Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: Italy and Germany win as Brazil begin campaign with victory over Panama
Football heavyweights Brazil and Germany both get their Women’s World Cup campaigns underway on Monday as they look to lay down an early marker in pursuit of the trophy at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Germany are generally seen among the top five most likely winners and Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side boast plenty of world-class quality in the likes of Alexandra Popp, Sara Dabritz and Lea Schuller. They face big underdogs Morocco in their opening game and the Atlas Lionesses will make history as the first Arab team to play at a Women’s World Cup, having shown their class during a surprise run to the final of last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Monday also sees Brazil and their 37-year-old superstar Marta kick things off with a clash against Panama, while Italy beat Argentina 1-0 in the first game of the day as veteran striker Cristian Girelli came off the bench to grab the winner.
Elsewhere, France suffered a blow early in their campaign as they were held to a 0-0 draw by a battling Jamaica, who earned a first-ever Women’s World Cup point. That came a day after England began with a win but the Lionesses were pushed all the way by Haiti in what was a close contest in Brisbane. Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty in the first half was enough to earn England a narrow victory, but goalkeeper Mary Earps had to make a big stop to protect their lead late on.
Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest updates
The Women’s World Cup continues in Australia and New Zealand
Brazil defeat Panama 4-0 in Monday’s final game to move top of Group F
GOAL! Borges completes her hat-trick (BRA 4-0 PAN)
GOAL! Zaneratto latches onto Borges’ backheel to add a third (BRA 3-0 PAN)
GOAL! Borges doubles Brazil’s lead before half-time (BRA 2-0 PAN)
GOAL! Borges nods dominant Brazil ahead (BRA 1-0 PAN)
Germany hammer Morocco 6-0 in Group H opener
Cristiana Girreli’s late goal gives Italy 1-0 win over Argentina
Jamaica secure stunning 0-0 draw with much-fancied France in Group F
England survive Women’s World Cup scare — but Haiti highlight problems for Lionesses to solve
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 4-0 Panama
13:57 , Mike Jones
Full-time!
90+9 mins: The final whistle goes and Brazil open their Women’s World Cup campaign with a comprehensive victory over Panama. They scored four goals and could have had plenty more.
The Brazilians jump to the top of Group F and will take confidence going into their next group game.
This has been a tough outing for Panama. They set up to defend and counter but didn’t manage to find the right balance against a brilliant Brazil side.
Hopefully they can find their rhythm against Jamaica next time out.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 4-0 Panama
13:55 , Mike Jones
90+6 mins: Close! Duda Sampaio wraps her foot around a shot from the right side of the box and rattles her effort into the near side netting.
That would have been the icing on the cake for Brazil who have bossed this game from start to finish.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 4-0 Panama
13:53 , Mike Jones
90+3 mins: Castillo whips another corner into the box for Panama and manages to get it through to Riley Tanner on the far side of the area.
She lets the ball drop then has a shot but lifts her effort high over the crossbar.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 4-0 Panama
13:52 , Mike Jones
90 mins: There’s another nine minutes of added time in this match too. That seems excessive as any breaks in play haven’t been that long.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 4-0 Panama
13:47 , Mike Jones
87 mins: A Brazilian free kick results in a corner that is then whipped into the far side of the box. Geyse leaps towards the ball and looks for a spectacular overhead kick.
She connects but can’t direct the effort and Panama scoop the ball clear.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 4-0 Panama
13:44 , Mike Jones
84 mins: Can Panama get themselves a goal?
They win a free kick deep in Brazil’s half over on the right wing. Castillo lifts it into the middle of the box but the ball is easily cleared by the defence and the chance to score doesn’t materialise.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 4-0 Panama
13:41 , Mike Jones
81 mins: Tamires is given the ball on the left side of the pitch and she cuts inside before lifting a cross into the box. There are a couple of Brazilian forwards who fling themselves at the ball but it sails over their heads and bounces out for a goal kick.
