England will play Colombia in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after the South American side defeated Jamaica 1-0 to set up a meeting with the Lionesses in Sydney on Saturday.
Catalina Usme’s composed second-half finish was enough to send Colombia through to their first ever Women’s World Cup quarter-final, with Jamaica unable to respond after conceding their first goal of the tournament.
Led by 18-year-old star forward Linda Caicedo and backed by a loud and passionate travelling support, Colombia caused a major shock in the group stages to stun two-time champions Germany and top Group H.
England survived a major scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties on Monday after having to play with 10 players in extra time following Lauren James’ red card. Sarina Wiegman must now wait to discover the extent of her star forward’s suspension, which is set to be decided by a disciplinary panel.
On the other side of the draw, France thrashed Morocco 4-0 to set up a mouthwatering clash against Australia, after the co-hosts comfortably defeated Denmark.
Follow all the latest news and updates from the Women’s World Cup as the last-16 concludes:
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest updates from last-16
The Women’s World Cup last-16 concludes in Australia and New Zealand
France hammer Morocco 4-0 in final tie of last-16 and go on to face Australia in quarter-finals
70’ GOAL! – Le Sommer has a brace as France add to their lead (FRA 4-0 MAR)
23’ GOAL! – Le Sommer latches onto a Moroccan mistake to score a third for France (FRA 3-0 MAR)
20’ GOAL! – Dali adds a quick second for Les Bleues (FRA 2-0 MAR)
15’ GOAL! – Diani nods France ahead to reward their dominance (FRA 1-0 MAR)
Colombia defeat Jamaica 1-0 in meeting of two surprise packages to set up quarter-final with England
Lionesses now face Colombia on Saturday, after surviving Nigeria scare
Lauren James could miss rest of tournament after red card for stamping on Nigeria player
Sam Kerr returned for Australia as co-hosts cruised past Denmark at Olympic Stadium
Nouhaila Benzina: The hijabi-wearing Moroccan making World Cup history
Tuesday 8 August 2023 16:45 , Mike Jones
When Nouhaila Benzina stepped onto the field for Morocco’s first match of the Women’s World Cup against Germany, she made history — and not just as a player for the first Arab or North African nation ever in the tournament.
The 25-year-old defender is the first player to wear the Islamic headscarf at the senior-level Women’s World Cup. She and the Atlas Lionesses have since reached the knockout stages on their debut campaign, facing France in the last-16.
“Girls will look at Benzina (and think) ‘That could be me,’” said Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network said of the hijab. “Also the policymakers, the decision-makers, the administrators will say, ‘We need to do more in our country to create these accepting and open and inclusive spaces for women and girls to participate in the game.’”
Nouhaila Benzina: The hijabi-wearing Moroccan making World Cup history
Millie Bright says England have moved on from Lauren James red card
Tuesday 8 August 2023 16:30 , Mike Jones
Captain Millie Bright insists England have already moved on from learning they would lose Lauren James for at least Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final after the forward was sent off late in the last-16 victory over Nigeria.
The 21-year-old was shown a red after stepping on the back of defender Michelle Alozie, resulting in an automatic one-match ban that could be extended to three games by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, meaning her tournament could be over.
James posted an apology to Alozie on Twitter on Tuesday and also vowed to learn from the incident.
It’s done – Millie Bright says England have moved on from Lauren James red card
Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?
Tuesday 8 August 2023 16:15 , Mike Jones
The Women’s World Cup knockout rounds are set after the group stages featured a number of shocks and stunning upsets in Australia and New Zealand.
Germany, Brazil and Canada were all knocked out in the groups, with the United States also now out after their dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Sweden in the last-16.
England survived a major scare against Nigeria to reach the quarter-finals, with Sarina Wiegman’s side having to survive with 10 players after Lauren James was sent off for a stamp.
Australia joined them in the last-eight as Sam Kerr returned in the 2-0 win over Denmark.
Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?
Nigeria team forced to ‘share beds’ as players slam lack of support after Women’s World Cup exit
Tuesday 8 August 2023 16:00 , Mike Jones
Nigeria forward Ifeoma Onumonu criticised a lack of support from the country’s football federation after the Super Falcons were knocked out of the Women’s World Cup by England on penalties, revealing that players sometimes have to share beds at their training base back home due to insufficient resources.
Nigeria were eliminated from the World Cup after a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to the Lionesses but were the better team in large spells against the European champions, who held on to a goalless draw following Lauren James’ red card late in normal time.
Nigeria’s build-up to the World Cup was disrupted by a pay dispute, with the team’s American manager Randy Waldrum revealing before the tournament that some players had not been paid in two years by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Nigeria team forced to ‘share beds’ as players slam lack of support
The Sam Kerr mystery is over and Australia are World Cup contenders again
Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:50 , Mike Jones
Incredibly, there was another level of noise for the crowd of over 75,000 at the Olympic Stadium to reach. The loudest roar of the night came when Australia were already through. Leading Denmark by two goals, the Women’s World Cup and its co-hosts got the moment they had been waiting for. Sam Kerr, the face of the tournament, had finally arrived.
