FIFA Women's World Cup: Spain hero Carmona pays tribute to father who died before final

Spain World Cup hero Carmona pays tribute to father who died before final

Spain's Women's World Cup hero Olga Carmona paid tribute to her father on Monday for giving her the strength "to achieve something unique" after learning of his death following the nation's 1-0 win over England.

The 23-year-old defender drilled home the only goal of the final in Sydney on Sunday to help La Roja win the World Cup for the first time in their history.

"And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started," she posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"I know that you have given me the strength to achieve something unique. I know that you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me.

"Rest in peace, dad."

The Spanish federation (RFEF) said Carmona "learned the sad news after the World Cup final".

"We send our most sincere embraces to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. We love you, Olga, you are in the history of Spanish football," it added.

The Real Madrid star dedicated her goal to the late mother of one of her best friends, displaying an undershirt with "Merchi" written on it when she scored.

"I want to say this victory is for one of my best friend's mother, who died recently. I celebrated the goal with that shirt," Carmona told Spanish state broadcasters La 1, soon after the game's conclusion.

Carmona's club Real Madrid said it "wants to express its condolences and affection to Olga, her relatives and all her loved ones" in a statement.

"Rest in peace." 

 - AFP

Carmona hails 'unstoppable' Spain after World Cup triumph

Spain's goalscoring hero Olga Carmona hailed her "unstoppable" side as they beat England 1-0 to win the Women's World Cup for the first time on Sunday in Sydney.

Carmona drilled home after 29 minutes to put La Roja ahead and they held onto their lead to triumph.

"It was a really tough game, we knew it would be tricky, England have a great team, but I think it was our game," Carmona told Spanish national broadcasters La 1.

"We had the feeling we were going to do it, and this is unstoppable, the truth is I don't know what to tell you."

Carmona celebrated her goal by revealing a message on an undershirt, reading "Merchi".

The 23-year-old said it was a tribute for a friend whose mother had passed away.

"I want to say this victory is for one of my best friend's mother, who died recently, I celebrated the goal with that shirt," added Carmona.

Spain coach Jorge Vilda said he was extremely proud of his team. Vilda was heavily criticised in the build-up to and during the tournament for his tense relationship with a number of players who quit the national team in protest against the coach and the Spanish football federation.

Three of the 15 protesting players returned for the tournament -- Aitana Bonmati, Ona Batlle and Mariona Caldentey, all of whom started in the final.

"It's difficult to describe immense joy; I'm so proud of this team," said Vilda.

"I'm so happy for everyone watching us right now; we've made them happy too. We're champions of the world."The coach said the celebrations would run on for a long time.

"Now we have to celebrate; I can only imagine how Spain is; we're celebrating here, and we don't know when it will end."

- AFP

Sweden take third place to spoil Australia's World Cup party

Sweden scored either side of half-time to spoil Australia's party and claim third spot at the Women's World Cup with a 2-0 win in Brisbane on Saturday.

In front of a crowd of nearly 50 000, Sweden took the lead with a 30th-minute penalty by Fridolina Rolfo and doubled their advantage with a powerful strike from Kosovare Asllani just after the hour.

It is the fourth time that Sweden have finished third at the tournament.

"It was an incredibly important match and the final 10 minutes were really tough," coach Peter Gerhardsson said.

"So when that final whistle went and we had won, there was a great sense of relief and it was a wonderful feeling.

"It's great to win a match of this magnitude - there's been a lot of attention paid to this tournament back in Sweden."

Sweden fully deserved their win against the hosts, dominating the midfield and keeping talismanic Australian striker Sam Kerr relatively quiet.

Australia's other dangerous attacker, Mary Fowler, had a night to forget as she struggled physically against the size and power of the Swedish defenders.

By contrast, Sweden striker Stina Blackstenius caused havoc among the Australian defence during her 63 minutes on the pitch and had a hand in both goals.

Player of the match Rolfo said: "We showed from minute one that we were the better team. We deserved (to win) this match."

Some of the Australia players were in tears at the end, but this was still the co-hosts' best World Cup ever.

"We wanted to have some hardware to take home, it wasn't to be," said Kerr, who did not start a game at the tournament until the 3-1 semi-final defeat to England because of injury.

The skipper attempted to look at the bigger picture, saying: "We've proved to the world - and also within Australia - that we are a footballing nation."

The Swedes began with far more intent than the Matildas and dominated for most of the first period.

Playing a bit like England in the semi-final on Wednesday, the Swedes slowed the ball down and controlled the midfield.

Australia only really looked dangerous on the transition and for much of the time they were chasing shadows, struggling to get any meaningful possession.

The Swedes had a golden chance to take the lead in the first 60 seconds when Blackstenius shot low across goal.

Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who had another excellent night, parried the ball away and Ellie Carpenter did well to clear from in front of an open goal.

The Matildas didn't have their first shot until the 24th minute when a Hayley Raso drive drew a good save from Sweden keeper Zecira Musovic.

But minutes later Sweden took the lead when VAR ruled that Clare Hunt had clipped Blackstenius's heel after yet another dangerous run into the box from the Swedish striker.

Australia coach Tony Gustavsson made an attacking change on the 60-minute mark, bringing on Emily van Egmond and Cortnee Vine, but it was Sweden who continued to control the match.

They went some way to silencing the sell-out crowd when Blackstenius laid a ball across goal for Asllani, who smashed a powerful strike past a diving Arnold.

It was their last contribution of the night as both were subbed almost immediately.

Australia tried desperately to breach the Swedish defence in the last 20 minutes by lumping deep crosses into the box, but Musovic was largely untroubled to keep a clean sheet.

- AFP

History beckons with England, Spain one win from World Cup glory

A Women's World Cup that has broken records on and off the pitch will reach a suitable climax on Sunday when England or Spain are crowned champions for the first time.

About 75,000 fans will pack Stadium Australia in Sydney for the final of a World Cup that began with 32 teams, compared to 24 four years ago and saw many of the favourites fall early.

Germany bowed out in the group phase together with Brazil, Italy and Olympic champions Canada, then holders the United States followed them out the trapdoor in the last 16 -- their earliest exit ever.

South Africa, Jamaica and Morocco all reached the last 16 for the first time, and Colombia made a maiden quarter-final appearance before a 2-1 defeat to England.

The exploits of the lower-ranked sides are evidence that the gap has closed significantly in international women's football, but in the end, it is two of the leading sides who will contest the final.

'Fairytale' for Wiegman

Sarina Wiegman's England are European champions and came into the World Cup as favourites along with the United States.

But like Spain, England have never reached the World Cup final before.

The two teams met in the quarter-finals of last year's European Championship, with Wiegman's Lionesses winning 2-1 in extra time and going on to beat Germany in the final for their first major title.

On that occasion, England had the backing of fervent home support, a luxury they will not have this time. If anything, Australian fans at the final are likely to cheer for Spain.

The anticipated sell-out crowd at Stadium Australia will bookend a tournament that is the best-attended in Women's World Cup history.

Wiegman has a world-class squad to call upon, but it is the coach herself who is arguably England's biggest asset.

She is the standard-bearer for woman coaches, having won the Euros with her native Netherlands and then repeating the feat with England.

Described by her players as calm but direct, Wiegman took the Dutch to the World Cup final four years ago, where they lost 2-0 to the United States.

"Having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special," the 53-year-old said after her side defied a partisan crowd to defeat co-hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday's semi-final.

"I never take anything for granted, but it's like I'm living in a fairytale or something."

Wiegman is already hugely respected in her adopted country, but now she is one victory away from joining Alf Ramsey, who took England to the men's title in 1966 in winning a World Cup for England.

Turmoil 'made Spain stronger'

Spain have defied turmoil off the pitch to make their own history.

Their preparations were clouded by a dispute with 15 players who last year said they no longer wanted to be considered for selection.

Coach Jorge Vilda and his strict personality were chief among a litany of complaints, but here they are, missing 12 of the 15 but on the cusp of world domination.

England have not been perfect in reaching the final and needed penalties to see off Nigeria in the last 16, before more convincing displays in defeating Colombia and Australia.

But Spain have also had their challenges at this tournament.

They were thumped 4-0 by Japan in their final group game, the caveat being that both teams had already qualified for the knockout rounds.

Spain then thrashed Switzerland 5-1 and squeezed past the Netherlands and Sweden by identical 2-1 scorelines, the victory over the Dutch coming in extra time.

Vilda says that the turmoil that once threatened to torpedo their World Cup "made all of us stronger".

"Now we can file it away and put it behind us and think about the future and think that we deserve to be where we are," he said after Olga Carmona's sumptuous 89th-minute strike propelled them past Sweden in the semi-finals.

It is proof of Spain's depth of resources that they have hardly missed the players who refused to play under Vilda.

On top of that, reigning two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has been reduced to a bit-part role as she struggles to regain form and fitness after injury.

In her place, Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati -- who had been part of the protesting 15 -- has emerged as Spain's creative force, and the player England must stop. 

- AFP

Ruthless England beat Australia to set up World Cup final with Spain

Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo did the damage late on in Sydney as England shattered Australian dreams on Wednesday with a clinical 3-1 win to set up a Women's World Cup final against Spain.