Inside the last 10 minutes of this one.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 4-0 Panama
13:36 , Mike Jones
76 mins: The crowd is getting very excited as they realise who is coming on for Brazil. One of the best female strikers of all time, 37-year-old Marta is introduced to loud applause.
She takes the place of hat-trick hero Ary Borges with Luana also replaced. Duda Sampaio is introduced in her stead.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 4-0 Panama
13:32 , Mike Jones
73 mins: Kerolin shakes her head in frustration as she looks to drive the ball forward. She brings it to the edge of the penalty area and shoots but Yomira Pinzon is on hand to get the block in.
Kerolin seems desperate to score tonight.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Brazil 4-0 Panama (Borges, 70’)⚽️
13:30 , Mike Jones
70 mins: Hat-trick!
Ary Borges does it! Geyse is given the ball out wide as Brazil attack down the left once again. The substitute lifts the ball into the box and picks out Borges who times her run in between the left-back and left centre-back expertly.
She keeps herself onside, leaps at the ball and guides it past Yenith Bailey with a wonderful finish.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 3-0 Panama
13:26 , Mike Jones
66 mins: Close! Kerolin has got herself into some great positions today. Katherine Castillo is shoved off the ball which allows Kerolin to take it to the edge of the box.
The Brazilian snatches at her shot and pulls it wide of the far post!
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 3-0 Panama
13:22 , Mike Jones
63 mins: Panama manage to get the ball into the Brazil box and pick out Carina Baltrip-Reyes who turns the ball towards goal. Leticia Izidoro clings onto the ball to make sure her clean sheet remains in tact.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 3-0 Panama
13:20 , Mike Jones
60 mins: Brazil follow Panama’s lead and head to the subs bench. Antonio, Beatriz Zaneratto and Debinha are all taken off with Bruninha, Geyse and Gabi Nunes brought on for the final 30 minutes.
Brazil are in cruise control and there are big smiles in the dugout as they’re pleased with this performance.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 3-0 Panama
13:18 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Brazil hav ehad 75% possession, 21 shots, eight on target and have scored three goals. There’s still over half an hour to play in Adelaide as well.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 3-0 Panama
13:14 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Panama have made a few changes in personnel. Hilary Jaen, Natalia Mills and Karla Riley have all been taken off with Riley Tanner, Emily Cedeno and Wendy Natis introduced.
The fresh legs may give Panama a better chance of getting on the ball and maintaining a bit of possession.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 3-0 Panama
13:10 , Mike Jones
51 mins: A corner for Brazil is lifted over to the back post where Marta Cox gets it it first. She volleys a clearance away from her penalty area but Brazil recover the ball immediately.
There’s nolet up for Panama.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Brazil 3-0 Panama (Zaneratto, 48’)⚽️
13:08 , Mike Jones
48 mins: There’s number three!
Brazil are funning rampant now. Debinha makes a cutting run over to the left side of the box before coming back onto her right foot and lifting the ball across to Ary Borges.
Borges, who has two goals already and wants a hat-trick, brings the ball down then backheels it to Beatriz Zaneratto who sidefoots a shot into the back of the net.
Unselfish from Borges, great finish from Zaneratto.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 2-0 Panama
13:04 , Mike Jones
Second half!
Brazil get the second half underway. As it stands they’re heading to the top of Group F. Can Panama mount a comeback over the next 45 minutes?
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 2-0 Panama
12:57 , Mike Jones
Ary Borges has scored both of Brazil’s goals in that first half. She’ll be targeting a World Cup hat-trick in the second half.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 2-0 Panama
12:50 , Mike Jones
Half-time!
45+2 mins: The first half comes to a close with Brazil comfortably in charge. They’ve managed to get a two-goal lead though it could have been way more.
Panama can’t get themselves into the game. This match will come down to how many Brazil fancy scoring.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 2-0 Panama
12:47 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play at the end of this first half.
A cross from Tamires comes in from the left and doesn’t quite land for Zaneratto. She tries to poke it at goal but the ball is scooped up by Panama’s goalkeeper, Yenith Bailey.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 2-0 Panama
12:44 , Mike Jones
42 mins: There’s not much more Panama could do other than try to limit the damage. Brazil are the better team, they’re quicker and pass the ball with more accuracy.
