Here are the latest Women’s World Cup headings on Sunday, July 30.
England star Daly positive Lionesses can cope without hurt Walsh
By Rachel Steinberg, PA, New South Wales
England veteran Rachel Daly is positive the Lionesses have the depth to cope without hurt midfielder Keira Walsh when their World Cup campaign resumes on Tuesday in Adelaide.
The European champs require simply a point in their last group match versus China to secure leading area in Group D at Hindmarsh Stadium and established a last-16 conference with among Nigeria, Canada or Australia in Brisbane.
Walsh will lose out after suffering a knee injury in Friday’s 1-0 success over Denmark, however manager Sarina Wiegman was provided a motivating update when a scan revealed the issue was not to the 26-year-old’s anterior cruciate ligament.
Daly said: “Obviously it was heartbreaking. You constantly fear the worst because scenarios like I’m sure you people did. As a team-mate, as a friend, it’s even harder. She’s certainly such an essential part of our group on and off the pitch, so it was difficult. It’s not good to see anybody get hurt. But a sigh of relief I expect when it wasn’t the feared three-letter word (ACL) and we’re all simply here to support her and get her through whatever she requires.
“It’s certainly challenging losing a gamer of her capability and the quality that she brings, and like I said off the pitch she’s an essential part of the group also so it is difficult. [We have] a 23-player team that can all can stepping up in these minutes. And we understand that as a group, the gamers think in that. The staff think in that. And I hope that everyone else on the outdoors thinks that. And yes, it’s sad to see somebody not have the ability to play, however it’s a wonderful chance for someone else to step up.
“It’s a group video game and we need to get on with it and eventually to do the job for Keira also. I think everyone’s just in better sprits, obviously going into the video game knowing that we need to get the job done. I believe what you saw on Friday was the resilience side that we have. It was certainly so difficult losing her, but we’ve got players to step into that role. You know, no one’s going to replace somebody else. Everyone brings something different to the squad, their own unique ability.”
Walsh, who was carried off on a stretcher in the first half of the Denmark clash and later appeared on crutches, will remain at the team’s Terrigal base in New South Wales to undergo medical assessments.
Colombia shock Germany and co-hosts New Zealand eliminated
By PA Sport Staff
Manuela Vanegas ripped up the script at the Women’s World Cup as her stoppage-time strike for Colombia condemned Germany to a shock 2-1 defeat. Co-hosts New Zealand were knocked out of the tournament as they were held to a goalless draw by Switzerland, while Norway thrashed the Philippines 6-0 as Morocco edged out South Korea 1-0.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at all of today’s World Cup action.
Colombia stun Germany: Germany suffered their first World Cup group stage defeat since 1995 in dramatic fashion in Sydney. Real Madrid teenager Linda Caicedo’s outstanding strike gave Colombia a 52nd-minute lead, but Germany thought they had rescued a draw when Alexandra Popp scored from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.
But Colombia shocked the two-time world champions when Vanegas headed in Leicy Santos’ corner deep into stoppage time. It means Colombia need only a point from their final group video game against Morocco to top the group, with Germany perhaps needing to beat South Korea to advance.
New Zealand go out: The World Cup lost the first of its two co-hosts on Sunday as a goalless draw for New Zealand was not enough in Group A. The Football Ferns had recorded an historic first win over Norway on the opening night of the tournament, but the stalemate in Wellington saw Switzerland top the group, while New Zealand were left level on points with Norway. And Norway had a vastly superior goal difference after finishing their group campaign with a 6-0 win over the Philippines, with Sophie Roman Haug scoring a hat-trick.
Benzina makes history: Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup as she helped Morocco to a 1-0 win over South Korea. Benzina, 25, made her first appearance of the tournament in her side’s final group game, which Morocco won thanks to Ibtissam Jraidi’s sixth-minute header – the nation’s first-ever Women’s World Cup win. FIFA authorised the wearing of head coverings for religious reasons in 2014.
What Women’s World Cup games are on Monday, July 31?
Group B: Canada v Australia (Melbourne, 11am)
Group B: Republic of Ireland v Nigeria (Brisbane, 11am)
Group C: Costa Rica v Zambia (Hamilton, 8am)
Group C: Japan v Spain (Wellington, 8am)
All times BST
Who needs what in the final Women’s World Cup group-stage matches
By Tom White, PA Sport Data Journalist
Germany were left to work for their World Cup last-16 place as Switzerland and Norway qualified at the conclusion of Group A. Here, the PA news agency looks at the state of play after Sunday’s results.
Group A: The first group concluded before the last had played its second round of matches and Switzerland’s goalless draw with New Zealand was enough to see them through, while Sophie Roman Haug’s hat-trick helped Norway rout the Philippines 6-0 to eliminate the co-hosts.
Group B: Defeat to Nigeria left Australia in danger and they will require to beat Canada to avoid a host nation wipeout in the group stage – or draw and pray that the Republic of Ireland can upset Nigeria. Goal difference is the first tie-breaker if required, followed by goals scored and then head-to-head record. Canada and Nigeria both know a draw will see them through, while the Republic cannot qualify.
Group C: Spain and Japan have both qualified and will face off for top spot in the group, with Spain holding a one-goal advantage in the event of a draw. Costa Rica were the first team eliminated from the tournament, closely followed by Monday’s opponents Zambia.
Group D: England need only a point against China to top the group, having already beaten Haiti and Denmark. The Danes must at least match China’s result, while underdogs Haiti still harbour outside hopes of progressing, however will need victories for themselves and England.
Group E: The United States have been tested more strenuously than expected in their group, drawing with the Netherlands, but will qualify nevertheless if they avoid defeat to Portugal. The latter, a point behind the top two, will surely need a win, with the Dutch facing outclassed Vietnam and looking to run up the goals with an eye on top spot.
Group F: France need a point from their final match against already-gotten rid of Panama to confirm their progression. Jamaica, level on four points and goal difference with the French at the top of the group, would also go through with a draw against Brazil, who need to win to make sure of their place in the knockout phase.
Group G: Sweden have already booked their place in the next round following victories over South Africa and Italy and it will take a remarkable goal difference swing to prevent them from topping the group, even if they lose their final game against Argentina. Italy can guarantee their progress by beating South Africa, who, like Argentina, need to win their final game and hope the other result goes their way to take second spot.
Group H: Colombia shook up the established order with a 97th-minute winner against Germany and need only a point against Morocco to seal top spot. Germany will qualify if they beat winless South Korea, barring a Moroccan win by double figures, however may be left to face France should Les Bleues leading Group F.