Ruled out of the group stages due to injury, Kerr got her first minutes of the World Cup as the Matildas stood with one foot already in the quarter-finals. With the game won and Denmark well beaten, Kerr’s touches were inconsequential; that her only shot from the angle flashed over the bar did not matter. But Australia have their star back, the final piece for a team who are delivering for their country and are growing with the competition.
Kerr’s introduction came moments after Hayley Raso had sent the home crowd into a frenzy, doubling Australia’s lead with a crisp finish from another clinical counterattack. The crowd in Sydney had been electric when Australia attacked, a rolling wave of noise that grew from Caitlin Foord’s sublime opening goal. Nothing, though, could compare to the welcome Kerr received and what it represented for a team who are starting to believe they are contenders again.
The Sam Kerr mystery is over and Australia are World Cup contenders again
Lucy Bronze says Lauren James ‘feels bad’ over red card against Nigeria
Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:40 , Mike Jones
England defender Lucy Bronze revealed she made a post-match beeline to console “upset” Lauren James after the forward was shown what could be a World Cup-ending red card in the Lionesses’ nervy last 16 victory over Nigeria.
James will miss at least her side’s quarter-final clash with either Colombia or Jamaica after she was sent off late in Monday night’s knockout match in Brisbane for deliberately stepping on the back of Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie.
Bronze was one of the 10 Lionesses who doggedly defended their way through 30 minutes of extra time in the goalless draw before Bethany England, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly wrapped up the 4-2 win on penalties.
Lauren James ‘upset’ as red card puts her World Cup in doubt
Petition to force Nike to sell England goalkeeper Mary Earps’ shirt nears 35,000 signatures
Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:30 , Mike Jones
A petition to force Nike to make the kit of England goalkeeper Mary Earps available for public purchase during the Women’s World Cup has reached almost 35,000 signatures.
England’s home and away replica kits are available for fans to buy but the Lionesses goalkeeper jerseys have not been put up for sale by clothing giant Nike – the team’s kit supplier.
This is despite Earps being a genuine superstar of world football and arguably the best goalkeeper in the world – having been the Lionesses’s shot-stopper when they won the Euros last summer and being named Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper for 2022.
Petition to get Nike to sell England goalkeeper Earps’ shirt nears 35,000 signatures
Women’s World Cup: How to watch every match
Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:20 , Mike Jones
England will play Colombia in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after the South American side defeated Jamaica 1-0 to set up a meeting with the Lionesses in Sydney on Saturday.
Catalina Usme’s composed second-half finish was enough to send Colombia through to their first ever Women’s World Cup quarter-final, with Jamaica unable to respond after conceding their first goal of the tournament.
Led by 18-year-old star forward Linda Caicedo and backed by a loud and passionate travelling support, Colombia caused a major shock in the group stages to stun two-time champions Germany and top Group H.
England survived a major scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties on Monday after having to play with 10 players in extra time following Lauren James’ red card. Sarina Wiegman must now wait to discover the extent of her star forward’s suspension, which is set to be decided by a disciplinary panel.
On the other side of the draw, France thrashed Morocco 4-0 to set up a mouthwatering clash against Australia, after the co-hosts comfortably defeated Denmark.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch the Women’s World Cup.
Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today
Women’s World Cup: Golden Boot race
Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:10 , Mike Jones
The race for the Women’s World Cup golden boot is taking shape with the knockout stages underway in Australia and New Zealand.
Hinata Miyazawa moved back to the top of the standings as the in-form striker rounded off Japan’s 3-1 win over Norway in the last-16, moving her to five goals in four games.
Alexandra Popp, one of the pre-tournament favourites for the golden boot, had joined Miyazawa on four goals but the Germany captain will be unable to add any more after the two-time champions crashed out in the group stages.
Women’s World Cup golden boot standings
Five goals
Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) – one assist
Four goals
Kadidiatou Diani (France) – three assists
Alexandra Popp (Germany)
Jill Roord (Netherlands)
Three goals
Lauren James (England) – three assists
Aitana Bonmati (Spain) – two assists
Jennifer Hermoso (Spain) – one assist
Alba Redondo (Spain) – one assist
Ary Borges (Brazil) – one assist
Sophie Román Haug (Norway)
Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden)
Hayley Raso (Australia)
Colombia overcome Jamaica – and show why they will scare England
Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:00 , Mike Jones
It only took a moment for Jamaica’s plan to unravel. After keeping three clean sheets in their historic progression from the group stages, a goal was all it took for their World Cup dream to finally appear out of reach. As Deneisha Blackwood was caught under the high ball, Colombia found the quality they had long been searching for: Catalina Usme cushioned it perfectly on her left foot and a step later, it was guided into the far corner.
For the first time in four matches at this World Cup, Jamaica and goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer conceded, and if this last-16 tie desperately needed a goal, so did Colombia’s entire approach. After taking the lead, they finally began to look like the team that shocked Germany in topping Group H, and who will now look to do the same against England in the quarter-finals. Playing Jamaica didn’t suit them. Facing the Lionesses might.