Panama have only managed one attempt so far in this half and that one missed the target.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Brazil 2-0 Panama (Borges, 39’)⚽️
12:42 , Mike Jones
39 mins: That’s a blow for Panama!
Tamires makes a wonderful run down the left side and gets forward on the overlap. The defender fizzes a great cross into the middle and Ary Borges bursts ahead of her marker to win the header.
She nods it at goal but Yenith Bailey makes the save. The goalkeeper is unable to cling onto the ball though and the rebound comes back to Borges who pokes it home to double Brazil’s lead!
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 1-0 Panama
12:39 , Mike Jones
37 mins: For all of Brazil’s dominance, Panama are sticking with their gameplan. They’ve not offered much going forward but defensively they’ve been throwing players behind the ball to keep Brazil out.
It’s hard work for them though.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 1-0 Panama
12:36 , Mike Jones
34 mins: Zaneratto drifts out to the right side and is brought down but Quintero to leave Brazil with a free kick over on the right side of the pitch.
Tamires takes it and clips the ball into the box. Debinha goes for a spectacular shot but has it blocked.
The ball comes out to Luana who smokes an effort at goal only for Bailey to push it over the top of the crossbar. Great save!
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 1-0 Panama
12:33 , Mike Jones
31 mins: Close! Brazil win the ball back high up the pitch and drive towards the penalty area. Debinha is given the ball and lays it off nicely to Zaneratto.
She looks to poke one past Bailey but Panama’s goalkeeper drops low to force the ball wide. Strong goalkeeping.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 1-0 Panama
12:30 , Mike Jones
28 mins: Luana looks the stretch the play for Brazil but gets her switch slightly wrong and knocks the ball out for a Panama throw in.
Panama can’t keep hold of the ball for long before it’s won back by the Brazilians who look to slide Zaneratto into the left side of the penalty area.
The pass is too heavy allowing Yenith Bailey to collect possession.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 1-0 Panama
12:27 , Mike Jones
25 mins: Yenith Bailey is put under serious pressure when the ball is knocked back to her. She’s got no passes on and only manages to turn the ball behind for a corner.
Borges knocks it short but Aldrith Quinero squeezes ahead of the nearest yellow shirt and marshalls the ball beautifully out of play for a goal kick.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 1-0 Panama
12:23 , Mike Jones
22 mins: The whistle goes for a foul on Pinzon just as the ball comes across to Brazil’s Kerolin. She shoots from range in the same instant and rattles the ball into the crossbar but the play is pulled back for the Panama free kick.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Panama (Borges, 19’)⚽️
12:22 , Mike Jones
19 mins: There’s the opener! It’s been coming since the start of the match.
Brazil send the ball over to the left side where Tamires brings it under control before slipping it forward for Debinha. Debinha carries the ball to the edge of the box, lifts an inswinging cross to the back post and picks out Ary Borges.
Borges is wide open and has a free header to guide the ball into the back of the net!
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 0-0 Panama
12:19 , Mike Jones
17 mins: Yomira Pinzon attempts to run the ball out from her own backline but loses the ball. Beatriz Zaneratto looks to cut inside and onto her right foot but she’s taken out and Brazil win themselves a free kick in a dangerous area.
Debinha stands over the ball, she lines it up then curls the effort wide of the near top corner!
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 0-0 Panama
12:16 , Mike Jones
14 mins: Brazil win a corner that is knocked short but Ary Borges. She gets the ball back and lifts a cross in towards Lauren. Lauren gets a glancing head to the ball but sends it wide of the far post.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 0-0 Panama
12:15 , Mike Jones
10 mins: Panama have been pushed incredibly deep already and are being bullied off the ball in the middle of the park. They’re going to need to hold out as long as they can and hope to make something work on the counter-attack.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 0-0 Panama
12:07 , Mike Jones
7 mins: These opening stages are just wave after wave of Brazilian attacks. Tamires carries the ball down the left side, whips a cross over to the far post and finds the arriving right-back Antonia.
