WWC2023: Shape-shifting England hit China for six
August 2 – After two tight, unconvincing 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark, England have finally arrived at the Women’s World Cup.
Women
US survive Portugal scare to reach last 16, as Dutch top group
By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
August 1 – Defending world champions the United States survived a major scare against Portugal to squeeze through to the knockout phase of the Women’s World Cup, but following the goalless stalemate the Americans downplayed the gravity of their disappointing form.
Aussies back on World Cup track as they dump Olympic Champions Canada out of the finals
July 31 – Australia’s Women’s World Cup came back to life with a 4-0 win to end Olympic champions Canada’s progress to the knockout rounds and dispel any lingering doubts about the host nation’s team.
‘Chill and let live’: Gianni’s jet takes him on a tour of PacRim islands
July 30 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has departed the Women’s World Cup to tour the Pacific, prompting criticism after he had called for the women’s tournament to be shown the same respect as the men’s competition.
WWC2023: New Zealand exit; Colombia stun Germany in added time
By Samindra Kunti in Dunedin, New Zealand
July 30 – Co-hosts New Zealand crashed out of the Women’s World Cup on home soil after a goalless draw against Switzerland. In Group H, Colombia defeated Germany 2-1 in one of the tournament’s all-time upsets.
WWC2023: Renard’s late header puts qualification pressure on Brazil
July 30 – With a late header by Wendie Renard, France stunned Brazil 2-1 in a blockbuster match to take control of Group G. Jamaica defeated Panama 1-0 in their first-ever World Cup win.
WWC2023: James strike pushes England towards last 16
July 28 – England closed in on a round-of-16 berth at the Women’s World Cup with an improved performance to defeat Denmark 1-0, a result that was marred by a serious injury to Keira Walsh.
Booking.com signed sponsorship deal with FIFA whilst withholding hotel and host payments
July 25 – FIFA’s last minute sponsorship with Booking.com has sparked anger amongst small hotels and accommodation hosts, thousands of whom had gone unpaid worldwide for more than six weeks when the sponsorship deal was announced.
Argentina and South Africa entertain with draw that keeps Group G alive to final round
By Samindra Kunti in Dunedin
July 28 – Argentina rallied late to rescue a 2-2 draw against South Africa in an enthralling Group G match with both the South Americans and Banyana Banyana retaining a chance of progressing from the group.
WWC2023: Nigeria shock hosts leaving Aussies with must-win game against Canada
July 27 – Nigeria came from behind to stun co-hosts Australia 3-2 on Thursday and leave the Matildas fighting for their lives to qualify for the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup.
Dutch coach rues missed opportunity to make home fans happy in the middle of the night
July 27 – Netherlands coach Andries Jonker had mixed feelings following an intense 1-1 draw with the United States in Group E, a result that allows the Dutch to claim top spot at the expense of the Americans in their final group game. “I didn’t sign for this,” lamented Jonker.
Indigenous communities keep pressure on FIFA over ‘empty symbolism’ of WWC imagery
By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
July 26 – Indigenous Football Australia (IFA) have written to FIFA and Football Australia, slamming their “empty symbolism” of Indigenous imagery at the Women’s World Cup. FIFA, however, say work is being done on space for indigenous football.
WWC 2023 – Spain and Japan glide past Costa Rica and Zambia into last 16
By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
May 26 – Spain and Japan became the first teams to book their ticket for the Women’s World Cup’s knockout stage, sending debutants Zambia and Costa Rica home in Group C.
Aussies lead on ticket sales as WWC2023 breaks attendance records
July 25 – FIFA have said that the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be the best-attended edition ever of the tournament after selling more than 1.5 million tickets five days into the tournament.
Philippines spoil New Zealand party as Swiss edge to top of group
By Samindra Kunti in Hamilton
July 25 – The Philippines shocked co-hosts New Zealand with a 1-0 victory to blow Group A wide open. In the other group fixture, Norway and Switzerland held each other, 0-0.