The Lionesses had stumbled at the same stage twice before, but the European champions made no mistake this time to reach the final for the first time.

They took the lead nine minutes before the break with Manchester United's Ella Toone unleashing a rocket just inside the box with the outside of her boot.

A fit-again Sam Kerr, starting for the first time this tournament, hit back for the home side in the second half with a world-class goal that set the game on fire, picking up the ball and letting fly from 30 yards after a weaving run.

It sparked ecstatic scenes from the 75 784-strong partisan crowd.

But they were silenced eight minutes later when Hemp muscled her way into the box and stabbed into the corner before Russo put the icing on the cake with four minutes left.

England now face a blockbuster final on Sunday at the same Stadium Australia against a dangerous Spanish side that beat Sweden 2-1 in the last four, with a new name to be engraved on the trophy.

England had been in this position before, in 2015 and 2019, losing 2-1 on both occasions, with a third-place finish their best World Cup before now.

But coach Sarina Wiegman led them to the European title last year on home soil and captain Millie Bright said before the match they were now better-placed to handle big-pressure games.

They demonstrated their resilience at a pumping and partisan Stadium Australia, successfully blanking out the noise to silence an expectant home nation.

Victory was all the sweeter against an opponent who had beaten them 2-0 in an April friendly - the only side to do so in 38 games since Wiegman took over.

Despite losing Australia have enjoyed their best World Cup ever, with a third-placed playoff against Sweden on Saturday still to play.

With Kerr fit again, Australian coach Tony Gustavsson moved Emily van Egmond to the bench in one of two changes with defender Clare Polkinghorne in for an ill Alanna Kennedy.

England stuck to the same XI that beat Colombia 2-1 with striker Lauren James serving the second of a two-match ban.

Both sides were nervy in the opening exchanges, but Australia settled and a lofted ball through the middle from Katrina Gorry left Kerr with just goalkeeper Mary Earps to beat.

But the Manchester United stopper repelled the shot, with the offside flag later raised.

At the other end, fellow 'keeper MacKenzie Arnold rescued Australia minutes later, deflecting Georgia Stanway's strike with her legs as the game opened up.

Kerr was in the thick of the early action and England ruthlessly looked to close her down with some heavy challenges, one of them earning Alex Greenwood a yellow card. But as England grew in confidence they began controlling the midfield battle.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute with Toone, in the side for James, arrowing her shot into the top right corner after Hemp pulled the ball back from the touch line.

With 45 minutes to save their tournament, Australia frantically pressed forward as the second half got under way and it paid dividends when Kerr's wonder strike propelled them back into contention.

But England were unmoved and when Ellie Carpenter misjudged a long ball into the box, Hemp hustled her way through to score, before Russo finished calmly with her right foot to seal the win.

- AFP

Women's World Cup sets crowd records in New Zealand

The Women's World Cup gave the sport a huge boost in co-hosts New Zealand where new attendance records were set, the head of the country's football governing body said.

Spain's thrilling 2-1 semi-final victory over Sweden on Tuesday was watched by a sellout crowd of 43 217 at Auckland's Eden Park - equalling the highest attendance for a men's or women's match in New Zealand.

With the remaining Women's World Cup games taking place in Australia, football officials reported more than 700 000 fans attended the 29 matches staged in New Zealand.

"This tournament has seen a colossal change in the way football, and particularly women's football, is seen in New Zealand," said Andrew Pragnell, chief executive of New Zealand Football.

The attendance record was first broken on the opening day of the tournament when 42,137 saw New Zealand beat Norway in Auckland.

It was surpassed when Spain's last-16 win over Switzerland and Sweden's quarter-final victory over Japan both drew capacity crowds of 43 217 to Eden Park, a figure matched at Tuesday's semi-final.

"From the historic opening game at Eden Park which saw the Football Ferns beat Norway, this tournament has set a new standard for the FIFA Women's World Cup," said Pragnell.

The country also hosted women's cricket and rugby World Cups in 2022 proving, Pragnell said, that New Zealand can "deliver world-class major events".

- AFP

Carmona's late stunner takes Spain into maiden Women's World Cup final

Olga Carmona's stunning late strike gave Spain a 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday to propel them into the Women's World Cup final for the first time in their history.

Spain's thrilling victory at Eden Park sets up a showdown in Sydney on Sunday with either Australia or England, who meet in the other semi-final on Wednesday.

The semi-final in Auckland seemed to be drifting towards extra time before suddenly bursting to life when substitute Salma Paralluelo put Spain ahead with nine minutes left.

Rebecka Blomqvist equalised for Sweden in the 88th minute only for fullback Carmona, Spain's captain, to score with a superb shot in off the underside of the crossbar from the edge of the box.

It has been a remarkable run for a nation who had never previously gone beyond the last 16 at a Women's World Cup, and for a team who had been in disarray in the months leading up to the tournament.

Fifteen Spanish players told their federation last September that they no longer wished to be considered for selection, principally out of unhappiness with coach Jorge Vilda, and only three of them returned for this World Cup run.

While their dream of World Cup glory remains alive, Sweden are left with a familiar feeling after going so far at another major tournament before falling short.

This is the third time in four World Cups in which they have reached the semi-finals, only to lose on each occasion.

Peter Gerhardsson's side also lost in the last four at the European Championship last year, having been beaten in the final of the Tokyo Olympics on penalties against Canada in 2021.

Vilda decided against handing a start to Paralluelo, after she came off the bench to score the winner in the quarter-final against the Netherlands.

Instead he recalled Alexia Putellas and the reigning Ballon d'Or winner started for the first time since Spain were walloped 4-0 by Japan in the group phase.

The plan was clearly to dominate possession and make a more physically imposing Sweden do the chasing.

Spain had far more of the ball in the first half yet neither Putellas nor Aitana Bonmati were allowed the time and space to really influence the game.

The closest they came to breaking the deadlock was from long range, when Jennifer Hermoso laid the ball back to Carmona, whose shot whistled wide.

Sweden had taken the game to Japan in an impressive 2-1 win in the quarter-finals but they offered next to nothing here until suddenly they almost struck three minutes before half-time.

Nathalie Bjorn sent a hanging cross from the right to the back post for Fridolina Rolfo - facing seven of her Barcelona club colleagues in the Spain starting line-up - but her side-foot volley was saved by Cata Coll.

Vilda's plan was clearly to save the pacy Paralluelo for when the Swedish defence was beginning to tire, and it was just before the hour mark that he turned to the former athlete.

Paralluelo took the place of Putellas, who has still not completed 90 minutes at this World Cup as she continues to recover full fitness following a serious knee injury.

The substitute's persistence almost brought the opener for Spain with 20 minutes left as she stretched to keep the ball in play following a cross by Hermoso, but Alba Redondo turned her cutback wide.

Paralluelo then struck with nine minutes of normal time remaining, showing a killer instinct to lash a shot low into the corner.

But Sweden did not give up, drawing level in the 88th minute thanks to two substitutes of their own.

Lina Hurtig had only just come on when she nodded down a cross for Blomqvist to fire home, raising the spectre of extra time once again.

But Carmona, the Real Madrid left-back, had other ideas as she clinched victory for Spain in style.

- AFP

England end Colombian carnival in bruising quarter-final

England fought back from a goal down to beat Colombia 2-1 on Saturday in a bruising encounter and set up a tasty Women's World Cup semi-final with Australia.

Arsenal forward Alessia Russo scored the winner for the European champions just after the hour in front of 75,000 in Sydney to end Colombia's run in the tournament.

Earlier in the day, co-hosts Australia beat France 7-6 in a thrilling penalty shootout in Brisbane to reach the last four for the first time in their history.

The semi-final will be in Sydney on Wednesday.

Colombia, playing in their first quarter-final, took the lead against the run of play through a wonderful dipping effort from the edge of the box by Leicy Santos on 44 minutes.

But England struck back deep in first-half stoppage time when Lauren Hemp pounced on a goalkeeping error by a fumbling Catalina Perez, before Russo sealed the quarter-final in the Lionesses' favour with her cool finish.

Colombia have been one of the best-supported teams at the tournament and their fans dominated at Stadium Australia, their yellow shirts vastly outnumbering England supporters.

Colombia are ranked 25th in the world to England's four and they were clear underdogs, even if they did beat Germany in the group phase.

Sarina Wiegman's England were missing potent attacker Lauren James, banned for two games for stamping on an opponent in the win on penalties over Nigeria in the last 16.

But they made the better start and Colombia suffered an early blow when defender Carolina Arias was forced off after 10 minutes when she was injured during an England attack.

Jeers went up each time the Lionesses had the ball but they seemed to be enjoying themselves and finding pockets of space in front of the Colombian defence with ease.

Nelson Abadia's side have a reputation for being physical and they dished out some roughhouse treatment.

The 18-year-old Ana Guzman replaced a tearful Arias and twice she left England players in a heap on the floor, but American referee Ekaterina Koroleva waved away appeals for fouls.

Koroleva was in danger of losing a grip on the game with England putting in some flying challenges of their own in retaliation.