When Colombia stunned the World Cup and beat Germany, it was a victory built on how effectively they disrupted the two-time champions when they were in possession. Not having as much of the ball allowed Colombia to pick, press and frustrate. But in the last-16 it was Jamaica who were succeeding in frustrating them.
Colombia overcome Jamaica – and show why they will scare England
Women’s World Cup: France sweep past Morocco to reach quarter-finals
Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:52 , Mike Jones
Despite their impressive victory over Morocco, former England midfielder Fara Williams, believes France have more work to do ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Australia.
“France were the better team. A dominant performance. A clean sheet going into the quarter-final,” Williams summed up on BBC One,
“It was always going to be difficult for Morocco to block out the strengths of France, particularly down the wings. It proved costly for Morocco, they were able to defend the goals from the wide areas.
“France will have to up their intensity against Australia, this was probably the lowest intensity game of the round. They need to up their levels against Australia who will bring it and then some on Saturday.”
Women’s World Cup: France sweep past Morocco to reach quarter-finals
Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:45 , Mike Jones
Former England striker, Ellen White, spoke on BBC One about Morocco’s World Cup saying:
“This Moroccan team can be so proud. What they have achieved in this tournament, the visibility they have brought, their whole nation must be so proud.
“They will be proud of each other and themselves as individuals. To win two straight games and get two clean sheets [at the end of the group stage] is great.
“They just didn’t have the quality going forward today.”
Why Lauren James must be protected, not vilified, after World Cup red
Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:37 , Mike Jones
When Sarina Wiegman saw Lauren James after her red card against Nigeria, the first thing the manager said to her was “it happens”. There was absolutely no castigation, a stance made easier by the player’s immediate apology and the fact England got through.
It has made the squad’s World Cup that bit more complicated, though, not least because of the curious regulation that James may not even know her full punishment until after the quarter-final. It is a definite one-game ban until Fifa’s disciplinary committee review the moment, which isn’t certain to happen before Saturday.
One thing that probably is certain is that, for all the obvious comparisons, this was never going to be a David Beckham 1998 or Wayne Rooney 2006. That isn’t just because England won on penalties. We are a long way from “10 Heroic Lions, One Stupid Boy”, particularly when it comes to women’s football.
Why Lauren James must be protected, not vilified, after World Cup red
Women’s World Cup: Lionesses back Lauren James after red card
Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:29 , Mike Jones
The Lionesses have released a statement backing Lauren James after her moment of madness during the last 16 tie against Nigeria. She stamped on Michelle Alozie and was sent off.
James apologised via her instagram earlier today before this statement came out:
How many games will Lauren James miss at Women’s World Cup after red card?
Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:20 , Mike Jones
England are through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup – but they will be without Lauren James when they play Colombia in the last eight.
James was sent off for stamping on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie during the Lionesses’ last-16 tie.
The 21-year-old, who has been England’s player of the tournament, was initially shown a yellow card by the referee, but VAR recommended a review and the yellow card was upgraded to red after the act of petulance.
After receiving a red card, James is automatically suspended for England’s next match, however her punishment will be reviewed by a Fifa disciplinary panel.
How many games will Lauren James miss at Women’s World Cup after red card?
Lauren James apologises after World Cup red card
Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:12 , Mike Jones
Lauren James has promised to “learn” from her sending off at the Women’s World Cup – as the England star apologised to Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie for stamping on her back during the last-16 match.
James was shown a straight red card after leaving her studs on Alozie’s back when the defender was on the ground, with the 21-year-old having grown frustrated as Nigeria marked her out of the game.
The forward will be suspended for at least the quarter-finals, with England facing Colombia on Saturday after defeating Nigeria on penalties, but a Fifa disciplinary panel could decide that the act merits further punishment.
Lauren James apologises after World Cup red card
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:05 , Mike Jones
The two sides of a World Cup knockout match. France go through and Morocco go home.
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Women’s World Cup: Quarter-final schedule
Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:00 , Mike Jones
Friday 11 August
QF1: Spain vs Netherlands (02:00, Wellington) – BBC One
QF2: Japan vs Sweden (08:30, Auckland) – BBC One
Saturday 12 August
QF3: Australia vs France (08:00, Brisbane) – ITV 1
QF4: England vs Colombia (11:30, Sydney) – ITV 1
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:54 , Mike Jones
So it is France and Colombia who complete the line-up for the quarter-finals. The stage is set of the next round of the competition as the Women’s World Cup comes down to the final eight teams.
Who will go on to win the trophy?
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:53 , Mike Jones
Full-time!
90+4 mins: France are through! They’ve swept Morocco aside in this last 16 clash and now move on to face the co-hosts Australia in the quarter-finals.
Morocco’s achievement was getting out of the group ahead of Germany. Their World Cup was a decent one but they were beaten by a better team today.
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:51 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play.