Antonia takes a touch and shoots but she blazes her effort over the crossbar! Panama are hanging on here.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 0-0 Panama
12:05 , Mike Jones
4 mins: Brazil took on England in the Women’s Finalissima back in February. They forced the Lionesses into penalties before losing the shootout.
It was a much closer affair than initially thought and the Brazilians will hope to improve again through this tournament.
Chance! A cross comes in from the right, finds Debinha and flies over the bar as the striker’s headed effort is too high to hit the target.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 0-0 Panama
12:03 , Mike Jones
1 min: Save! Debora drives the ball through the middle and lays it off to Beatriz who slips a pass into the box. Adriana gets on the end of the pass, pokes the ball towards goal and watches as Yenith Bailey drops low to push the effort wide of the near post.
That was a wonderful move and Brazil almost got off to the best possible start. Solid save from Panama’s goalkeeper though.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil 0-0 Panama
12:01 , Mike Jones
Kick off!
Panama kick off the match and work the ball over to the right wing. A defensive header nods the ball towards Katherin Castillo who shields it out of play and earns her side a throw in.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil vs Panama
11:56 , Mike Jones
Here come the teams.
The players head out onto the pitch at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. The national anthems are played and everyone is ready to go.
Brazil will be aware that France were held to a draw against Jamaica in Group F yesterday so they won’t take anything for granted against this young Panama side.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil vs Panama
11:53 , Mike Jones
Panama’s key player
Marta Cox is the captain of the side and stands as the inspirational force behind Panama’s qualification for the World Cup.
The 25-year-old midfielder dedicated Panama’s victory against Paraguay in the inter-continental qualifiers to her late mother, who had passed away nine months earlier.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil vs Panama
11:49 , Mike Jones
Team news!
Brazil XI: Izidoro; Antonia, Lauren, Souza, Tamires; Borges, Kerolin, Luana, Adriana; Beatriz, Debora
Panama XI: Bailey; Castillo, Vargas, Pinzon, Baltrip-Reyes, Jaen; Mills, Quintero, Gonzalez, Cox; Riley
Can Brazil win the World Cup?
11:45 , Mike Jones
Brazil warmed up for the World Cup by taking England to penalties in the Finalissima and beating Germany in April, so there is a sense of optimism developing that they could finally return to the latter stages of the tournament.
Brazil have appeared at every women’s World Cup but have yet to reach the semi-finals since finishing as runners-up in 2007.
The Selecao have been knocked out in the last-16 two World Cups in a row but they can go much further this time around.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil vs Panama
11:41 , Mike Jones
Brazil’s key player
Brazil legend Marta is on the verge of history and could become the first player to score at six World Cups, men’s or women’s - with Canada’s Christine Sinclair also attempting to achieve the feat.
But while Marta is very much the leader and inspiration in the Brazil team, keep an eye on the Barcelona forward Geyse, who troubled England in April with her quick turning and dribbling.
Geyse has been linked with a move to the WSL and Manchester United in recent weeks.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil vs Panama
11:37 , Mike Jones
Can Brazil emulate Germany and get their campaign off to a winning start?
The Brazilians face Panama in their opening Group F match and will take top spot with a win after France were held to a draw against Jamaica on Sunday.
Kick off for this one is at 12pm.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 6-0 Morocco
11:34 , Mike Jones
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 6-0 Morocco
11:30 , Mike Jones
Full-time!
90+9 mins: Morocco have faced a very difficult introduction to the Women’s World Cup as they’ve been hammered 6-0 by Germany.
The Germans, led by Alexandra Popp’s two goals, showed why they’re one of the favourites to win the tournament and their subs were electric when coming off the bench.
They move to the top of Group H and get their campaign off to a perfect start,
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 6-0 Morocco
11:25 , Mike Jones
90+5 mins: Disallowed goal! Lea Schuller scores again but is immediately flagged offside!
