
German football is at its lowest all time point
GOAT GOAL Contender #10 - Cox
Watch Marta Fox's absolutely audacious free kick against France - the first direct free kick to be scored in 46 games.
With 69 seconds gone, Fox lets rip a screamer from 30 yards, dipping and swerving into the top left corner. No goalkeeper, nay three goalkeepers, would be stopping it.
Whilst there are still 18 matches left of the competition, it's hard to imagine a better belting goal than this.
For now, this has to be goal of the tournament so far, amongst a foray of excellent quality this World Cup.
1st FIFA Women's World Cup Goal for Panama ✅
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 2, 2023
Fastest goal of the tournament ✅
Marta Cox made history with that strike 🎯🇵🇦 pic.twitter.com/bHp1ERUcxO
Fluid but flaky France survive Panamazing scare; 6-3
France manager Herve Renard warned his players "not to take anything for granted" as they survived a scare to beat Panama and finish top of Group F at the Women's World Cup.
After Panama led through Marta Cox's superb free-kick, France took control in Sydney with Kadi Diani scoring a hat-trick.
But Panama pulled two goals back, and Renard was unhappy his side eased off.
"I just think they were looking for easy way out tonight," he said.
"We were 5-1 up, with the game in the bag... you see this often in football. It was poor attitude from the girls for a few minutes.
"The devil is in the detail in games like this, and this shows the younger girls not to take anything for granted."
Renard rested captain Wendie Renard and all-time top scorer Eugenie le Sommer among five changes from the 2-1 win over Brazil, and he felt some of the incoming players had failed to impress.
"We rested a lot of players, and it shows those who want to be part of the XI need to pull their socks up, as it wasn't good enough at times tonight," he said.
France will face the runners up in Group H - possibly Germany - in the last 16.
Meanwhile, debutants Panama, already eliminated from the tournament before this game, have lost all three matches at their first World Cup.
Ja-making history; Jamaica 0-0 Brazil
In a shocking but fair result, Jamaica qualified for the last 16 at the expense of the perennial might of Brazil, who bow out at the group stage for the first time since 1995.
Owing to France having an assured lead over Panama for the duration, Brazil required a win to progress from Group F.
Not even 37 year old Brazilian icon and record World Cup scorer Marta (17 goals) could carry the team through to the knockout stages; her final hurrah more final misery after what can only be deemed a hugely disappointing campaign for camp Brazil, save for one slick victory over Panama.
Jamaica, as proven in their mainstay so far at 2023, were unable to have their goal-line broken and procure one of the best defensive statistics left in the tournament.
Jamaica remain undefeated and their steel resolution untarnished without even conceding a single goal. They progress to the knockout phase for the first time in their history - finishing second to France - and will face either Germany, Colombia or Morocco.
Kgatlanas laced katana slices through Italian dreams; South Africa 3-2 Italy
South Africa are through to the last 16 after claiming their first Women's World Cup win with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Italy.
Thembi Kgatlana's 93rd-minute winner proved the difference after Italy fought back to level with a Arianna Caruso header.
A draw would have been enough to take Italy into the knockout rounds.
South Africa will play Group E winners the Netherlands on Sunday.
Bye bye from Swedes, Argentina; 2-0
Sweden beat Argentina to make it three wins from three at the Women's World Cup, clinching top spot in Group G and a mouth-watering last-16 clash with the USA.
With first place essentially guaranteed thanks to a vastly superior goal difference, Sweden made nine changes in Hamilton and lacked the cohesion of their first two games but still had too much for their opponents.
After a fiercely contested hour, Sweden's extra quality shone through, with Rebecka Blomqvist finding space in the box to power home Sofia Jakobsson's cross from close range.
Elin Rubensson put the result beyond doubt with a coolly taken late penalty after Blomqvist had been fouled in the box as Argentina sought to defend a free-kick.
Argentina depart the tournament having finished bottom of the group with one point.
They battled hard here but were unable to hurt the Swedes and claim what would have been a historic double at a World Cup finals - a maiden win and progression to the knockout rounds for the first time.
South Africa join the Swedes in the last 16 after winning 3-2 against Italy in a dramatic game in Wellington.
European champions England progress
The hard work continues 💪 pic.twitter.com/ncShviUZGb
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 1, 2023
Predicta-balls: DAY 14
1. Argentina 0-4 Sweden
2. South Africa 1-1 Italy
3. Panama 0-5 France
4. Jamaica 1-3 Brazil
TikTok boom! England crush China; 6-1
Lauren James produced a sensational individual performance as England entertained to sweep aside China and book their place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup as group winners.
England were nothing short of superb; 5 different scorers, 4 variable assisters and wondrous finishing that Nigeria will be having night terrors about for the next few days.
It was a display worthy of their status as European champions and James once again lit the stage alight in Adelaide with two sensational goals and three assists.
The 13,497 in attendance were treated to a masterclass from Chelsea's James, who announced her arrival at the World Cup with the match-winner against Denmark on Friday.
She helped England get off to the perfect start when she teed up Alessia Russo for the opener, and later slipped the ball through to Lauren Hemp to coolly place it into the bottom corner.
It was largely one-way traffic as England dominated and overwhelmed, James striking it first time into the corner from the edge of the box to make it 3-0 before another stunning finish was ruled out by video assistant referee (VAR) for offside in the build-up.
China knew they were heading out of the tournament unless they responded, so they came out with more aggression in the second half, unnerving England slightly when Shuang Wang scored from the penalty spot after VAR picked up a handball by defender Lucy Bronze.
But James was not done yet - she volleyed Jess Carter's deep cross past helpless goalkeeper Yu Zhu for England's fourth before substitute Chloe Kelly and striker Rachel Daly joined the party.
England, who had quietly gone about their business in the group stages, will have raised eyebrows with this performance before their last-16 match against Nigeria on Monday.
China are out of the competition after Denmark beat Haiti to finish in second place in Group D.
Harder better, faster, stronger; Denmark 2-0 Haiti
Denmark booked their place in the World Cup last 16 with a 2-0 win over Haiti to finish second in Group D behind England.
Haiti were undone by a penalty for a third game in a row, with Pernille Harder scoring from the spot after Dayana Pierre-Louis' handball.
Sanne Troelsgaard sealed the Danes' progression to the knockout stages with a second goal deep into injury time.
Denmark face Group B winners and co-hosts Australia in Sydney on Monday.
It will be Denmark's first World Cup knockout match in 28 years, since they lost to Norway in the quarter-finals of the 1995 tournament.
Seventh heaven for Netherlands as Vietnam dwarfed by class; 7-0
The Netherlands' topped Group E of the Women's World Cup ahead of the United States as they secured an emphatic 7-0 victory over Vietnam.
Esmee Brugts scored two sublime, near-identical curling efforts, either side of the break.
Jill Roord also netted twice with Lieke Martens, Katja Snoeijs and Danielle van de Donk the other Dutch scorers.
The 2019 runners-up will be in action against the runners-up from Group G in the first last 16 on Sunday.
🖼️#FIFAWWC #VIENED #TheOranjeBeat https://t.co/z75k0Vcg4y pic.twitter.com/PPTCKWsXlx
— OranjeLeeuwinnen (@oranjevrouwen) August 1, 2023
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