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:48 , Mike Jones
89 mins: Hanane Ait El Haj kicks out at Selma Bacha high up the pitch for Morocco. She’s nowhere near the ball and brings down the player.
The referee gives her another warning but if she does another foul she’ll be sent off the pitch for sure.
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:47 , Mike Jones
86 mins: Now then, Morocco win a free kick over on the right wing and have the chance to swing the ball into the box. It almost drops to Hanane Ait El Haj but France scramble the ball clear to keep their clean sheet in tact.
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:43 , Mike Jones
83 mins: Two more subs are coming on for France.
Naomie Feller and Estelle Cascarino get some minutes in place of Eugenie Le Sommer and Eve Perisset.
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:38 , Mike Jones
80 mins: 10 minutes of the match left to play. Les Bleues have romped to this win here and they look like possible contenders to win the whole tournament.
It’ll be a fascinating contest with Australia when the teams meet on Saturday.
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:37 , Mike Jones
76 mins: Despite being on a yellow card already Hanane Ait El Haj is flying into heavy tackles and she gets a warning from the referee.
She needs to be careful or else a second yellow will be brought out.
Women’s World Cup: France 4-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:32 , Mike Jones
73 mins: The game was pretty much over at half-time but any hopes Morocco had of a comeback have now been evaporated. They’ve got less than 20 minutes to score four goals and have only had one shot at the target.
Women’s World Cup: GOAL! France 4-0 Morocco (Le Sommer, 70’)⚽️
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:30 , Mike Jones
70 mins: Morocco give the ball away in the middle of the pitch and a simple forward pass comes over to substitute Vicki Becho. She weaves and tricks her way into space over on the right wing before hooking a cross over to the back post.
Eugenie Le Sommer is wide open and nods the ball into the back of the net for her second of the night.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:28 , Mike Jones
68 mins: A free kick for France over on the left wing is floated into the middle of the penalty area. Les Bleues are searching for more goals and the initially deliver is headed down to Wendie Renard.
She takes a touch and shoots but her effort is easily blocked. Morocco scoop it away.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:27 , Mike Jones
65 mins: Sandie Toletti’s exit is probably to save her legs for the quarter-final against Australia. France look well on course to win this game.
Karchaoui brings the ball down the left side and darts inside. She lets fly from the edge of the box but blazes her shot into the hands of the goalkeeper.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:24 , Mike Jones
62 mins: There’s a few of substitutions now. Morocco bring on Sarah Kassi, Sofia Bouftini and Rosella Ayane in place of Elodie Nakkach, Fatima Tagnaout and Anissa Lahmiri.
France switch out Sandie Toletti for Vicki Becho.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:21 , Mike Jones
59 mins: Hanane Ait El Haj goes into the book for a shoulder into the back of Eugenie Le Sommer as France have a foray up the pitch.
Morocco have been better in this second half but they need to see more of the ball.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:17 , Mike Jones
56 mins: France have eased off the tempo and are trying to preserve some energy for the next few match. A floated pass down the middle almost gets a Moroccan forward into the box but the ball skips through to the goalkeeper.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:16 , Mike Jones
51 mins: Ibtissam Jraidi is clear down the right side and gets into the box. She’s met by a sliding Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, who knocks the ball against the Morocco forward with her hand and wins a goal kick.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:09 , Mike Jones
48 mins: There hasn’t been any changes from the teams at half-time. Anissa Lahmari is given the ball inside the French box and she spins and shoots in an encouraging sign for Morocco.
She’s offside though as her effort goes wide.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:05 , Mike Jones
Second half!
What can Morocco achieve in this second half? Can they find a way back into the game or will France run away with this last 16 tie?
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:00 , Mike Jones
Morocco had just 25% possession in that half and didn’t create a single chance at goal. They need to score three times in the second 45 minutes if they want to stay in the competition.
That seems highly unlikely.
England to play Colombia in Women’s World Cup quarter-finals
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:56 , Mike Jones
England narrowly squeezed past Nigeria through a penalty shootout and will now face Colombia in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup 2023.
The Cafeteras edged past Jamaica 1-0 in the last 16 thanks to Catalina Usme’s goal.
The Lionesses will be without Lauren James for the crucial match on 12 August at 11.30 am UK time.
James was shown a red card after VAR intervention for a stamp on Nigeria player Michelle Alozie, and it remains to be seen how long she could serve in suspension, but she will definitely miss England’s next match.
England learn Women’s World Cup quarter-final opponents
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:52 , Mike Jones
(Getty Images)
(REUTERS)
(Getty Images)
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:48 , Mike Jones
Half-time!
45+3 mins: Diani may have been taken out by the goalkeeper after another mistake at the back from Morocco sees her get free inside the box.
Diani goes down looking for a penalty but the flag goes up for offside.
At the break, France lead by three goals to nil and are on course to set up a quarter-final against Australia.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:47 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Three minutes of added time to play before the first half comes to an end.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:43 , Mike Jones
42 mins: At 3-0, though the odds are heavily against Morocco there is still a chance they could mount a comeback, especially if they can nick a goal soon.
