Groups D and E came to a conclusion at the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday. In the early kick offs, USA’s 0-0 draw with Portugal and Netherlands’ 7-0 win over Vietnam meant that Netherlands top the group ahead of the US.
Victoria Pelova played the first 45 minutes of that game against Vietnam, she was withdrawn at half-time as she had missed some training sessions with illness over the weekend. Netherlands will play one of Italy, South Africa or Argentina in the Round of 16 with USA very likely to play against Amanda Ilestedt, Stina Blackstenius and Lina Hurtig’s Sweden.
🏴🦁 GOAL!
Alessia Russo gives #ENG the perfect start in Adelaide!#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/99P4iUOIn5
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 1, 2023
In the second set of games, Kathrine Kuhl started for Denmark and played for in their 2-0 win against Haiti. Meanwhile, Alessia Russo opened the scoring for England in their 6-1 win against China, Russo was subbed after 71 minutes. Kuhl’s Denmark will play against Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord’s Australia on Saturday, while England will play Nigeria.
Tomorrow sees Sweden and Ilestedt, Blackstenius and Hurtig look to confirm themselves as group winners against Argentina at 8am, with South Africa v Italy also in that group. At 11am UK France play Panama and Brazil play Jamaica.
Arsenal are the top scoring club at the World Cup so far with eight- Amanda Ilestedt (3), Steph Catley (2), Stina Blackstenius (1), Katie McCabe (1) and Alessia Russo (1).
Of the 15 Gunners that went to the World Cup, three are coming home in the shape of Sabrina D’Angelo, Cloe Lacasse and Katie McCabe. Kathrine Kuhl takes on Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord in the Round of 16, so at least one more will come home after the next round.
A very nice performance
A very smart finish from Russo
Interesting to see Wiegman eventually settling for a back 3 in Williamson’s absence.
Yes, Williamson and Walsh’s unavailability have pushed her into this but it works and I hope she sticks with it even when Keira Walsh is fit again.
Agree – the system against China allowed Zelem to play a pretty risk-free game, but adding Walsh’s creativity to that set up would be good to see.
I do feel a bit sorry for Rachel Daly, though. Wingback is probably more fun than fullback if you’re a striker, but still…. I hope her teammates appreciate her sacrifice.
Fantastic from Russo and England. I was getting worried but I think we’re going to be alright.
Pelova is such a useful player for Arsenal and Andries Jonker. The Dutch were superb.
Danish equivalent of the BBC rates Kühl highly after the Haiti game – quite a few others got sub-par ratings. Loosely translated they say that “Finally we got to see the highly talented midfielder spread her wings and especially in the first half she was everywhere. Great on the ball, physically as well, and controlled the game when Denmark were playing their best” Fingers crossed, as always with international games, hoping everyone makes it home without injury. I’m guessing Kathrine will be home soon – it’d be quite a surprise if the Danes make it past Australia who’ll have 85.000… Read more »
100% agreement on Kühl. She can do everything. Great level of intensity and maturity.