Rachel Daly, one of the England players shaken up by Guzman, twice went close midway through the first half, heading at Perez and then firing over from distance.

Colombia had hardly been seen as an attacking force but they took the lead when Santos expertly looped the ball over goalkeeper Mary Earps, who was caught out by the dip of the ball under her crossbar.

All of the South Americans' substitutes raced from the bench to celebrate with Santos and the rest of the team.

England drew level moments before half-time and it was a goalkeeping mistake, Perez spilling the ball under pressure from Russo and Hemp stabbing into an empty net.

Russo put England in front in the 63rd minute, collecting Georgia Stanway's pass on the turn and firing the ball low under Perez, who was substituted soon afterwards.

Colombia threatened a comeback but England held on fairly comfortably and are just two victories away from adding a first World Cup crown to their European title.

- AFP

Australia reach semi-finals for first time after penalty shoot-out thriller

Co-hosts Australia beat France 7-6 in a thrilling penalty shoot-out to reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup for the first time in their history on a night of drama in Brisbane on Saturday.

Australia now go to Sydney on Wednesday to face the winners of the final last-eight tie between England and Colombia.

Cortnee Vine scored the winning penalty to end a remarkable shoot-out that saw both teams take 10 spot-kicks, the quarter-final having ended 0-0 after 120 nerve-shredding minutes.

Vine held her nerve to send the crowd into raptures and keep the Matildas' dream of winning the World Cup on home soil alive.

Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold missed a chance to win the shoot-out when her kick hit the post, but then saved twice from Kenza Dali after the VAR spotted she had both feet off her line the first time.

Vicki Becho missed France's 10th penalty, and it was left to Vine to take Australia through by beating France's substitute goalkeeper Solene Durand, who had been sent on especially for the shoot-out.

It was an agonising way for France to go out after a tense encounter watched by a sell-out crowd of 49 461.

Les Bleues had been hoping to get to the semi-finals for just the second time, following their defeat in the last four in 2011, but instead go home.

Australia's victory was achieved despite Sam Kerr again being left on the bench at kick-off, with the talismanic Matildas captain, now fit after a calf injury, coming on early in the second half and going on to convert her penalty in the shoot-out.

Kerr comes off bench

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson stuck with the same team that started against Denmark in the last 16, while France brought the fit-again Maelle Lakrar back into their defence.

Lakrar really should have given France an early lead to silence the hostile crowd, but the 23-year-old somehow succeeded in diverting an Eugenie Le Sommer shot over the bar with the goal gaping.

That was a let-off for the hosts, who were then grateful to Arnold for tipping a Le Sommer effort behind and for stopping a stinging Lakrar attempt following a corner.

It looked like the occasion was getting to Australia, but they began to threaten in the final minutes of the first half.

They were desperately unlucky not to go ahead in the 41st minute when French defensive hesitancy allowed Emily van Egmond to tee up Mary Fowler for what seemed like a certain goal.

But Elisa De Almeida, shifted out to right-back for this game, raced in to produce a miraculous block with her thigh.

French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin then had to come out to clear in front of Fowler, as it somehow remained goalless at the interval.

Kerr emerged 10 minutes into the second half, replacing Van Egmond to the delight of the crowd, and her introduction provided such a lift that Australia very nearly went ahead moments later.

Hayley Raso tried her luck with a rasping drive from outside the box, but Peyraud-Magnin saved and the Juventus goalkeeper topped that with a brilliant block to deny Fowler from point-blank range on the hour mark.

That appeared to pierce some of Australia's momentum, and the tension increased as the clock ticked down, making extra time almost an inevitability.

France thought they had the breakthrough 10 minutes into the extra period when Ellie Carpenter turned the ball into her own net, but Australia were rescued when the Chilean referee blew for a foul.

Arnold saved superbly from Becho, before France replaced Peyraud-Magnin with Durand as penalties loomed.

Durand is their spot-kick saving specialist and denied both Steph Catley and Clare Hunt in the shoot-out, but it was not enough for France.

- AFP

A nation holds its breath as Matildas take on France

A nation holds its breath as co-hosts Australia aim to reach the Women's World Cup semi-finals for the first time when they face France on Saturday, with European champions England or Colombia awaiting them.

The Matildas play France in front of a sell-out Brisbane crowd of more than 50 000 at 07:00 GMT (09:00 SA time), with all eyes on whether skipper Sam Kerr will be in the starting line-up.

Australia's talismanic striker came off the bench for her first minutes of the tournament in the last-16 victory over Denmark and could be in line to start in the quarter-final.

The 29-year-old Chelsea ace, who was supposed to have been the face of the World Cup, suffered a calf injury on the eve of the competition.

Coach Tony Gustavsson was unequivocal Friday when asked by reporters if bringing in Kerr would disrupt a team which recovered from losing 3-2 to Nigeria in the group phase to beat Canada 4-0 before sweeping past Denmark 2-0.

"I want to be very clear with you all now," the Swede said.

"If Sam is fit to play 90 minutes, she is starting, it is not even a question, and the team knows that."

There is a growing sense of optimism and expectation in Australia that their team could go all the way.

The 2011 champions Japan were defeated 2-1 by Sweden on Friday, meaning that there will be a new name on the World Cup trophy this year.

Outgoing holders the United States and former champions Norway and Germany are all already out.

"The whole of Australia will be watching the Matildas and cheering them on," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Saturday.

France coach Herve Renard is confident that playing against "an entire nation" will bring out the best in his team.

"We love that. This is why we do this job. It is the beauty of football," Renard said.

"We know we are not just playing against one team but against an entire nation. But it just gives us extra motivation. We prefer this to playing a friendly in front of 100 people."

France lost 1-0 to the Matildas in a friendly in Melbourne a week before the World Cup began.

'Best yet to come'

England play Colombia in Sydney at 1030 GMT (12:30 SA time) in front of what promises to be another bumper crowd at the more than 80 000-capacity Stadium Australia.

The Lionesses were regarded as favourites after Sweden defeated the United States in the last 16, but Sarina Wiegman's side only squeezed past Nigeria on penalties last time out.

They also lost their influential attacker Lauren James for two games after she was sent off for stamping on an opponent.

Goalkeeper Mary Earps made light of James's absence on Friday, saying that England were in "a really good spot" and "we've got more gears".

"I think you've seen glimpses of what we're capable of," she added.

"I really think the best is yet to come."

They will be favourites to beat 25th-ranked Colombia, but the South Americans have already caused an upset by defeating Germany on their way to their best run ever at the World Cup.

"We know all the history that England brings in football, it's important," said their coach, Nelson Abadia.

"But what's important for me is the strength in the team's character and that is going to be vital for what we need to do."

On Friday, Spain defeated 2019 runners-up the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time and they will face Sweden on Tuesday in the semi-finals.

- AFP

Sweden end Japan run to set up World Cup semi-final with Spain

Amanda Ilestedt scored her fourth goal of the tournament and Filippa Angeldal netted a penalty as Sweden hung on to beat Japan 2-1 on Friday and set up a Women's World Cup semi-final with Spain.

Centre-back Ilestedt poked in just after the half-hour mark at Eden Park in Auckland to give Sweden a deserved lead and leave Japan trailing for the first time at the World Cup.

Angeldal made it 2-0 from a penalty seven minutes into the second half before Japan attempted a comeback, with Riko Ueki missing a spot-kick and Honoka Hayashi pulling one back with three minutes left of normal time.

Sweden then survived a late storm to advance to the semi-finals for the third time in four World Cups.

The exit of the 2011 champions Japan, following the United States, Germany and Norway, means there are no former winners left and a brand-new name will appear on the trophy after next weekend's final in Sydney.

If Sweden, runners-up in 2003, are to get there they will have to win a semi-final in Auckland next Tuesday against Spain, who defeated the Netherlands 2-1 earlier on Friday in Wellington.

This was billed as the ultimate clash of footballing styles, between a slick and clinical Japan and a more rugged and aggressive Sweden.

Peter Gerhardsson's Swedish team took the game to their opponents, who sat back in a 5-4-1 out of possession but were rarely given the space to spring forward on the counterattack like they had done to such devastating effect in previous rounds.

Japan had started to dream of a run to match their remarkable triumph in 2011 but instead find themselves eliminated at the hands of the same team that beat them in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics two years ago.

The opener arrived in the 32nd minute following a set-piece, exactly the scenario where the Japanese had been expected to struggle against their more physically imposing opponents.

The Nadeshiko failed to clear their lines as a free-kick dropped in their box, and the ball eventually fell to Ilestedt to stab into the roof of the net after her centre-back partner Magdalena Eriksson had an effort blocked.

Ilestedt, who has just signed for Arsenal, had already netted three times in the group phase and is, remarkably, a contender to win the golden boot with current leading scorer Hinata Miyazawa, on five goals, now out.

Miyazawa had little influence on this game and Sweden could have scored again before half-time, with captain Kosovare Asllani having a shot turned onto the post by the outstretched fingertips of Ayaka Yamashita.

The Japan goalkeeper then produced another fine save two minutes after the restart to push a Johanna Kaneryd shot behind for a corner.

