Sweden dominated their Group G clash against Italy at the FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Wellington on Saturday, 29 July 2023.
In the first half, Italy started strongly with an early chance from Cantore, but Sweden’s Musovic made a save. Italy had the majority of ball possession and registered six shots compared to Sweden’s none. However, Sweden gradually took control of the game, and in the 39th minute, Kaneryd won a corner that led to Ilestedt scoring the first goal.
39' SÅJA!!! AMANDA ILESTEDT!!!!!!!!#SWE 1-0 #ITA | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/MJcfed3Ul9
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) July 29, 2023
Just four minutes later, Rolfo capitalised on another set piece to make it 2-0.
Sweden 🤝 Corners.#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
🇸🇪 @amandailestedt can't stop scoring!
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
2️⃣ in 2️⃣ for the centre half. ⚽️#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
In first-half stoppage time, Asllani assisted Blackstenius to score Sweden’s third goal.
45+1' STINA BLACKSTENIUS!!! Vilken avslutning på första halvlek!#SWE 3-0 #ITA | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/ET3k4u4hCF
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) July 29, 2023
What an end to the half! 🇸🇪@SvenskFotboll score three in six minutes and hold a commanding lead heading into the break! 💪#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
The second half began with Sweden continuing their dominance. In the 48th minute, Ilestedt’s header from a corner extended Sweden’s lead to 4-0.
50' Och där kommer fyran!! Amanda Ilestedt igen! Mittbackens andra för matchen och tredje i detta VM! 🔥#SWE 4-0 #ITA | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/pCnIL0kJvV
— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) July 29, 2023
🔥 @AmandaIlestedt is unstoppable!
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
Currently, no one has more goals in this #FIFAWWC than the @SvenskFotboll defender. 👏⚽️
Italy made some substitutions in the 60th minute, but they faced difficulties in creating meaningful opportunities. Sweden’s passes were precise and helped them unlock Italy’s defence. In the 90th minute, Blomqvist scored a fifth goal for Sweden on a counterattack.
🔥 @AmandaIlestedt is unstoppable!
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
Currently, no one has more goals in this #FIFAWWC than the @SvenskFotboll defender. 👏⚽️
With the final score at 5-0 in favour of Sweden, they secured their spot in the knockout stages. Italy would need to win their next match against South Africa with a goal difference of at least -4 to have a chance at progressing. South Africa would also need to win their match for their own hopes of advancement. Sweden, having found their stride after a slow start, are now setting their sights on their final group stage match against Argentina.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️@SvenskFotboll put in a 5-star display to defeat Italy and make it two wins from two at the #FIFAWWC! 🇸🇪
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
Sweden have announced themselves at the #FIFAWWC!
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
An impressive display from the Scandinavians, anchored by set-piece dominance! 💪@SvenskFotboll | #BeyondGreatness
France Clinch Vital Victory Against Brazil
France secured a hard-fought victory against Brazil in a highly anticipated Group F clash. The match, held in Brisbane, saw both teams showcasing their skills and determination.
From the start, Brazil looked lively, with Debinha and Antonia combining well on the right-wing. However, France quickly shifted the momentum and began to assert themselves in attack. In the 17th minute, Eugenie Le Sommer displayed her striking prowess with a clever guided header to give France the lead. Le Sommer had been a constant threat throughout the match and deservedly got her 90th international goal.
EUGENIE 👏 LE 👏 SOMMER 👏@ELS_9_FRANCE | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/Zk914itOLq
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
Brazil had their chances to equalise, with Adriana missing a golden opportunity by firing wide from a promising position. France’s Sandie Toletti was booked for cynically fouling Adriana before she could reach the box. Brazil’s Luana also received a yellow card for a late challenge on Toletti.
The first half ended with France leading 1-0, but the match was still finely balanced, and both teams showed their attacking intent.
🇫🇷🆚🇧🇷#FRA hold a narrow lead at the break, can #BRA come back in the second half?#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
In the second half, Brazil quickly found an equaliser through Debinha. Ary Borges provided a dangerous cross from the byline, but Debinha and Adriana got in each other’s way at the far post. However, Brazil managed to recycle the play, and Kerolin passed the ball into the box for Debinha, who calmly fired a shot into the right side of the net.
