Ikeda the mastermind as Japan send warning

Mon, 31 Jul, 2023

Ikeda the mastermind as Japan send warning

Wellington: Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda's coaching acumen was on full display in Japan's impressive 4-0 win over Spain in their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C tie on Monday. 

Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, went into the match at the Wellington Regional Stadium favoured to win but were blown away in blustery conditions by a tactically disciplined Japan who sealed top spot and a Round of 16 meeting with Norway on Saturday. 
 
While Ikeda went to great lengths to praise his players, it was obvious that victory was due to his well-laid plans with Barcelona stars Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati reduced to being mere passengers with Spain not creating a single chance.

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Perfect homecoming for Catley

Tue, 01 Aug, 2023

Perfect homecoming for Catley

Melbourne: With everything on the line for Australia, Steph Catley produced a captain’s performance to lead her country to a 4-0 victory against Canada in their final FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Monday.

Australia dominated from start to finish, taking a 2-0 lead thanks to Hayley Raso with Mary Fowler etching her name on the scoresheet in the second half before Melburnian and stand-in captain Catley added the fourth in added time to cap an impressive performance that sealed their place in the knockout stage as group winners. 

Group C: Sensational Japan cruise to top spot

Mon, 31 Jul, 2023

Group C: Sensational Japan cruise to top spot

Wellington: Japan will face Norway in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 after a stunning 4-0 victory over Spain at Wellington Regional Stadium on Monday saw them finish top of Group C.

In a hugely impressive display of counter-attacking football, Futoshi Ikeda’s Japan were three up by half-time as a Hinata Miyazawa double either side of Riko Ueki’s deflected goal had the 2011 champions in full control at the interval.

Substitute Mina Tanaka made it four in the final 10 minutes as Japan put the icing on the cake of a performance that will live long in the memory as they topped the standings with three wins from three while Spain progressed to the next round as runners-up.

Group C: Zambia sign off with first goal and victory

Mon, 31 Jul, 2023

Group C: Zambia sign off with first goal and victory

Hamilton: Zambia won a FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 match for the first time with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica on Monday to end their debut tournament on a high.

The lowest-ranked team at the competition were spanked 5-0 by Spain and Japan as their chances of getting out of Group C ended in rapid fashion.

Group B: Australia turn on the style to advance

Mon, 31 Jul, 2023

Group B: Australia turn on the style to advance

Melbourne: Co-hosts Australia booked their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 round of 16 as Group B winners following an emphatic 4-0 victory over Canada at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Monday.

Having suffered a set-back against Nigeria in the previous game, the Matlidas responded exceptionally in front of a large crowd in Melbourne, storming to their biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup victory.

Group B: Draw with Ireland puts Nigeria through

Mon, 31 Jul, 2023

Group B: Draw with Ireland puts Nigeria through

Brisbane: Nigeria booked their place in the last 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 on Monday when they drew 0-0 with Ireland to finish second behind Australia in Group B.

They will now meet the winners of Group D as they 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.