Any more goals for France though and the door is firmly shut and bolted. Morocco need to switch things up though, they’ve been too meak so far and need to take the game to Les Bleues.
They’ve got nothing to lose now.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:42 , Mike Jones
39 mins: Selma Bacha is allowed to get in behind but her pull back is deflected out of the box by Nouhaila Benzina.
The ball comes to Sandie Toletti who drills one from range and smokes her effort just wide of the left-hand post. That was close.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:39 , Mike Jones
36 mins: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin has had a kick! The French goalkeeper is passed the ball by Wendie Renard after a decent press frm Anissa Lahmiri forces the defenders to go backwards.
Peyraud-Magnin boots it long.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:35 , Mike Jones
33 mins: Eve Perisset leaps at the ball as it’s booted long by Morocco. She heads it out and jogs back as the ball is thrown back into play. Sandi Toletti wins it in the middle of the pitch and France take control once again.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:32 , Mike Jones
30 mins: Morocco had offered very little in response to France’s dominance. They haven’t been able to get the ball up the pitch and Pauline Peyraud-Magnin is in for a very quiet night.
Women’s World Cup: France 3-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:31 , Mike Jones
27 mins: That third French goal was Eugenie Le Sommer’s second at this World Cup finals and her 91st for her country. Nobody else has more.
(REUTERS)
Women’s World Cup: GOAL! France 3-0 Morocco (Le Sommer, 23’)⚽️
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:25 , Mike Jones
23 mins: A long ball comes up the pitch where Nesryne El Chad brings the ball under control. She’s hounded by Kadidiatou Diani and forced back into her own box.
There’s nowhere to release the ball and her attempted clearance comes to Eugenie Le Sommer who blasts it into the back of the net.
France are running rampant.
Women’s World Cup: GOAL! France 2-0 Morocco (Dali, 20’)⚽️
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:22 , Mike Jones
20 mins: France have another one! Wendie Renard chips the ball up the pitch where Kenza Dali flicks it on.
The ball bounces in behind the Moroccan defence where Kadidiatou Diani collects it and darts into the right side of the box. Diani pulls it back to the arriving Dali who guides it home with ease.
Women’s World Cup: France 1-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:19 , Mike Jones
18 mins: France are enjoying themselves and are seemingly able to get forward without effort. Morocco, who have already shown their defensive vulnerabilities in this tournament, need to be wary. They can’t afford to concede again.
Women’s World Cup: GOAL! France 1-0 Morocco (Diani, 15’)⚽️
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:17 , Mike Jones
15 mins: Of this is a nice goal. France sweep down the left side after Elisa De Almeida threads the ball forward. Sakina Karchaoui plays a one-two inside in order to get in behind the defence then carries the ball to the edge of the box.
She lifts a fine cross into the middle where Kadidiatou Diani is all alone. She’s left with the simplest of headers and nods it home for her fourth goal of the tournament.
Women’s World Cup: France 0-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:14 , Mike Jones
12 mins: France are trying to get down the right wing and exploit Morocco’s defence. Anissa Lahmiri cuts across the pitch and sends the ball into the stands witha sliding tackle.
Morocco haven’t been afraid to throw themselves into tackles in this game so far.
Women’s World Cup: France 0-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:11 , Mike Jones
9 mins: France are taking control of the ball in these early stages. They’re trying to overload the midfield in order to win it back quickly when they do lose possession.
Elodie Nakkach leaps into a tackle on Selma Bacha and pokes the ball away from the French winger.
Women’s World Cup: France 0-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:07 , Mike Jones
6 mins: Sandi Toletti lifts a decent cross into the box from the inside left part of the pitch. Eugenie Le Sommer is the target but she’s put under pressure from Nouhaila Benzina.
The ball is flicked on and drops to Kenza Dali who boots her shot high over the crossbar!
Women’s World Cup: France 0-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:03 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Selma Bacha darts inside from the left but loses the ball. It’s recovered by France who slip it down to the right wing and feed Kenza Dali into space.
Dali weaves into the box, keeps the ball in play at the byline then flicks a cross over to the far side but there are no teammates there to get onto the ball.
Women’s World Cup: France 0-0 Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:01 , Mike Jones
Kick off!
France get the match started and work the ball over to the right side of the pitch before quickly sending it across the back line and attacking the left wing.
The ball goes out of play and France have a throw in.
Women’s World Cup: France vs Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:55 , Mike Jones
The teams head out onto the pitch and the national anthems are played. Kick off for the final last 16 tie is coming up next…
Women’s World Cup: France vs Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:52 , Mike Jones
Morocco are the first Arab nation to compete at a World Cup.
They’d never played a game in the finals before this year yet made into the knockout rounds. They began their tournament with a 6-0 thrashing by Germany before turning the tables on the two-time champions to qualify ahead of them in Group H.
Can they also knockout another European heavyweight in France today?
In World Cup of revolving problems, Sarina Wiegman has another to solve
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:48 , Mike Jones
As Sarina Wiegman gathered with her staff in Lang Park, the mood was really one of relief rather than raucous celebration; puffed cheeks instead of pumped fists.
