Women’s World Cup Day 4: Jamaicans hold their own; Swedes nearly disappoint
Day 4 of the Women’s World Cup noticed motion from 2019 runners-up Netherlands, a France crew trying to get redemption after failing to take action on their house soil 4 years in the past, and third-ranked Sweden trying to make a splash.
Unlike a few of the assertion wins made by Japan, the U.S., and Spain in earlier days, Sunday’s video games have been tight: both determined by a single aim or leading to a scoreless draw.
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Netherlands have been in a position to lock down their defence after an early strike, whereas Sweden overcame a deficit to attain in harm time to seize a win of their very own. France and Jamaica, in the meantime, each emerged from a troublesome battle with a degree every.
The Results
Group E: Netherlands 1, Portugal 0 (in Dunedin) – Game stats || Report
Group F: France 0, Jamaica 0 (in Sydney) – Game stats || Report
Group G: Sweden 2, South Africa 1 (in Wellington) – Game stats || Report
Main Talking Points
Sweden secures win with 91st minute strike
The scoreline doesn’t inform the complete story of a recreation the place South Africa blunted Sweden’s assault within the first half, have been a menace themselves on the counter-attack, and managed the tempo because of Jermaine Seoposenwe and Thembi Kgatlana. The Banyana Banyana have been greater than deserving of a degree out of the match, however noticed it disappear within the dying minutes.
Sweden was missing and unprepared to begin the second half, which allowed Hildah Magaia to place a rebound into Sweden’s aim three minutes in, inflicting a celebration from the complete bench to interrupt out. Fridolina Rolfö then tied the match with a aim on the again publish within the sixty fifth minute, earlier than Amanda Ilestedt netted the winner with a header off a nook kick — considered one of 13 for Sweden on the evening — within the ninetieth minute.
The efficiency by the Swedes was removed from what could be anticipated from the world’s No. 3 ranked crew — one which hasn’t misplaced a World Cup group match since 2003.
Early aim sufficient for Netherlands to hold on
The 2019 finalists Netherlands want to end one spot larger on this Women’s World Cup, and a thirteenth minute header from Stefanie van der Gragt set the tone because the OranjeLeeuwinnen began their marketing campaign with a win.
The Dutch defender, who plans to retire after this World Cup, scored the quickest aim of the event this far, even when an offside assessment delayed the possibility to have a good time it. After taking the lead, the Dutch managed the tempo with their approach and defence, whereas first-timer Portugal matched their physicality.
Despite Portugal placing strain on the Dutch early within the first half, Francisco Neto’s facet didn’t register their first shot of the match till the 82nd minute, which is not any technique to win a recreation.
Jamaica survives with historic level in opposition to France
The French have been held to only a level by a disciplined Jamaica facet that thwarted any makes an attempt at an assault, utilizing their press to disclaim and house or time for Les Bleues to work their standard magic.
France’s Kadidiatou Diani nearly broke the impasse within the first half with a near-post drive, and had one of many largest possibilities within the match late within the second half when she hit each the crossbar after which the publish.
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was despatched off in stoppage time after two yellow playing cards and can miss Jamaica’s subsequent match, however the performances of Rebecca Spencer, Deneisha Blackwood, Drew Spence and Allyson Swaby stored Jamaica neck and neck with France.
Goal of the Day
South Africa’s Hildah Magaia launched herself at a rebound within the forty eighth minute, driving the ball into the web along with her physique for under her nation’s second World Cup aim, however falling awkwardly within the course of. The celebration for her first worldwide aim was bittersweet, as she was pressured to exit the sector with tears in her eyes and watch the remainder of the match from the sidelines.
Moment of the Day
The Reggae Girlz of Jamaica have had a troublesome street to the Women’s World Cup, with an absence of funding and help from their federation prompting them to crowd-fund for his or her journey to Australia and New Zealand. They held fifth-ranked France scoreless and secured their first ever level at a Women’s World Cup, a historic feat for a program consistently pressured to beat obstacles.
Quote of the Day
“It’s an important goal. I’m proud of the team and it’s a good win. The first game is always the important game of the tournament and I think these three points are really good for us.” — Netherlands defender Stefanie van der Gragt.
Three Stars of the Day
1. Jackie Groenen, Netherlands: Playing 96 minutes for the Dutch facet, Groenen was a maestro within the midfield, finishing 27 of 30 passes, creating two possibilities and sweeping 4 clearances. Groenen additionally received 64 per cent of her duels and had 12 recoveries for a strong exhibiting to disclaim any likelihood from Portugal.
2. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Sweden: In her Women’s World Cup debut, Kaneryd tallied an help on the equalizing aim, whereas spacing the pitch to create possibilities for her teammates and getting considered one of her personal late within the second half. Kaneryd was one of many vibrant spots in an in any other case subpar efficiency by Sweden.
3. Deneisha Blackwood, Jamaica: In a scoreless draw, probably the most deserving participant was the Jamaican defender as Blackwood held down her crew’s again line with 67 per cent of aerial duels received, 50 per cent of duels on the bottom received, three tackles and only one foul, inflicting issues for France’s forwards.
Looking Ahead
Group G motion continues as Italy will face Argentina at Eden Park in Auckland to kick off Matchday 5. Group H will see Germany (No. 2) tackle first-timer Morocco in Melbourne for the second match of the day. The day finishes off with Brazil (No. 8) taking up Panama in Group F motion from Hindmarsh.
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