Yet it was that corner which led to the second goal.

The delivery from the right struck the fist of Fuka Nagano in her own box, and the Liverpool player's offence was spotted by the referee after a review.

Manchester City midfielder Angeldal stepped up to convert the spot-kick, sending Yamashita the wrong way.

Japan did not give up and won a penalty in the 76th minute when substitute Ueki went down under the slightest of contact from Madelen Janogy.

It was a soft award, but Ueki could not convert, smashing her kick off the underside of the bar and out.

The woodwork rescued Sweden again in the 87th minute when Aoba Fujino's free-kick remarkably hit the bar, rebounded off the back of goalkeeper Zecira Musovic and struck the post.

Yet seconds later Japan had a goal back as Eriksson failed to deal with Kiko Seike's centre and Hayashi pounced to score, setting up a frantic finale.

- AFP

Spain beat Netherlands in extra time to reach World Cup semis

Teenager Salma Paralluelo hit an extra-time winner as Spain beat the Netherlands 2-1 at the Women's World Cup on Friday to set up a semi-final clash with Japan or Sweden.

Over a tense 90 minutes in Wellington full of incident, Mariona Caldentey scored an 81st-minute penalty for Spain, only for Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt to equalise in added time 10 minutes later.

With the quarter-final seemingly headed for penalties, Paralluelo, 19, came off the bench to produce a brilliant solo finish.

The result sets Spain up for a semi-final against Sweden or Japan in Auckland on Tuesday while the tournament is over for the Dutch, beaten finalists four years ago.

A match largely dominated by Spain - and some VAR decisions - burst into life late in normal time.

Paralluelo's winner capped a display of controlled attacking football from the sixth-ranked La Roja, who have regained their swagger after crashing to a 4-0 group-stage loss to Japan, having crushed Switzerland in the round of 16.

Spain hit the post twice and had a goal ruled out for offside, although the Dutch could also consider themselves unlucky to have a penalty awarded but then overruled midway through the second half.

Spain completely dominated the first half, making 11 unanswered attempts on goal.

The Dutch were rescued by the woodwork twice in quick succession when Alba Redondo's header was parried onto the post by goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and her follow-up nearly hit the same spot low down on the left post.

Spain captain Esther Gonzalez, who was a constant menace, lashed a shot into the net from a Redondo mis-hit but the striker was ruled offside by VAR.The Netherlands regained a foothold in the second half.

They looked set to go in front when Lineth Beerensteyn tumbled over in the box following contact with Irene Paredes, who was shown a yellow card as French referee Stephanie Frappert pointed to the spot.

Frappert was advised by VAR to review and ruled there wasn't sufficient contact from Paredes, who had her yellow card withdrawn, much to the animated displeasure of Beerensteyn.

Spain went ahead from the spot in the 81st minute through Caldentey after Paralluelo's cross struck Van der Gragt's flailing hand just inside the penalty box.

Inter Milan defender Van der Gragt made amends in the first minute of stoppage time when her surging run was found by Victoria Pelova before blasting past Cata Coll inside the far post of the Spanish goal.

The Netherlands had the better chances in extra time, going close twice through Beerensteyn before conceding the decisive goal.

World player of the year Alexia Putellas, who is recovering from a knee injury, was introduced off the Spanish bench during extra time.

However, they will be without defender Oihane Hernandez for the semi-final after she was shown a yellow card for a foul.

- AFP

France thrash Morocco, meet Australia in World Cup quarters

Eugenie Le Sommer scored twice as France eased to a 4-0 win over Morocco at the Women's World Cup on Tuesday and set up a quarter-final with co-hosts Australia.

Morocco had upset the odds to qualify for the last 16 at the expense of Germany in their debut appearance at the tournament but they never managed to lay a glove on Herve Renard's French side in Adelaide.

Kadidiatou Diani opened the scoring on the quarter-hour mark and it was 3-0 just after the midway point in the first half as Kenza Dali and Le Sommer added further goals.

Veteran striker Le Sommer, who is France's all-time top scorer, netted again 20 minutes from time before a crowd of 13,557 as Les Bleues advanced to the last eight with a minimum of fuss.

They will now play Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, with the winners of that going on to play either England or Colombia in the semi-finals.

While France are desperate to win a first major women's international title, Morocco came into this game with the pressure off, their World Cup already a huge success.

Their coach, the former French international midfielder Reynald Pedros, named an unchanged starting line-up following the 1-0 win over Colombia that sealed their place in the knockout phase.

Renard made five changes from the France side that beat Panama 6-3, including recalling Sakina Karchaoui at left-back.

Karchaoui, whose parents are Moroccan, set up the opener with a great run down the left flank, a quick exchange of passes with Selma Bacha, and a cross for Diani to nod in.

It was Diani's fourth goal at the tournament after her hat-trick against Panama in the final group game.

The second goal arrived in the 20th minute as Diani cut the ball back for Dali to sweep home a first-time finish in off the far post.

And it was 3-0 three minutes after that following a defensive error, with Nesryne El Chad trying to clear but only succeeding in playing the ball off Diani, who set up Le Sommer.

At that point Morocco might have feared an even heavier defeat than the 6-0 hammering they received from Germany in their first game.

However, France took their foot off the pedal after that and only scored once more.

In the 70th minute, substitute Vicki Becho crossed from the right for Le Sommer to head in her 92nd international goal at the back post.

- AFP

Colombia edge Jamaica to set up England World Cup quarter-final

Catalina Usme scored the only goal as Colombia kept their Women's World Cup charge on track on Tuesday by beating Jamaica 1-0 to secure a maiden quarter-final against European champions England.

The South Americans failed to qualify for the 2019 tournament, but have taken huge strides since, topping their group in Australia and stunning world number two Germany along the way.

The 25th-ranked Colombians carried the form into a sold-out Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, grinding down a resolute and physical Jamaica side who had not conceded a goal all tournament.

Colombia's intense, attacking ethos under coach Nelson Abadia finally paid dividends in the 51st minute when the dangerous Usme got the breakthrough with a composed finish inside the box to unlock a previously impenetrable defence.

It set a cagey game alight and sent the pumping pro-Colombian crowd into deafening delirium, with the Reggae Girlz unable to find a way back.

Colombia will now play England in Sydney on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals after the Lionesses came through a gripping penalty shootout against Nigeria.

Four years after crashing out of the 2019 tournament with three heavy defeats, 43rd-ranked Jamaica, like Colombia, also came to Australia with low expectations.

And despite the crushing defeat, they will leave with their heads held high after clean sheets against France, Panama and Brazil.

In front of riotous fans, who booed whenever Jamaica touched the ball, both sides pressed early in a stop-start opening that saw several players go down under heavy challenges.

The chances were few and far between in the opening 20 minutes with Colombia's Diana Ospina having the best - and only - shot on target, but it didn't have enough power to trouble the 'keeper.

But the South Americans began to find some rhythm as their supporters urged them on and the opportunities started flowing, with Leicy Santos and Usme both going close.

With Colombia assuming control, Jamaica resorted to some clumsy challenges and Chantelle Swaby and Drew Spence both picked up yellow cards in a tough-tackling half.

The breakthrough came six minutes after the restart with teenage World Cup debutant Ana Guzman pinging a beautiful ball to Usme who took one touch before side-footing home.

Fired up, Jamaica almost had an immediate reply with Jody Brown's shot cleared off the line in a frantic goalmouth scramble that then saw Colombia break on a counter-attack which nearly led to Real Madrid sensation Linda Caicedo doubling the score.

Behind for the first time at the World Cup and facing the exit door, Jamaica abandoned their defensive posture and threw players forward frantically looking for the equaliser.

Spence almost grabbed it with a header that spun just wide.

But despite giving everything, Colombia hung on to keep their World Cup dream alive and almost scored a second at the death when Santos's header hit the post.

- AFP

Australia down Demark to advance to World Cup quarters

Sam Kerr came off the bench as Australia surged into the Women's World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Denmark in front of nearly 76 000 fans in Sydney on Monday.

The co-hosts will play France or Morocco on Saturday in Brisbane in the last eight after making fairly light work of a toothless Denmark.

To cap a good night's work for the Matildas, talismanic striker and captain Kerr came on with 10 minutes left to huge cheers for her first action of the tournament after a calf injury.

The dangerous Caitlin Foord terrorised Denmark throughout and scored a fine first after being set up by Mary Fowler on 29 minutes.

Hayley Raso grabbed a second to make the game safe 20 minutes from time.

Denmark were contesting their first knockout game at the World Cup since 1995 and they had the first sniff of goal, but Rikke Madsen just failed to connect with the ball while sliding in at goal.

The Danes, ranked 13th in the world to Australia's 10, could have taken the lead on the quarter-hour at Stadium Australia, but Pernille Harder shot straight at goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Australia were on the back foot early on but took the lead against the run of play when Fowler threaded a superb long pass down the left to play in Foord.

The Arsenal forward still had plenty to do and she did it brilliantly, taking one touch with her right foot to guide the ball into her path and then firing with the left through the legs of goalkeeper Lene Christensen.