The England manager admitted she felt “10 years older” after Nigeria put her team through it for well over two hours. This unprecedented World Cup may be losing most of the biggest names, but nobody will be able to say the path was easy if the European champions do get to the final here. Quite the opposite, and for reasons greater than the fact Nigeria have clearly been underestimated.
Wiegman actually said it was as “intense” a game as she’s ever faced. One other reason for that, however, is exactly why this tournament has been so arduous as a whole.
In World Cup of revolving problems, Sarina Wiegman has another to solve
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:44 , Mike Jones
Jamaica’s elimination means there will be no CONCACAF representation beyond the last 16 stage for the first time since the Women’s World Cup’s inception in 1991.
Meanwhile, Colombia are just the second South American nation to reach the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after Brazil (four times), and the first time such a side has reached this stage since Brazil in 2011.
Women’s World Cup: France vs Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:40 , Mike Jones
France XI: Peyraud-Magnin; Renard, Perisset, De Almeida, Karchaoui; Dali, Geyoro, Toletti, Bacha; Diani; Le Sommer
Morocco XI: Er-Rmichi; Ait El Haj, El Chad, Benzina, Redouani; Ouzraoui, Nakkach, Chebbak, Tagnaout; Jraidi, Lahmiri
Women’s World Cup: France vs Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:36 , Mike Jones
France’s best result at a Women’s World Cup finals is fourth which they achieved in 2011. They have reached the last eight in each of the last two editions in 2015 and 2019.
With plenty of top-10 Fifa ranked teams all eliminated from this side of the draw Les Bleues will fancy their chances of going deep in the tournament.
They take on Morocco in the final last q6 encounter with winners going on to face co-hosts Australia, who beat Denmark on Monday.
Women’s World Cup: France vs Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:32 , Mike Jones
Morocco coach Reynald Pedros is eyeing a shock win over France in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The ex-France international won five major titles managing a Lyon side containing six of the current French squad and that knowledge should come in handy as his Moroccan side look to reacht he last eight.
Morocco are ranked 72nd in the world by Fifa, 67 places below France, who are unbeaten in this World Cup so far.
“I know this France team perfectly, which is an advantage,” said Pedros, “They are a very strong team with experienced, top-level players.
“I am French but my heart is with Morocco. It’s three years we’ve been working hard to get to these incredible objectives. It’s not a problem for me to [try to] win against France.
“I will do everything for us to qualify for the quarter-finals.”
Why Lauren James must be protected, not vilified, after World Cup red
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:28 , Mike Jones
When Sarina Wiegman saw Lauren James after her red card against Nigeria, the first thing the manager said to her was “it happens”. There was absolutely no castigation, a stance made easier by the player’s immediate apology and the fact England got through.
It has made the squad’s World Cup that bit more complicated, though, not least because of the curious regulation that James may not even know her full punishment until after the quarter-final. It is a definite one-game ban until Fifa’s disciplinary committee review the moment, which isn’t certain to happen before Saturday.
One thing that probably is certain is that, for all the obvious comparisons, this was never going to be a David Beckham 1998 or Wayne Rooney 2006. That isn’t just because England won on penalties. We are a long way from “10 Heroic Lions, One Stupid Boy”, particularly when it comes to women’s football.
Why Lauren James must be protected, not vilified, after World Cup red
Women’s World Cup: Who and when to England play next?
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:24 , Mike Jones
After beating Nigeria on penalties, the Lionesses will play Colombia in the quarter-finals.
The quarter-final will be played on Saturday 12 August at 11:30am BST at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium and the match will be shown on ITV 1.
Women’s World Cup: Who and when do England play next?
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:20 , Mike Jones
England will play Colombia in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after the South American side defeated Jamaica 1-0 to set up a meeting with the Lionesses in Sydney on Saturday.
Catalina Usme’s composed second-half finish was enough to send Colombia through to their first ever Women’s World Cup quarter-final, with Jamaica unable to respond after conceding their first goal of the tournament.
Led by 18-year-old star forward Linda Caicedo and backed by a loud and passionate travelling support, Colombia caused a major shock in the group stages to stun two-time champions Germany and top Group H.
England survived a major scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties on Monday after having to play with 10 players in extra time following Lauren James’ red card. Sarina Wiegman must now wait to discover the extent of her star forward’s suspension, which is set to be decided by a disciplinary panel.
On the other side of the draw, France and Morocco play in the final last-16 tie later today, with a place against Australia up for grabs after the co-hosts comfortably defeated Denmark.
Women’s World Cup: France vs Morocco
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:16 , Mike Jones
There’s just one more last 16 tie to be played in this edition of the Women’s World Cup. France take on Morocco at 12pm with the winner going on to play co-hosts Australia in the quarter-finals.
Morocco shocked everyone by beating Germany into second place in Group H. Can they knock out another European bigwig today?