That touch. *Chef's kiss* 🤌
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
Outrageous from @Debinha7! 👏@SelecaoFeminina | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/3ISOuZdwSX
Following the equaliser, Brazil seemed to gain a newfound confidence and were first to every ball, putting pressure on the French defence. France responded by making their first substitution, bringing on Becho for Le Sommer.
The game reached a crucial moment in the 82nd minute when France’s Selma Bacha delivered a long corner kick. Wendie Renard, who was a doubt for the match due to injury, found herself unmarked at the back post and headed the ball into the net to give France a 2-1 lead. Renard’s goal showcased her aerial ability and helped secure an important victory for Les Bleues.
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
Brazil made a triple substitution, bringing on Ana Vitoria, Monica, and Marta in a bid to find an equaliser. However, their efforts were in vain as France displayed excellent game management to protect their lead. Brazil struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, and France held on to secure the victory.
The final score of 2-1 leaves France in control of Group F, while Brazil faces a tougher path to the knockout round. Wendie Renard’s late header proved decisive, and her presence on the pitch showcased the importance of her defensive leadership.
A huge win for @EquipedeFranceF which opens up Group F! 👏
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
What a match! 🙌#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
The match was an entertaining affair with both teams displaying quality football. France’s ability to navigate the game’s twists and turns and Brazil’s spirited fight made for an exciting encounter.
That winning feeling! 😁
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
Three big points for France as they defeat Brazil. 👏@EquipedeFranceF | #FIFAWWC
Jamaica Narrowly Beat Panama
In a thrilling Group F clash at the Women’s World Cup 2023 in Perth, Panama faced off against Jamaica.
The match started with Jamaica kicking off and an early free kick for them, but neither team could capitalise on their chances.
The absence of Khadija Shaw was evident for Jamaica, as their attacking efforts lacked a lethal threat. However, Jamaican goalkeeper Bailey made an incredible save when Sampson had the best chance of the first half. At halftime, the score remained 0-0, thanks to fine goalkeeping performances.
🇵🇦 v 🇯🇲
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
Jamaica have had the better chances, but it's still scoreless as we approach the break.#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
The second half kicked off with a substitution for Panama, with Salazar replaced by Quintero. Both teams continued to battle it out on the field, with Cox’s delivery for Panama going to waste and Bailey coming out to retrieve the ball for Jamaica. There was a moment of confusion when McKenna was ruled offside but foul play was being checked by VAR, only for it to confirm the offside decision and no penalty.
In the 55th minute, Jamaica broke the deadlock with a goal from A Swaby, weaving in and out before delivering a cross that Carter failed to convert, resulting in a corner. A Swaby then headed the ball home, giving Jamaica a 1-0 lead. Panama made a substitution, bringing Riley on for L Cedeno, while Matthews replaced Carter for Jamaica.
THE CAPTAIN RISES HIGHEST! 🙌🏿
— Official J.F.F (@jff_football) July 29, 2023
.#ReggaeGirlz #FIFAWomensWorldCup #PANJAM #FIFAWWC #BeyondGreatness #JFF_Football pic.twitter.com/39tsuuEXY7
Captain Fantastic. 🇯🇲@allysonswaby10 scores for @JFF_Football who lead in a #FIFAWWC game for the very first time! 🙌
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
As the game progressed, Panama mounted pressure around Jamaica’s box, forcing the opposition to clear the ball desperately. With time running out, Spence displayed some excellent skills but was denied by Panama’s resolute defense. Jamaica made changes, bringing on Washington and Simmonds, while Primus and Cameron were substituted for Wiltshire and McNamara. Six additional minutes were added to the game, increasing the tension on the field.
In the dying moments, Simmonds made a great run for Jamaica, but E Cedeno put in a perfectly timed challenge to prevent any further danger. However, Jamaica earned a corner, leading to last-minute drama as VAR checked for a potential handball. The referee ultimately decided against awarding a penalty. Panama had one final chance to level the score as E Cedeno won a corner, but their efforts were in vain as Jamaica defended well.
The final whistle blew, with Jamaica securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama. This result saw Panama’s dreams of progressing in the World Cup shattered, while Jamaica joined France at the top of the group. A draw or win in their next game against Brazil would secure Jamaica’s progress to the next stage. Despite Panama’s tremendous effort, it was Jamaica who emerged victorious from this intense encounter in the Women’s World Cup 2023.
FT Panama 0-1 Jamaica.
JAMAICA'S FIRST #FIFAWWC WIN!!! 🇯🇲@JFF_Football | #BeyondGreatness
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023