Foord was all over the Denmark defence with her pace and movement down the left.

Minutes later she rampaged down the wing again, chopped back inside and let fly with her right foot, the ball taking a big deflection and whistling just beyond the top corner.

Into the second half and Foord seemed to be everywhere, sliding in to stop a Denmark counter-attack and earning vigorous applause from Australia coach Tony Gustavsson.

Just past the hour and Denmark coach Lars Sondergaard had seen enough, bringing on forwards Signe Bruun and Mille Gejl as they went in search of the goal they needed to keep their World Cup alive.

Defender Janni Thomsen decided she had had enough of Foord and was booked for crudely pulling her down as she arrowed towards the Danish box.

The crowd sensed a second could be coming and it duly did, Fowler again playing a key part to set up Emily van Egmond, who teed up Raso to fire into the bottom corner.

But the biggest cheer of the night was yet to come as Australia's Chelsea predator Kerr belatedly came to the World Cup party as a substitute.

- AFP

England beat Nigeria on penalties to reach World Cup quarter-finals

England scraped into the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup when they beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in Brisbane on Monday.

Despite Nigeria having the better of the chances throughout, the European Champions -- reduced to 10 players after 87 minutes -- snuck home in front of 50,000 spectators after the match had finished 0-0 at the end of extra time.

England held on after playmaker Lauren James received a red card for a needless stamp and will know they have to improve if they want to add the World Cup to their European crown.

They will face Colombia or Jamaica on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.

England got off to a terrible start in the penalty shootout when Georgia Stanway fired wide, but Desire Oparanozie couldn't take advantage and missed with an almost identical effort.

Beth England made no mistake, but Nigeria's Michelle Alozie shot way over top to give England an advantage they never surrendered, sealing the win when Chloe Kelly calmly converted.

The Lionesses, who won the European Championship at a packed Wembley Stadium in London last year, were expected to win comfortably against the world's 40th-ranked team.

The Nigerians, however, have shown in this World Cup that they have the game to challenge anybody.

They stunned hosts Australia in the group stage, taking advantage of their speed in the transition to score a 3-2 win.

And they employed the same tactics against England, whose back three were regularly exposed by the Nigerian attack.

England had started the match strongly and rattled Nigeria in the opening skirmishes as the Lionesses found plenty of space out wide.

They also controlled possession, completing 173 passes in the first half to Nigeria's 83.

But it was the Nigerians who looked the most dangerous and they gave the European champions a real fright on a number of occasions.

England-born Ashleigh Plumptre had two golden chances to open the scoring, the first coming in the 16th minute when a strike from outside the box crashed into the crossbar. A minute later, she forced a fine diving save from Mary Earps.

The Nigerians had eight shots at goal in the first half, three more than England, whose best chance fell to Alessia Russo in the 23rd minute.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first, with England dominating possession but Nigeria looking the more dangerous.

England had a golden chance to seal the match with 15 minutes left, only for Chiamaka Nnadozie to pull off a fine save from Rachel Daly's powerful header.

The game inevitably went to extra time, and again Nigeria looked most likely, Michele Alozie and Oshoala both going close, but neither team could break the deadlock.

- AFP

Sweden dump out defending champions USA on Banyana's day of heartache

Sweden stunned the United States 5-4 in a sudden-death penalty shootout Sunday to surge into a Women's World Cup quarter-final against Japan and consign the defending champions to their earliest-ever exit.

The title-holders dominated the opening 90 minutes but a breakthrough proved elusive with Swedish goalkeeper Zecira Musovic making some startling saves to keep her side alive.

With the 0-0 deadlock remaining after extra-time it went to penalties in Melbourne -- and the tension went up another notch.

Sweden's Nathalie Bjorn was the first to miss, skying high, only for Megan Rapinoe to do the same.

Rebecka Blomqvist's effort was saved, again putting the USA in the driving seat, only for Sophia Smith to blast wide.

When Kelley O'Hara hit the post, it was all down to Sweden's Lina Hurtig, who made sure -- but only after VAR ruled her kick had crossed the line.

For the Americans, who just never really got going at this tournament, it ended their dreams of a third World Cup title in a row in the most painful fashion.

It was also an inglorious end for Rapinoe, the Golden Boot winner at the 2019 tournament. She will retire at the end of the season.

"This is like a sick joke. For me personally, I'm just like, this is dark comedy. I missed a penalty," Rapinoe told Fox Sports.

"I think it can be cruel and just not our day."

She added: "I thought we played really well. I'm so happy for us that we went out like that, playing the way that we did."

Expectations were high coming into the tournament for the four-time champions, who had made at least the semi-finals at every World Cup.

But they never looked up to the task in the group stage, with just one win, against Vietnam.

The dramatic conclusion leaves the tournament without the two top-ranked sides after Germany's group-stage departure.

This devastating early exit will be seen as a major underachievement for the Americans, who have been the superpower of international women's football for so long.

- AFP

Red-hot Miyazawa fires Japan into World Cup quarters

Hinata Miyazawa scored her fifth goal of the Women's World Cup on Saturday to seal a 3-1 win over Norway and put Japan into the quarter-finals against Sweden or holders the United States.

In a last-16 clash in Wellington between two former champions, an Ingrid Syrstad Engen own-goal gave Japan an early lead in front of 33,000.

Norway hit back with a brilliant Guro Reiten header to make it 1-1 at half-time.

The Norwegian defence buckled in the face of constant Japanese pressure when defender Risa Shimizu put her side back into the lead before Miyazawa struck again.

The 23-year-old is now the tournament's top scorer.

The 2011 champions Japan had breezed into the last 16 with an immaculate three wins, chalking up 11 goals without reply in the group stages.

Norway recovered from a shock defeat to co-hosts New Zealand on the opening day to draw with Switzerland before routing the Philippines 6-0 to advance.

The Norwegians were without 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg after she failed to make the starting side with a groin injury.Japan controlled the opening exchanges.

Miyazawa came within a whisker of grabbing the opener inside 60 seconds, but failed to connect with a short cross from close range.

Japan's early pressure told when Engen watched in horror after stabbing Miyazawa's cross into her own net on 15 minutes.

The lead lasted just five minutes due to some Norwegian brilliance on their first meaningful forage into Japan's half.

Barcelona playmaker Caroline Graham Hansen beat two defenders, played the ball wide to Vilde Boe Risa, whose pin-point cross was headed home by Reiten.

It was the first goal they have conceded at this tournament, but there was no let-up from Japan.They stifled Norway's attack by holding possession higher up the field, leaving Norway's playmaker Graham Hansen tied up defending.

Japan should have scored their second just before half-time when Yui Hasegawa's pass beat the defence but evaded Jun Endo's run.

It finished 1-1 at the break, but Japan had early chances before West Ham's Shimizu punished a loose Norway pass by firing her side back into the lead.

With time running out, the 1995 champions Norway fought their way back into the game.Graham Hansen forced a corner as Norway pushed for a second equaliser. Replacement forward Karina Saevik fired wide of the far post.

Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum then fired straight at Japan's keeper.

Miyazawa sealed Japan's victory with nine minutes left.

She perfectly timed her run, then tucked Aoba Fujino's through ball past Norway goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen to fire Japan into the last eight.

Classy Bonmati takes five-star Spain into World Cup quarters

Aitana Bonmati played a starring role with a brace and two assists as Spain crushed Switzerland 5-1 at Eden Park on Saturday to march into the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup for the first time in their history.

Bonmati's early opener in the last-16 tie in Auckland was cancelled out by a spectacular own goal from Laia Codina, but Alba Redondo restored Spain's lead and Bonmati scored again to make it 3-1.

Codina then made up for her error by getting her team's fourth before the interval, and Jennifer Hermoso made it 5-1 in the second half in front of 43,217 fans, a new record crowd for a football match in New Zealand.

The result was a huge boost to Spain following their 4-0 defeat by Japan in their last group game, and the performance justified coach Jorge Vilda's decision to leave Alexia Putellas out of his starting line-up.

The reigning Ballon d'Or winner is still recovering fitness following a serious knee injury and could yet play a key role later in the tournament, but made just a cameo here off the bench.

Spain can now look forward to playing in the last eight of the World Cup for the first time when they face the Netherlands or South Africa in Wellington next Friday.

They were simply a class above a Swiss team who had reached the last 16 without conceding a goal but whose exit means they have still never won a major tournament knockout game.

Putellas was dropped as Vilda responded to the chastening Japan defeat by making five changes to his line-up.

Most notably, Misa Rodriguez made way in goal for Cata Coll, a back-up at her club Barcelona.

Codina also came into central defence for her first appearance at the World Cup.

The Spain line-up featured six players from UEFA Champions League winners Barcelona, despite another being left on the bench in Putellas.

And it was one of the Barcelona contingent who opened the scoring inside five minutes as Bonmati slotted in after taking a lovely touch to set herself up.

That came after Redondo's effort from a Salma Paralluelo cross had been touched onto the post by goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann, and Switzerland had conceded for the first time at this World Cup.

They were gifted an equaliser on 11 minutes as Codina, not far inside her own half, played a ball back towards her own box without looking up, and beat Coll for a farcical own goal.