England to play Colombia in Women’s World Cup quarter-finals
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:12 , Mike Jones
England narrowly squeezed past Nigeria through a penalty shootout and will now face Colombia in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup 2023.
The Cafeteras edged past Jamaica 1-0 in the last 16 thanks to Catalina Usme’s goal.
The Lionesses will be without Lauren James for the crucial match on 12 August at 11.30 am UK time.
England learn Women’s World Cup quarter-final opponents
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:07 , Mike Jones
Colombia are through to the World Cup quarter-finals.
(Getty Images)
(REUTERS)
(Getty Images)
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:03 , Mike Jones
This is how Colombia set up a World Cup quarter-final with England. Catalina Usme’s goal was the difference between the two teams at full-time.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:58 , Mike Jones
Colombia have reached the Women’s World Cup quarter-final for the first time in their history. England last played Colombia in the 2015 World Cup where they went on to win 2-1.
The Lionesses will need to improve rapidly ahead of this clash though as the Colombians look like a strong team.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:56 , Mike Jones
Full-time!
90+5 mins: Jamaica send the goalkeeper up the pitch after winning a corner in the final minute. The ball is flicked on, bounces around and eventually gets snaffled up by Cataline Perez who smothers it.
The whistle goes to end the game and Colombia have done it! They’re through to the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals and will take on England.
Jamaica’s surprising World Cup run comes to an end but they’ve been a fantastic side that to watch.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:53 , Mike Jones
90+3 mins: Catalina Usme is taken off the pitch for Colombia and receives the warmest round of applause from her fans. Her goal may be the one taking the South American side into the World Cup quarter-finals.
She waves her arms as she walks around the pitch to the dugouts and tries to get the fans going again. Just a couple of minutes left in the match.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:50 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play in this last 16 clash. Can Colombia hold on or will Jamaica get back into the game?
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:48 , Mike Jones
87 mins: POST! A lovely solo run from Linda Caicedo wins Colombia a corner kick which Jamaica manage to work away. The ball is recycled by Catalina Usme who picks out Leicy Santos on the far side of the box.
Santos throws herself at the ball and nods it to the opposite side of the goal. The ball bounces up, hits the post and bobbles clear. Colombia were so close to securing this match there!
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:44 , Mike Jones
84 mins: The Colombian fans are enjoying themselves now as time ticks away from Jamaica. Tiffany Cameron looks to feed the ball up to Bunny Shaw but Daniela Arias comes across to take over possession first.
Colombia are managing this match well.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:41 , Mike Jones
81 mins: Caicedo wins Colombia a corner and the pressure eases off them for a few moments. Leicy Santos jogs across to take the set piece and fizzes one into the six-yard area.
Bunny Shaw leaps up to head the ball clear but it’s recovered by Colombia who work it over to Daniella Arias. Arias is quick to feed a cross back into the dangerzone but her pass curls out of play.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:39 , Mike Jones
78 mins: Deneisha Blackwood swings a corner kick into the box for Jamaica. It comes to the near post but Lorena Bedoya wins the header and turns it out for a throw in.
Jamaica launch the ball into the box but it’s won by Colombia who break forward through Linda Caicedo.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:35 , Mike Jones
75 mins: Bunny Shaw has a lot of work to do when she receives the ball on the right side of the penalty area. She gets past one defender, nutmegs another and then loses the ball as Colombia get players back to defend.
Jamaica have really stepped it up in terms of possession but they need another mode of attack. Colombia have Shaw well guarded.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:32 , Mike Jones
72 mins: Deneisha Blackwood takes Jamaica’s free kick too son and is told to wait by the referee. The first free kick is curled over to the back post and Blackwood sends the second attempt into the same area.
Catalina Perez comes off her line and catches the ball but she’s nudged by a Jamaican forward as she lands and Colombia are awarded a free kick.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:30 , Mike Jones
69 mins: Bunny Shaw seems to be away as she darts down the inside right with the ball after winning the ball off Linda Caicedo.
Daniella Arias takes the option to pull Shaw to the ground and earns herself a yellow card.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:27 , Mike Jones
66 mins: Jamaica make another change now with Trudi Carter taken off for Tiffany Cameron. Cameron is more forward thinking and will look to whip crosses into the box from the left side of the pitch.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:23 , Mike Jones
63 mins: As it stands England will be playing Colombia in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. The Colombians are a difficult team to play against so this won’t be an easy match for the Lionesses.
That could all change though if Jamaica manage to get themselves a goal.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:22 , Mike Jones
60 mins: Ramirez receives the ball for Colombia and holds off Drew Spence. She spins and looks to play Linda Caicedo into the front edge of the box but Jamaica do well to recover the ball and Chantelle Swaby boots it forward.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:19 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Colombia’s goal has unlocked the game. Jamaica can no longer just rely on their defence and they’ve pushed higher up the pitch in an attempt to recover the ball.
Guzman turns the ball out for a throw in which comes up to Bunny Shaw. She can’t control it and the ball heads out for a goal kick.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:16 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Close! Jamaica almost respond immediately after winning a free kick. The ball is whipped across the box and gets flicked on by Catalina Perez.
