Another day at the Women’s World cup brought another set of eyebrow raising results. First up was one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the group stage as Victoria Pelova’s Netherlands took on USA.
Pelova set up the opening goal for former Gunner Jill Roord as Netherlands took a one goal lead which was cancelled out by Lindsey Horan’s second half header. Portugal were later 2-0 winners over Vietnam.
But the surprise result of the day saw hosts Australia go down 3-2 to Nigeria. Caitlin Foord and Steph Cayley played the full game while former Arsenal player Asisat Oshoala was on the score sheets as the Super Falcons, who are still in a row about payment with the NFF, won 3-2.
Huge defensive work from Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts, not bad for attackers.
They made life difficult for Smith and Rodman, both of whom had very, very low pass completion rates.#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/kZ1fvNdqVl
— Rich Laverty (@RichJLaverty) July 27, 2023
It throws the group wide open and makes Australia’s final game against Canada an incredibly tasty one. Tomorrow’s Arsenal action sees Alessia Russo and Lotte Wubben-Moy’s England take on Katherine Kuhl’s Denmark at 0130 UK.
Asisat’s goal brought back chills of a killer instinct forward.
Really impressed with Victoria Pelova, she seemed to be involved with everything good that the Netherlands did while she was on the pitch
I thought she was great. So versatile, although she struggled a little bit when she had more of a FB role (rather than playing as a wingback as she did in the first half).
Feel sorry for the other Matildas but anything that wipes that smug grin off Sam Kerr’s face has to be a good thing!
Is the USA dominance over? They have not looked up to their usual standard for a while now or is it simply that now other countries have professional leagues the gap has closed naturally?
I think other countries are catching up,but Netherlands were lucky with a draw,D v D shouldn’t have riled up Lindsay Horan,she really went for that header straight afterwards
Both, I think. They seem to be finding a new identity – the physical bullying and direct playing style is less destructive because other nations have caught up with them on fitness and aggression and some are also more technically gifted. I think the transition is taking longer/being bumpier than they hoped. That said, when they gel and their youngsters get more experienced, they will be a behemoth again. Just not the only behemoth.
Let’s hope so,it’s good to see more competition in the game