It’s day two of the Women’s World Cup and there were plenty of Arsenal players in action for their countries. In the early game (3.30am in the UK!) Canada drew 0-0 with Nigeria in Melbourne.
New Arsenal signing Cloe Lacasse was a second half substitute in that game but couldn’t help Canada break the deadlock. Canada missed a second half penalty through 40-year-old Christine Sinclair, who was (for now) denied the feat of becoming the first ever player to score at six World Cups. Arsenal goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo was an unused sub in that game.
SUBSTITUTION 🔁
Cloé Lacasse replaces Deanne Rose to start the 2nd half.#WeCAN #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/If9naomzJ3
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) July 21, 2023
In the second game, Lia Walti captained Switzerland and Noelle Maritz played at left-back as the Swiss swept Philippines aside 2-0 with a penalty from Ramona Bachmann and a second half strike from Seraina Puibel. Walti was subbed on 73 minutes as this was her first competitive game since picking up an ankle injury for Arsenal against Everton in May. Walti is the third Arsenal player to captain their country at the tournament. Maritz played the full 90 minutes.
© Walti@liawaelti starts for @nati_sfv_asf in their opening #FIFAWWC game! pic.twitter.com/hQ7DeHKW32
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 21, 2023
The later game saw Spain beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Wellington in the first game of the World Cup not to feature an Arsenal player. Tomorrow sees Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy’s England take on Haiti at 10.30am UK, while Katherine Kuhl’s Denmark face China at 1pm UK.
Congrats to Wally and Noelle. Job done!
I was impressed with what I saw of Cloe despite a disappointing result from her side.
Pleased for the Costa Rican keeper too. Without her in goal Spain could have racked up double figures! If she plays like that for the remainder of her tournament it’ll do her future career no harm at all.
Not sure I have ever seen a goalkeeper genuinely get cramp before but she “earned” it!
I was there Tim & if it hadn’t been for the keeper,Spain would have had 20,loved watching them,hope they go far
I think Bev Priestman should start Lacasse over Sinclair against RoI, who will use a low block again. She is full of energy, creative and they will need a lock picker for that game.
I was at the game in Wellington and Spain were just so impressive. Costa Rica are lucky it was only 3-0, although there was some admirable and very rugged defending too. Obviously there’s a big gap between them and Costa Rica in terms of funding for the national team, experience at the top level, and perhaps number of pro players (?), but regardless Spain look such a force. So mich skill all over the pitch. Loved watching Paralluelo especially. So silky and dangerous every time she had the ball.
I was there too, totally agree about Paralluelo,you couldn’t take your eyes off her,also loved seeing Bonmati just pulling the strings,are yougoing to see them play Japan?
Na just NZ vs Philippines then the Quarter Final for me!
Me too,hoping they sell out
I thought Noëlle had a very good game. I hope injuries don’t make it necessary, but reassuring to know she’s a capable left back. After quite a long layoff, Lia took a bit of time to settle into the game but by the second half she was running the midfield. Switzerland weren’t as controlled after she went off (but pleased to see given a rest!). Was impressed by Seraina Piubel; will be interesting to watch her in the upcoming matches.
Noëlle Maritz had a great game. She is so versatile, so reliable. Good deliveries into the box, too.
What an improvement we’re seeing among the “small” teams. New Zealand set the tone in the first game. All the underdog teams have come with a plan and great organisation. I don’t see there being any 10-0 scorelines this time around.
And this seems like a good time to mention how much better the standard of goalkeeping is. That aspect has improved out of recognition.