Jody Brown is wiating at the back post and gets a glancing head on the ball but she hits it into the upright and the ball bounces away.
Colombia work the ball over to the left and slip Linda Caicedo in behind the defence. She storms into the box alone but her effort is kept out but the goalkeeper. Caicedo was offside though.
Women’s World Cup: GOAL! Colombia 1-0 Jamaica (Usme, 51’)⚽️
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:13 , Mike Jones
51 mins: Breakthrough! Ana Marie Guzman brings the ball down the left wing and receives it back after a throw in. She shifts the ball onto her right foot and floats a wonderful cross over to the far side of the box.
Catalina Usme nips in behind, brings the ball down and guides it perfectly past Rebecca Spencer to put Colombia ahead!
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:11 , Mike Jones
50 mins: Bunny Shaw attempts to weave her way into the Colombian box with a dart from the middle of the pitch. She loses the ball on the edge of the penalty area and Ana Maria Guzman drives the ball away.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:07 , Mike Jones
48 mins: Colombia switch the play high up the pitch and the ball comes over to Carolina Arias. She tries to whip in an early cross but skews her effort out of play.
It was a poor pass and Arais just laughs at herself for mishitting it.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:06 , Mike Jones
Second half!
Will one of these teams go out and try to win this match? Jamaica make a change at the break as Kiki van Zanten is taken off with Atlanta Primus introduced.
Petition to force Nike to sell Mary Earps goalkeeper shirt nears 35,000 signatures
Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:02 , Mike Jones
A petition to force Nike to make the kit of England goalkeeper Mary Earps available for public purchase during the Women’s World Cup has reached almost 35,000 signatures.
England’s home and away replica kits are available for fans to buy but the Lionesses goalkeeper jerseys have not been put up for sale by clothing giant Nike – the team’s kit supplier.
This is despite Earps being a genuine superstar of world football and arguably the best goalkeeper in the world – having been the Lionesses’s shot-stopper when they won the Euros last summer and being named Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper for 2022.
Petition to force Nike to sell Mary Earps goalkeeper shirt nears 35,000 signatures
Lauren James ‘upset’ as red card puts her World Cup in doubt
Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:58 , Mike Jones
England defender Lucy Bronze revealed she made a post-match beeline to console “upset” Lauren James after the forward was shown what could be a World Cup-ending red card in the Lionesses’ nervy last 16 victory over Nigeria.
James will miss at least her side’s quarter-final clash with either Colombia or Jamaica after she was sent off late in Monday night’s knockout match in Brisbane for deliberately stepping on the back of Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie.
Bronze was one of the 10 Lionesses who doggedly defended their way through 30 minutes of extra time in the goalless draw before Bethany England, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly wrapped up the 4-2 win on penalties.
Lauren James ‘upset’ as red card puts her World Cup in doubt
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:54 , Mike Jones
(REUTERS)
(Getty Images)
(REUTERS)
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:50 , Mike Jones
Half-time!
45+4 mins: This has been an interesting watch. Colombia have been the more attacking side but they’ve not created many decent chances at goal.
Jamaica have defended well. There’s been a consistent stop-start nature to the match which has hindered any increase in tempo or intensity.
The two teams head into the break all square.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:46 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Four minutes added time to play at the end of the first half. Drew Spence takes out Linda Caicedo as she looks to fly through midfield.
It’s a strong and cynical tackle with earns Spence a yellow card.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:42 , Mike Jones
42 mins: The free kick is whipped into the penalty area and the ball drops to Jody Kimone Brown. She chips the ball clear but only sends it out as far as Ana Maria Guzman.
Guzman shoots from range and belts her effort well over the top.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:41 , Mike Jones
39 mins: Chantelle Swaby goes in the book for a challenge on Mayra Ramirez. It’s smart work from the Colombian forward who feels a knock on the side of her face and goes down.
It’s a harsh one for Swaby but Colombia are awarded another free kick.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:36 , Mike Jones
35 mins: Jamaica get the ball up the pitch for the first time in a while. The win a throw in but don’t do much with it and Colombia recover the ball.
There’s a great atmosphere inside the stadium as both sets of fans are having a whale of a time in Melbourne.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:33 , Mike Jones
32 mins: Colombia are starting to click together with their runs forward. A chipped pass comes down the right side as Carolina Arias bombs down the pitch.
She’s beaten to the ball by Deneisha Blackwood who uses her strength to hold the Colombian at bay as she shields the ball out for a goalkick.
Women’s World Cup: Colombia 0-0 Jamaica
Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:30 , Mike Jones
29 mins: As the game goes on Jamaica are having to defend more set pieces. A free kick this time is floated into the box where Daniela Arias breaks into space. She gets to the ball at the same time as Rebecca Spencer.
Arias’ header hits the goalkeeper and bounces behind for a corner. Colombia play it short then whip the ball into the middle. There’s a nervous scramble but Jamaica eventually work the ball clear.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website