She met a cross from the right with a fine header that gets nodded through the legs of Khadija Er-Rmichi. VAR checks the decision and rules that Schuller’s goal won’t stand.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 6-0 Morocco
11:22 , Mike Jones
90+3 mins: There’s nine minutes of added time to play and we’ve already got through three of them. This result will be the biggest deficit of the tournament so far.
A dominant display from Germany.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Germany 6-0 Morocco (Schuller, 90’)⚽️
11:20 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Lea Schuller comes off the bench to score for Germany. They sweep up the pitch from the right before cutting the ball back to Lena Lattwein.
Her shot is decent but Khadija Er-Rmichi pushes the ball wide and picks out Schuller. Schuller goes for goal with her first touch and smokes it home!
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 5-0 Morocco
11:15 , Mike Jones
85 mins: There’s a slight delay as VAR checked for a potential penalty. Germany appealed for a handball against one of the Moroccan defenders but nothing comes from it.
When play restarts, Rosella Ayane sweeps down the right wing and wins Morocco their first corner of the match.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 5-0 Morocco
11:12 , Mike Jones
82 mins: Alexandra Popp is loudly applauded when she jogs off the pitch for Germany. The German striker scored two, almost three, and proved how vital she is to this line-up. Laura Freigang replaces her.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Germany 5-0 Morocco (Mrabet OG, 79’)⚽️
11:10 , Mike Jones
79 mins: Germany have five!
A corner comes into the box and is punched by the goalkeeper. She belts it onto the head of Yasmin Mrabet where the ball deflects back towards the goal.
Zineb Redouani tries to clear it off the line but isn’t successful. Alexandra Popp arrives to make sure the ball goes in but it’s already crossed the line.
Popp is denied a hat-trick.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 4-0 Morocco
11:07 , Mike Jones
75 mins: Germany sub Nicole Anyomi hacks down Zineb Redouani and collects the first yellow card of the match. The Moroccan defender needs some treatment but she’ll be okay.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 4-0 Morocco
11:02 , Mike Jones
71 mins: Lea Schuller receives the ball with her back to goal. She can’t turn so sends the ball back to Lena Lattwein.
Lattwein spies Nicole Anyomi in space on the right wing and tries to pick her out with a pass from the outside of her boot. She catches it all wrong though and fizzes the ball too far away from Anyomi and sees it bounce out of play.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 4-0 Morocco
10:57 , Mike Jones
68 mins: Salma Amani comes on to replace Anissa Lahmari as Morocco make a change. Their defence is cut open by a fine run in behind from Nicole Anyomi who breezes into space on the right side of the pitch.
She lifts a cross into the box only for Sarah Kassi to clear the danger with two German forwards closing in on her.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 4-0 Morocco
10:54 , Mike Jones
65 mins: With the match already sown up, Germany make a triple change now. Melanie Leupolz, Lina Magull, and Klara Buhl are all taken off with Lea Schuller, Lena Lattwein and Nicole Anyomi introduced.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 4-0 Morocco
10:52 , Mike Jones
62 mins: Hanane Ait El Haj has gone down injured and needs a bit of treatment. The last thing the defender will want is to leave the pitch after her own goal but it looks as though she’ll be fine to play on.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 4-0 Morocco
10:47 , Mike Jones
57 mins: This has been a bruising start to the second half for Morocco. Two goals conceded and one disallowed for them the African side.
Germany have stepped up a level and look sharper and faster than their opponents.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Germany 4-0 Morocco (Ait El Haj OG, 54’)⚽️
10:45 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Oh no.
Svenja Huth gets forward for Germany and brings the ball to the right edge of the box. She curls a great cross into the six-yard box where Elodie Nakkach leaps up and flicks the ball towards the back post.
Hanane Ait El Haj is worried about the presence of Lina Magull and can’t shift her feet in time. The ball drops, hits her and deflects into the back of her own goal.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 3-0 Morocco
10:43 , Mike Jones
53 mins: Disallowed goal!
