Group E: Resolute Vietnam make United States work hard

Sat, 22 Jul, 2023

Group E: Resolute Vietnam make United States work hard

Auckland: Vietnam produced a steely performance as defending champions the United States were made to work hard for a 3-0 win in their opening FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E tie at Eden Park on Saturday. 

Tournament debutants Vietnam frustrated the four-time champions with their disciplined and resolute defending and will look forward to their remaining matches with confidence. 

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Stajcic hails resilient Filipinas

Sat, 22 Jul, 2023

Stajcic hails resilient Filipinas

Dunedin: Philippines head coach Alen Stajcic applauded his players for their fighting performance in their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 opener on Friday.

Appearing at this stage for the first time, the Southeast Asian side held their own against a strong Switzerland team who had to work hard for their 2-0 win at the Dunedin Stadium.
 
Stajcic’s side put on a performance that was organised, committed and frustrated Switzerland for long spells until Ramona Bachmann’s first-half penalty gave the European side the lead. Seraina Piubel doubled the advantage on 64 minutes to see La Nati take all three points and claim an early lead at the top of Group A.

Gustavsson applauds gritty Matildas

Sat, 22 Jul, 2023

Gustavsson applauds gritty Matildas

Sydney: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson praised his team’s mental resilience after kicking off their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Group B rivals the Republic of Ireland on Thursday despite the absence of captain Sam Kerr due to injury.

Chelsea striker Kerr was left out of the starting line-up for the Matildas’ tournament debut after sustaining a calf strain on Wednesday, but Steph Catley’s 52nd minute penalty was enough to earn the tournament co-hosts their first three points of the competition.

Tears, cheers and hugs as New Zealand celebrate first ever win

Fri, 21 Jul, 2023

Tears, cheers and hugs as New Zealand celebrate first ever win

Auckland: New Zealand head coach Jitka Klimkova described seeing her team claim the country's historic first FIFA World Cup win - men or women - as "an incredible feeling" on Thursday.

The Women's World Cup co-hosts defeated former champions Norway 1-0 to open the tournament in front of a near-capacity crowd at Eden Park in Auckland.