Rachel Daly pays tribute to father with celebration after scoring first World Cup goal
The group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup is almost complete, with just three more quartets needing to wrap up their opening games and discover which nations make the knockouts.
On Wednesday it’s the turn of Argentina to try and force their way through to the last 16 as they face Sweden, while Italy play South Africa also needing a result to progress. Later, Brazil must overcome Jamaica to seal progression from Group F after being beaten by France – who are top and face minnows Panama.
Meanwhile, Lauren James shone again on Tuesday with two stunning goals as England put in their best performance of the Women’s World Cup so far to sweep aside China 6-1 and march into the last 16.
USA only just managed to sneak through with a draw against Portugal, leading to criticism from former stars. Follow all the latest news and match updates below:
World Cup LIVE: Argentina vs Sweden and South Africa vs Italy
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Women’s World Cup latest – LIVE
Off the post! South Africa close to an equaliser as a lnog-range effort crashes out off the woodwork!
Argentina meanwhile continue to push through set pieces but they haven’t really managed to threaten Jennifer Falk in goal for Sweden yet.
Karl Matchett2 August 2023 08:24
Women’s World Cup latest – LIVE
A reminder of what each of the quartet now in action requires:
– Sweden are already through to the last-16 and top spot in Group G will be confirmed with at least a draw against Argentina.
– Even if Sweden lose, they are still likely to finish top spot. It would take an Italy win, combined with a 10-goal swing, for them to finish second.
– Italy will go through win a win against South Africa but will be knocked out with a defeat .
– A draw would only be enough if Argentina fail to beat Sweden. Given Italy’s goal difference of -4, any Argentina win against Sweden would see them knocked out if they draw.
– South Africa can only go through if they beat Italy, but would only be guaranteed a place in the last-16 if Argentina fail to win.
– If South Africa and Argentina both win, it will go down to goal difference and then goals scored.
– Argentina can only go through if they beat Sweden. Like South Africa, they will only be guaranteed a place in the last-16 if South Africa draw or lose and if both teams win it will go down to goal difference.
Karl Matchett2 August 2023 08:18
Women’s World Cup latest – LIVE
Italy are ahead from the penalty spot! Caruso knocks home the spot kick, low to her left, after VAR signalled a foul which wasn’t initially spotted.
That means Argentina, as it stands, cannot go through even if they win. They need South Africa to find a result as well as getting one of their own.
Karl Matchett2 August 2023 08:14
Women’s World Cup latest – LIVE
Underway in both matches!
Here’s the state of play in Group G:
A big ask for either of South Africa or Argentina to win today, but win they must to progress.
Karl Matchett2 August 2023 08:04
Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today
That gave England an emphatic victory as they head off to Brisbane to play Nigeria on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.
Today, Groups F and G will be concluded, with two more games in Group H tomorrow.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch the Women’s World Cup.
Karl Matchett2 August 2023 07:58
When do England play next? Women’s World Cup fixtures and route to the final
Lauren James inspired England to a thrilling Women’s World Cup victory over China and now the Lionesses are into the knock-out stages of the tournament.
The Chelsea forward has produced some spectacular strikes already down under, with England rebounding from the injury loss of Keira Walsh.
Sarina Wiegman has reshuffled the pack spectacularly and England have regained their confidence, particularly in front of goal.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Lionesses’ next challenge in Australia:
Karl Matchett2 August 2023 07:54
Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?
The race for the Women’s World Cup golden boot is taking shape as the group stages continue in Australia and New Zealand.
Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa bagged a brace in the 4-0 victory over Spain to move top of the top-scorer standings, with Lauren James among those on three goals after her stunning double in England’s 6-1 win over China.
If two or more players finish on the same number of goals, the golden boot will be determined by assists and then on minutes played.
Karl Matchett2 August 2023 07:50
Sarina Wiegman’s brave switch solves England’s Keira Walsh problem at Women’s World Cup
Rip it up and start again: if Keira Walsh’s injury spelled the end of something at the Women’s World Cup, it only did for England’s starting formation. Against China, Sarina Wiegman made her most dramatic change as Lionesses manager yet, switching to a 3-5-2 system to counter the blow of losing their key midfielder. In doing so, Wiegman created something new, unlocking England’s best performance in months.
The Lionesses looked like themselves again, and while England’s 6-1 win against China made sure of their progress to the last-16 as Group D winners, as much focus will be on how Wiegman has recalibrated and recharged her side ahead of the knockout stages. After two 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark there was an element of danger coming into the decider, but from the opening moments, the tempo and fluidity of England’s performance erased any doubts.
Karl Matchett2 August 2023 07:46
Genius Lauren James takes over Women’s World Cup — but England must learn from rivals
Much like Lauren James’s divine second goal, this might be dropping beautifully for England. Certainly, Sarina Wiegman suddenly has clarity in a World Cup characterised by uncertainty and unpredictability. James’s very role illustrates that. The young winger’s influence from that wide role was a driving force in this crushing 6-1 win over China that confirmed an expected first place.
It is a first place, however, that suddenly looks very different. The path to the semi-finals, at least, is something else that’s so much clearer.
It now won’t feature Australia or Canada, and may not have any of France, Brazil or Germany. A thrilling Colombia and dangerous last-16 opponents Nigeria are huge threats, but there is the prospect that such developing teams have had their main highs. Just as importantly, the World Cup’s stand-out performers so far, in Japan, are on the other side of the draw.
On that, and the elusive momentum that defines tournaments, England now have none of the sudden doubts that are afflicting other previous favourites in Spain and – above all – the USA.
Karl Matchett2 August 2023 07:38