Yet Spain were back in front soon after as Bonmati glanced on a cross from the left by Ona Batlle and Redondo arrived to head home

Bonmati was running riot and was denied another by a good Thalmann save before she made it 3-1 in style in the 36th minute.

Redondo's header from Paralluelo's cross was blocked but the ball fell to Bonmati who wrong-footed the Swiss defence with a turn reminiscent of Johan Cruyff before finishing.

Codina then poked in another in a goalmouth scramble at a corner, and it was 4-1 at half-time without Switzerland having had an attempt on goal.

The fifth arrived 20 minutes from time as Bonmati pounced on a slack pass out by Switzerland and played in Hermoso to score.

Bonmati was removed shortly after and Putellas was sent on for the final quarter of an hour, by which time Spain's thoughts had turned to the next round.

England and Japan sense World Cup chance as US falter, Germany flop

Germany's shock exit and the United States' plodding performances were just two of the surprises of a wild Women's World Cup group stage, with England and Japan now leading the charge when the knockouts begin on Saturday.

It has been the story of the World Cup: the lower-ranked teams have dramatically closed the gap on the sides traditionally regarded as the best.

Last year's European finalists Germany became the highest-profile victim yet, dumped out in the group stage for the first time in their history on Thursday, with debutants Morocco progressing.

South Africa, Jamaica and Nigeria are also into the last 16; Brazil, Italy and Olympic champions Canada are all out.

The USA flew to Australia and New Zealand as the favourites to defend their title and win an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup.

But Vlatko Andonovski's side only squeezed into the knockout rounds, their performances making it hard to make a case for them reaching the final in Sydney on 20 August.

They limped into the last 16 with a 0-0 draw against debutants Portugal and now play Sweden on Sunday in Melbourne.

The fixture is a World Cup classic. They have met in the last five editions, each time in the group stage, with the Americans winning three of them against one draw and one defeat. 

"I feel like it wouldn't be a major tournament if we were not facing Sweden," said USA captain Lindsey Horan.

Sweden are ranked third in the world, reached the 2019 semi-finals and were silver medallists at the Tokyo Olympics, so another heavyweight will be heading home this weekend.

Under the radar

That could present an opportunity to someone else, and the pre-tournament focus on the strong European contingent means a clinical Japan have come from under the radar.

Japan face a Norway side on Saturday whose campaign has been clouded by talk of squad disharmony and injury to Ada Hegerberg.

Japan won the World Cup in 2011 and were runners-up in 2015, but were dismissed before this tournament, even back home.

"I think we were left behind by the sudden strides that the rest of the world were making," former Japan coach Asako Takakura, who led the team in 2019, told AFP before the tournament.

But they were one of three teams to win all three group games - England and Sweden were the others - were top scorers with 11 goals and did not concede.

They destroyed Spain 4-0 with their direct running and clinical finishing, and Hinata Miyazawa leads the race for the golden boot with four goals.

England belatedly roar

But it is European champions England who are now the bookies' favourites, overcoming injuries to roll into the knockout phase after demolishing China 6-1.

England might feel the draw is opening up kindly, with surprise-package Colombia or Jamaica waiting in the quarter-finals if they beat Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday.

They have an outstanding coach in Sarina Wiegman and one of the tournament's breakout stars in Lauren James, although they will be eager to get key midfielder Keira Walsh back from a knee problem.

"I think we are growing into this tournament," warned Wiegman.

France and 2019 runners-up the Netherlands look dangerous too, and both appear to have kind draws.

Then there is Australia, with the co-hosts now playing Denmark after surviving a scare to qualify. They have a nation behind them and will hope star striker Sam Kerr has recovered from the calf injury that ruined her group stage.

Saturday's first last-16 tie sees Spain try to bounce back from that Japan defeat against solid but unspectacular Switzerland.

Spain are waiting for reigning Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas to rediscover her best form after a serious knee injury.

'Minnows' make case

The so-called outsiders will be aiming to continue their fairy tale runs. Morocco play France while South Africa face the Dutch.

Morocco lost 6-0 to Germany on their World Cup debut but ended up qualifying instead of them.

Theirs is a sensational achievement, as is that of South Africa and Jamaica, two teams that had never won a World Cup game before. Jamaica advanced for a clash with Colombia despite turbulent preparations caused by an open dispute with their federation.

"We hope that they're looking at us and taking us seriously now," said goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer.

The success of those nations has justified FIFA's decision to expand the tournament to 32 teams. With so many surprises so far, nobody would bet against them.

- AFP

Morocco stun Colombia to reach last 16 and dump out Germany

Anissa Lahmari's winner powered World Cup debutants Morocco past Colombia 1-0 on Thursday and into the last 16 at the expense of two-time champions Germany.

Morocco's upset in Perth lifted them to six points and they finished runners-up in Group H to Colombia on goal difference.

Germany were eliminated after being held to a 1-1 draw with South Korea in Brisbane.

Colombia will play Jamaica in the round of 16, while Morocco face France.

It was a fairy tale result for Morocco, who have rebounded from a humiliating 6-0 drubbing on their debut against Germany with wins over South Korea and Colombia.

In front of 17 342 fans, the sole goal arrived moments before half-time when Ibtissam Jraidi was impeded in the box by a clumsy Daniela Arias.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak's penalty kick was spectacularly saved by lunging goalkeeper Catalina Perez, who dived to her left.

But Sakina Ouzraoui pounced on the deflection and her nifty pass found Lahmari who made no mistake from close range.

Colombia, wearing their yellow shirts, fielded a full-strength team despite having effectively qualified to the last 16 before this game.

Real Madrid striker Linda Caicedo, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 15 but made a full recovery, took her place after x-rays cleared her of any health issues.

Caicedo, who scored goals in Colombia's wins against South Korea and Germany, had suffered breathing difficulties against the Germans just days after collapsing in training with chest pain.

Midfielder Mayra Ramirez overcame a knee injury sustained against Germany.

But Morocco took heed of coach Reynald Pedros' plea to play aggressively with a dashing Jraidi forcing Perez into a save in the opening minute.

An attacking Morocco continued to dictate the early exchanges with Chebbak and Fatima Tagnaout particularly influential.

Tagnaout set up Lahmari whose long-range strike on the half hour sailed well over the bar.

Caicedo had limited impact and copped an errant tackle to her foot which had her writhing on the turf.

She was finally involved just before half-time with several menacing dashes down the right, but Colombia couldn't capitalise.

Morocco made them pay with Lahmari's goal putting the group on a knife's edge at the interval.

Colombia came out aggressively and almost equalised on the hour when Daniela Montoya's bullet was brilliantly saved by Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.

They continued to press with Ramirez slamming a powerful shot from a tight angle into the right post.

But Morocco hung on to trigger wild celebrations from their players.

- AFP

France floor Panama to make Women's World Cup last 16

Kadidiatou Diani hit a hat-trick as France marched into the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Wednesday in a 6-3 thriller against Panama.

It was a polished recovery after Marta Cox's wonder strike on 67 seconds left the French reeling, swerving a free-kick into the corner from 30 yards for her country's first-ever World Cup goal.

She spun away in celebration and was mobbed by teammates as the tears flowed at a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium.

But the euphoria was short-lived as France ran riot, with Diani scoring twice - one a penalty - and Maelle Lakrar and Lea Le Garrec adding a goal apiece before half-time.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Diani got her third from the spot after the restart, but Panama refused to give up.

Yomira Pinzon added their second with a crisply-struck penalty and Lineth Cedeno scored again in an exciting finale, before Vicki Becho finished well to seal the game for France in injury time.

The win ensured France finished top of Group F to set up a knockout round clash with the second-placed team in Group H - most likely Germany.

Jamaica held Brazil 0-0 in the other group game to finish second and face a showdown with the Group H winner, probably Colombia.

With only a point needed, France coach Herve Renard shuffled the deck, making five changes.

He rested inspirational captain Wendie Renard, with Grace Geyoro assuming the armband. Veteran striker Eugenie Le Sommer also made way with Clara Mateo and Diani up front.

But the perennial World Cup underachievers were caught on the hop as play got underway and Cox surged forward, with Le Garrec tripping her.

Cox lined up the kick and curled it into the top left-hand corner for one of the goals of the tournament.

Panama were swiftly brought back to earth with France settling to take control, and the inevitable equaliser came 20 minutes later.

It followed a period of intense pressure with Lakrar getting her head on a cross and Deysire Salazar lashing the ball into her own net, although it was credited to the French defender.

They went 3-1 ahead nine minutes later when Diani converted from the spot after Pinzon was penalised for handball, with Le Garrec adding the fourth after a curling cross deceived the goalkeeper and flew in.

Diani buried her second penalty seven minutes after the restart, again for handball, before Pinzon pulled one back when teammate Riley Tanner was shoved to the ground in the box.

Panama threw everything at France as the crowd cheered them on and Cedeno sent them into raptures when she got their third, forcing home the rebound after the ball hit the bar.

In end-to-end action, Becho popped up at the near post to score a sixth for France at the death.

