In matchday 10 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup going on in New Zealand and Australia, several teams have brought their A-game to the fore and they are producing magnificent performances game-by-game.
Sweden V Italy (5-0)
The Blue and Yellow of Sweden massacred The Blues of Italy at the Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
Three goals were witnessed in quick succession as Sweden raced into a three goal lead in the space of 7 minutes.
Arsenal Women defender Amanda Ilestedt scored the opener in the 39th minute off a header from a corner delivered into the 18-yard box by Jonna Andersson.
Fredolina Rolfö scored in the 44th minute and forward Stina Blackstenius scored in the 1st minute of additional time in the first half to put Peter Gerhardsson’s side into the lead.
Following the commencement of second half action, Amanda Ilestedt also eschewed her brilliance once again from an inswinging corner.
Amanda Ilestedt is the joint top-scorer at the tournament
Jonna Andersson was also the provider as Ilestedt scored the fourth goal from a corner to put real daylight between the two sides.
Despite having a better share of the ball possession, Italy didn’t have answers to the questions posed by Sweden.
Substitute Rebecka Blomqvist put the icing on the cake in the 5th minute of stoppage time, sealing the victory for her side.
No cards were shown by Welsh referee Cheryl Foster throughout the course of 90 minutes.
The Blue and Yellow have booked their place in the next round while for Milena Bertolini’s side, they will have to wait till the final set of games in group G to decipher their place in the next round.
They have a minus 4 goal difference while South Africa and Argentina who sit 3rd and 4th respectively have a minus 1 goal difference.
The Italian ladies will be playing against South Africa in their final group game at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and its definitely all to play for in that deciding affair.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: France V Brazil (2-1)
This definitely was a contest eagerly anticipated for what it could provide in terms of goals, quality on display and thrilling drama.
Well! It didn’t disappoint as both sides showed class but ultimately one winner did emerge.
Havre Renard’s side were confident in their play and you could feel the swagger at which they played their football.
For the Selecao of Brazil, they also began the game with high-octane football but the quality of Wendie Renard decided the clash.
Several stars were on parade for their nations and the football witnessed was also top quality.
France took the lead in the 17th minute via a lovely goal buried by Eugénie Le Sommer off an assist from Kadidiatou Diani.
Forward Debinha equalized for Brazil in the 58th minute and the game got more intense as both sides wanted to avoid any unforgivable mistakes.
However, Veteran defender Wendie Renard came up clutch for her side, scoring in the 83rd minute.
Brazil’s top scorer and veteran forward Marta was introduced for Debinha in the 86th minute but unfortunately for Pia Sundhage’s side, it was too little too late.
Harve Renard’s ladies usurp Brazil to the top spot, having secured 4 points from 2 games, while the Selecao will be out of the tournament, if they lose to Jamaica in their final game in Group F at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Referee Kate Jacewicz dished out 5 yellow cards in the game and it was shown to Kenza Dali, Sakina Karchaoui and Sandie Toletti of France and Luana of Brazil.
Despite a yellow card received, Havre Renard etched his name in history
France Manager Renard was also shown a yellow card in the 8th minute of additional time in the second half.
Hervé Renard also became the first manager to win a match at both the men’s and women’s World Cup.
The Frenchman led Saudi Arabia to defeat Argentina by 2-1 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and he has now led France to victory at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Panama V Jamaica
The Jamaicans are on the verge of making history after they defeated Panama by 1-0 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium in Australia.
Allyson Swaby netted the only goal in the encounter in the 56th minute via a header off a corner delivered by Trudi Carter.
Due to that win, Jamaica usurped Brazil to 2nd position in Group F, with 4 points amassed so far.
For Panama, following the loss to Lorne Donalson’s side they have crashed out of the tournament, having lost to Brazil and Jamaica.
Its their first experience at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and hopefully they have learnt valuable lessons from the tournament.
Jamaica would need only a draw against Brazil to qualify for the knockout phase of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Only three yellow cards were shown in the game and they were shown to Emily Coba of Panama and Deysire Salazer of Panama and Deneisha Blackwood of Jamaica.