- AFP

Jamaica knock out Brazil to reach Women's World Cup last 16

Jamaica ensured there would be no fairy tale ending to Marta's World Cup career as they strangled Brazil 0-0 to reach the last 16 on Wednesday and condemn the South Americans to their earliest exit since 1995.

It was heartbreak for the legendary Brazilian attacker Marta, who at age 37 has said this would be her sixth but last World Cup.

She was in tears at the end.

But it was joy in Melbourne for a Jamaica team who are yet to concede at the tournament and are into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Lorne Donaldson's unbeaten side, who have defied rows with their federation to get this far, will most likely meet Colombia next after finishing second in the group behind France. 

"This is one of the best days I've ever had in my life," Donaldson said.

"To see a country like Jamaica be able to do this, it's unbelievable.

"The girls are doing it for the country, the country should be proud.

"We had resilience, fight. We are going into a war and we need to be ready," he added.

"And it was a war, and we stayed in the battle."

Brazil had to win to be sure of going through, whereas Jamaica needed only to draw.

So it was little surprise that it was the South Americans who had the better of an attritional contest.

In front of a crowd of nearly 28 000, Brazil had much more of the ball and attempts at goal - Jamaica had none on target all game to Brazil's five.

But for all that and with Marta starting, Jamaica were never really in serious trouble at any point in the game.

Jamaica, who held France 0-0 before getting their first-ever World Cup win with a 1-0 victory over Panama, were defending deep and in numbers.

Pia Sundhage's Brazil, who have never won the World Cup, looked short of ideas as they went to the break goalless.

The second half was more of the same but Brazil were struggling to really create a golden chance.

Khadija Shaw, the prolific Manchester City striker and Jamaica's undoubted star, was hardly seen as an attacking force.

Into the last 20 minutes and Jamaica showed few signs of buckling, as Brazil simply ran out of steam and ideas.

Jamaica's achievement, having lost all three games in their debut World Cup in 2019, is all the more remarkable considering the tensions behind the scenes.

Defender Allyson Swaby said last week that making an impact at the tournament would send a message to the country's football bosses that the women's team deserve better treatment.

Donaldson's team has been in open dispute with their football federation over a lack of support, including issues over pay and poor planning in the build-up to the World Cup.

- AFP

South Africa stun Italy to reach Women's World Cup last 16

Jamaica ensured there would be no fairy tale ending to Marta's World Cup career as they strangled Brazil 0-0 to reach the last 16 on Wednesday and condemn the South Americans to their earliest exit since 1995.

It was heartbreak for the legendary Brazilian attacker Marta, who at age 37 has said this would be her last World Cup.

But it was joy for a Jamaica team who are yet to concede at the tournament and are into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Lorne Donaldson's unbeaten side will most likely meet Colombia next.Brazil had to win to be sure of going through, whereas Jamaica needed only to draw.

So it was little surprise that it was the South Americans who had far the better of the first half in Melbourne.

In front of a crowd of nearly 28 000, Brazil had more of the ball and attempts at goal - Jamaica had none on target all game to Brazil's five.

But for all that and with Marta starting, Jamaica were never really in serious trouble at any point in the game.

Jamaica, who held France 0-0 before getting their first-ever World Cup win with a 1-0 victory over Panama, were defending deep and in numbers.

Pia Sundhage's Brazil, who have never won the World Cup, looked short of ideas as they went to the break goalless.

The second half was more of the same but Brazil were struggling to really create a golden chance.

Khadija Shaw, the prolific Manchester City striker and Jamaica's undoubted star, was hardly seen as an attacking force.

Into the last 20 minutes and Jamaica showed few signs of buckling, as Brazil simply ran out of steam and ideas.

Jamaica's achievement, having lost all three games in their debut World Cup in 2019, is all the more remarkable considering the tensions behind the scenes.

Defender Allyson Swaby said last week that making an impact at the tournament would send a message to the country's football bosses that the women's team deserve better treatment.

Donaldson's team has been in open dispute with their football federation over a lack of support, including issues over pay and poor planning in the build-up to the World Cup.

- AFP

Sweden to meet USA in Women's World Cup last 16

Sweden set up a Women's World Cup last-16 showdown with the United States after a Rebecka Blomqvist header and an Elin Rubensson penalty gave them a 2-0 win over Argentina on Wednesday.

Blomqvist headed home in the 66th minute on a cold and wet night in Hamilton and substitute Rubensson added a last-minute spot kick as Sweden made it three wins out of three to finish top of Group G.

The result also confirmed Argentina's elimination, as South Africa's 3-2 win over Italy took the African champions through in second place and handed them a last-16 tie against the Netherlands.

Sweden, who had already beaten the South Africans 2-1 with a last-minute winner and then hammered Italy 5-0, will play holders the USA in Melbourne on Sunday.

They were already through to the last 16 before this game, so Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson decided to make nine changes to his line-up.

Key forwards Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius were among the players rested, with the centre-back pairing of Magdalena Eriksson and Amanda Ilestedt the only starters from the Italy game to keep their places.

Argentina had to claim a first ever Women's World Cup win in 12 attempts to stand a chance of progressing but the world's 28th-ranked team lacked the quality to break down the Swedish defence.

Olivia Schough had Sweden's best chances in the first half, initially from a free kick that was saved and then with a header off target from a Sofia Jakobsson cross.

As wind and rain buffeted the crowd of almost 18 000 after half-time, Sweden got the breakthrough midway through the second half.

Jakobsson, who plays in the USA for San Diego Wave, delivered an inviting ball in from the right and Blomqvist simply could not miss.

It was a second goal in as many games for the Wolfsburg forward, who will hope to have done enough here to keep her place in the starting line-up against the USA.

Blomqvist then won her side the penalty at the death when she was wrestled to the ground in the box by Gabriela Chavez and, Rubensson netted from the spot to wrap up the victory.

- AFP

England thrash China to reach last 16, Denmark also through

Chelsea star Lauren James scored twice as European champions England swept past shellshocked China 6-1 and into the Women's World Cup last 16 on Tuesday to set up a clash with Nigeria.

It equalled England's biggest-ever World Cup victory and booked them top spot in Group D, while consigning the Asian champions to their earliest ever exit.

Denmark beat Haiti 2-0 in the other group game to finish second and line up a knockout-round meeting with co-hosts Australia.

England made an explosive start at Adelaide's Hindmarsh Stadium with an instinctive finish from Manchester United striker Alessia Russo in just the fourth minute.

Manchester City's Lauren Hemp and James added further goals before the break.

Wang Shuang converted a second-half penalty for China, but James got her second with a sublime volley, substitute Chloe Kelly was gifted a fifth after a goalkeeper howler and Rachel Daly got in on the act as the clock ticked down.

England and Japan are the only teams to win all three group games so far, reaffirming their status as among the favourites to win the World Cup.

While they celebrated, China's tournament ended at the group stage for the first time ever.

The Steel Roses, an early powerhouse in women's football, made at least the round of 16 in the six previous World Cups they have played, finishing runners-up in 1999 during their heyday.

England, who only needed a point to top the table, started without injured Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh.

Manchester United captain Katie Zelem replaced her in one of three changes with Jess Carter and Hemp returning in place of Kelly and Ella Toone.

They made a dream start with Hemp breaking down the left and whipping in a dangerous cross which James headed down to Russo who took one touch before burying it in the corner.

China struggled to assert themselves and the inevitable second goal came in the 25th minute.

Skipper Millie Bright won possession and slotted through to James who played in Hemp between two defenders and she finished confidently.

Lucy Bronze clattered the post with a header before James added their third from a well-worked freekick routine, firing a stunner from the edge of the box.

They were unlucky not to be 4-0 ahead at half-time with another fantastic James strike disallowed for offside.

China had to wait until the 52nd minute for their first chance, but they won a penalty for handball with Wang calmly converting from the spot to give them a glimmer of hope.

But James produced a high-class side-footed volley from an inch-perfect Carter cross for their fourth and when Chinese goalkeeper Zhu Yu horribly misjudged a ball over the top, Kelly pounced for their fifth.

Daly made it a memorable night with another fine volley at the death.

Danes ease through

The Danes, playing at their first World Cup since 2007, thought they had scored early against Haiti in front of just under 18,000 in Perth but it was ruled out after a VAR review found Simone Boye was just off-side.

Denmark made their early pressure count when Haiti conceded a penalty -- their third at this World Cup -- for handball.

Skipper Pernille Harder scored from the spot.

Haiti woke up and had a golden opportunity just before the half-hour, but captain Nerilia Mondesir's effort was weak and easily saved by goalkeeper Lene Christensen.

Haiti refused to go quietly in the second half and Melchie Dumornay headed weakly at Christensen from close range as they chased a first World Cup goal.

Denmark sealed the deal deep in stoppage time through Sanne Troelsgaard.

-AFP

Half-time scores:

China 0-3 England

Haiti 0-1 Denmark

Netherlands romp to record win

The Netherlands powered into the last 16 of the Women's World Cup as group winners ahead of holders the United States with a 7-0 demolition of Vietnam on Tuesday.

Esmee Brugts and Jill Roord both scored twice in the biggest win yet at the Women's World Cup, eclipsing Germany's 6-0 thumping of Morocco.

A crowd of 8,215 were treated to the Dutch goal bonanza in Dunedin.

In the build-up, Dutch coach Andries Jonker said he wanted the 2019 finalists to finish top of the group in order to stay clear in the last 16 of Group G leaders Sweden, who routed Italy 5-0 at the weekend.

Jonker's team made his wish come true by blitzing Vietnam, who have lost all three games on their Women's World Cup debut.

The Dutch scored their first four goals inside the opening 23 minutes, the pick of which saw Brugts hit the top corner.

Vietnam were under pressure from the opening minute as the Dutch chalked up 42 shots on goal over the 90 minutes.

Lieke Martens grabbed the first goal with eight minutes played when she lobbed her marker and Vietnamese goalkeeper Thi Kim Thanh Tran.

Forward Katja Snoeijs made it 2-0 three minutes later when she stroked her effort inside the post past the stranded Tran.

After Brugts' superb third, Roord volleyed in a cross for her first goal on 23 minutes.

With half-time approaching, Tran put in a superb save to deny Roord, but midfielder Danielle van de Donk was on hand to slot home the rebound to make it 5-0 at the break.

Tran was replaced in the Vietnam goal by Thi Hang Khong for the second half, while 17-year-old Wieke Kaptein came on to make her third appearance for the Dutch.

Brugts scored again, from outside the area, when she fired into the opposite corner with a fierce strike that gave Khong no chance.

Martens had a goal ruled offside by the VAR before Roord, who had also clattered the woodwork, headed in the seventh goal with seven minutes left. - AFP

USA survive Portugal scare to reach World Cup last 16

Holders the United States survived a huge scare to reach the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw against Portugal, who were unlucky not to claim a sensational win at Eden Park that would have taken them through instead.

The USA struggled to impose themselves against opponents ranked 21st in the world and appearing at their first World Cup, and Portugal almost won the game in injury time when substitute Ana Capeta hit the post.

Holding on for the draw means Vlatko Andonovski's side finish in second place in Group E.

The Netherlands go through as group winners after a 7-0 demolition of a Vietnam side who were beaten just 3-0 by the Americans in their first match at the tournament.

That means pre-tournament favourites the USA will move to Australia to play a last-16 tie on Sunday against the winners of Group G, in all likelihood Olympic silver medallists Sweden.

Nothing about their performance here in front of almost 41,000 in Auckland, or in their two previous matches at the tournament, suggests the United States will find it easy going against a side who finished third at the last World Cup.

It is just the second time in Women's World Cup history that the USA have failed to top their group, although on the last occasion, in 2011, they reached the final before losing on penalties to Japan.

They had never before won just one group game, and the regression from four years ago in France is striking.That time they won all three matches in the first phase, rattling in 18 goals without reply.

Andonovski has insisted a youthful new team will need time to find its feet, but an urgent step-up will be required if they are not to be eliminated early in the knockout phase.

The US have never before failed to reach the semi-finals in the eight prior editions of the World Cup. - AFP

Half-time scores:

Vietnam 0-5 Netherlands

Portugal 0-0 USA

Nigeria 'destined for something special' at World Cup, coach says

Nigeria are "destined for something special" at the Women's World Cup, their coach Randy Waldrum has said, after reaching the last 16 and a likely clash with England.

The Super Falcons confounded expectations by beating co-hosts Australia 3-2 on the way to progressing unbeaten from one of the toughest groups at the tournament.

A 0-0 stalemate against Olympic champions Canada, the stunning Australia win and then another goalless draw on Monday against already eliminated Ireland put Nigeria into the knockout stage.

England need only a point against China on Tuesday to top Group D, which would set them up to meet 40th-ranked Nigeria on Monday.

"We were 20 spots below all the other teams in the group - at a minimum - in the rankings," said Waldrum, who was in open conflict with Nigerian football chiefs on the eve of the World Cup over pay and funding.

"It's testament to these players, they have not been given everything that other federations have but given the opportunity to get here they have put everything into it," the 66-year-old Texan added.

"I just feel like they all believe we are destined for something special at this World Cup. Our journey is not over and we will be very, very well prepared for whoever we play next week.

"I give the credit to the players. It is an amazing group of women."

Nigeria have been to all nine Women's World Cups since the tournament began in 1991 but this is only the third time they have reached the knockout phase.

It is the first time they have gone through the group phase unbeaten.

They were especially impressive in coming back from a goal down to beat Australia, when they were lethal on the break.

Waldrum was branded "a loudmouth" by the Nigerian Football Federation after speaking out before the tournament.

Asked if his team's performances had rebuffed that criticism on his behalf, Waldrum preferred to talk about his players.

"I can't control how people feel about me," he said.

"All I can do is do the best job I can and I hope we have proved some people who did not believe in us wrong.

"The credit goes to these young women for believing in what I am trying to get them to do. I could not have asked more from them."

Having got out of a tough group, Waldrum said his team feared nobody, not even England.

"Bring on the European champions, why not?"Don't count us out against England, we will be prepared."

Raso stars as Australia reach World Cup last 16 and dump Canada out

Hayley Raso scored twice for Australia in a statement 4-0 win over Canada as the fired-up co-hosts booked their place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Monday at the expense of the Olympic champions.

Tony Gustavsson's team came into the clash with their backs to the wall, needing victory to ensure they made the knockout round after a stunning 3-2 defeat at the hands of Nigeria left them on a knife-edge.

In front of a heaving Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, they thrived on the pressure to the delight of the raucous 27 706 fans, consigning Canada to an early flight home.

Real Madrid's Raso put them ahead in the ninth minute, firing low into the corner after captain Steph Catley fed a teasing low cross.

They had a goal controversially disallowed 10 minutes before the break, but the rampaging Matildas put it behind them and Raso made sure on their very next attack with a close-range tap-in.

A shellshocked Canada made four changes at half-time, but the comeback never materialised and Mary Fowler bagged Australia's third from a counter-attack before Catley sealed victory with an injury-time penalty.

The win left them top of Group B ahead of Nigeria, who drew 0-0 with Ireland in Brisbane, and set them up for a clash against the second-placed team in Group D - likely Denmark or China - in the next round.

But it was the end of the road for Canada, who would have been through with a draw. All the chat ahead of the game was whether Australia's Sam Kerr would play after missing their opening two games with a calf injury.

The Chelsea star was on the bench but wasn't risked with her team in complete charge.

They home side was boosted by the return of Manchester City's Fowler - who replaced Kerr in their 1-0 win against Ireland but missed the Nigeria game with concussion - but it was livewire Raso who gave them a dream start.

After a cagey opening, Catley was set free down the left and her curling ball found Raso who took two touches before smashing it into the corner.

It was called offside, but VAR awarded the goal and the stadium erupted. Canada grew into the contest, but their chances were few and far between.

Australia thought they had their second when Fowler rifled home from close range, but after a long delay, VAR found that Ellie Carpenter was fractionally offside, and it was disallowed to the disgust of fans.

Unperturbed, they launched straight into another attack and this time the goal counted, with Raso making no mistake from two yards out after the ball pinged off a Canadian defender from a corner.

Canada made wholesale changes at the break in a bid to revive their fortunes, but Australia resumed where they left off.

Raso and Kyra Cooney-Cross both went close before Fowler bagged the third in the 58th minute after Caitlin Foord beat the offside trap and cut the ball back.

Catley then stroked in a penalty at the death to wrap up the win after a Jessie Fleming foul was punished on review.  

- AFP

Nigeria qualify for Women's World Cup last 16

Nigeria booked their place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Monday when they drew 0-0 with Ireland to finish second behind co-hosts Australia in Group B.

They will now meet the winners of Group D - which is most likely to be European champions England.

The Nigerians, who upset Australia 3-2 on their last visit to Brisbane, recovered from a sloppy first half to get the draw they needed and reach the knockout stage for only the third time in nine attempts.

Australia beat Olympic champions Canada 4-0 in Melbourne to top the group.

The Nigerians showed little of the flair that helped them down Australia in the last match, particularly during a scrappy first half during which they were outfought by an Ireland side only playing for pride after two losses.

They found it hard to penetrate the Irish defensive line, with lone striker Asisat Oshoala a forlorn figure up front.

Oshoala had only one chance in the first 45 minutes and should have put her side in front after latching onto a terrible backpass from Louise Quinn and finding herself one on one with keeper Courtney Brosnan.

But her shot just missed to the right hand post and Ireland were off the hook.

The Nigerians came out with far more purpose in the second half as the Irish seemed to begin to feel the pace of the first period.

Brosnan pulled off a miraculous save in the 51st minute to deny Uchenna Kanu, who hit a powerful header that bounced awkwardly in front of the keeper.

Brosnan then threw herself up to somehow tip the ball onto the underside of the bar and watch it bounce back into the field of play.

That signalled an all-out assault on the Irish goal, only for some desperate defending to deny the Nigerians.

However, in a match lacking quality, shots on goal were scarce, seven to Nigeria and four to Ireland, all of the Irish shots coming in the first half.

- AFP