Morocco score! Ghizlane Chebbak is the one who carries the ball through midfield and up to the edge of the box. She slips a pass into the area for Rosella Ayane who controls it well then lifts a fine finish past Merle Frohms.
The Moroccans start to celebrate but the offside flag is raised and the replays show Ayane just ahead of the last defender.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 3-0 Morocco
10:41 , Mike Jones
52 mins: If Morocco are to get back into this match, it’s a tough ask I know, then the most likely player to drive them forwards is Ghizlane Chebbak.
She’s the leader and one who is unafraid to shoot. She’s also got a decent strike from range but Merle Frohms is a tough goalkeeper to beat.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 3-0 Morocco
10:39 , Mike Jones
49 mins: Germany are showing why they’re big favourites to win Group H and possibly go on to lift the World Cup at the end of this tournament.
Chance! Sara Dabritz feeds a pass into the box for Lina Magull who lets the ball run through her own legs as she’s offside.
Klara Buhl gets to the ball and curls a shot into the far post but the offside flag goes up against her too.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Germany 3-0 Morocco (Buhl, 46’)⚽️
10:36 , Mike Jones
46 mins: Mere seconds after the restart, Germany have a third! Klara Buhl flies down the left wing and floats a cross into the box. Sara Dabritz is on hand to nod the ball into the crossbar but the rebound comes out and is flicked back to Buhl.
She takes a touch and drills it into the back of the net!
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 2-0 Morocco
10:34 , Mike Jones
Second half: Morocco get the match restarted and boot the ball long where it’s collected by the Germans. They sweep down the left wing.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 2-0 Morocco
10:27 , Mike Jones
Alexandra Popp was on fire in that first half. She’s scored twice and will be hunting down a World Cup hat-trick in the second half.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 2-0 Morocco
10:19 , Mike Jones
Half-time!
45+3 mins: That was a very strong half for Germany. Two goals for their talisman, Alexandra Popp, sees them head into half-time with a comfortable lead over Morocco.
The African side showed promise throughout the first half but a couple of mistakes, on top of Germany’s quality in front of goal, sees them with a mountain to climb.
Germany will be more than pleased. They’ll want to add to their lead and really drive home their advantage in Group H.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 2-0 Morocco
10:16 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Three minutes of added time to play until the break.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 2-0 Morocco
10:13 , Mike Jones
42 mins: Chance! Morocco have the chance to immediately respond after they make use of an erratic set up in Germany’s high line.
Fatima Tagnaout sweeps in behind as the pass comes through. She carries the ball into the box but is closed down by the goalkeeper. Tagnaout tries to to lay it off to Aniss Lahmari but can’t find the pass and Germany get back in time to clear the danger.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Germany 2-0 Morocco (Popp, 39’)⚽️
10:11 , Mike Jones
39 mins: Germany win a corner that Klara Buhl swings into the middle of the box. Alexandra Popp squeezes ahead of Elodie Nakkach, gets to the ball and whips a header past the goalkeeper to double Germany’s lead!
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 1-0 Morocco
10:05 , Mike Jones
33 mins: Disallowed goal!
Alexandra Popp looks to flick the ball in behind for Sara Dabritz but her pass it intercepted. The ball deflects to Melanie Leupolz who does manage to find Dabritz inside the box.
Dabritz shuffles to the left and smokes a great finish past Khadija Er-Rmichi but the offside flag goes up and it’s a clear decision for the assistant referee.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 1-0 Morocco
09:59 , Mike Jones
28 mins: Germany win themselves a corner that is swung into the middle of the box. Sarah Kassi blocks it and clears for Morocco.
Elodie Nakkach takes a knock and needs a quick check up from the physios but she’s back on her feet without too much trouble and will continue.
On her return to the pitch, Nakkach gets to a loose pass from Germany and wins Morocco a free kick just inside the German’s half.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 1-0 Morocco
09:56 , Mike Jones
25 mins: Anissa Lahmari wins the ball off Melanie Leupolz in the middle of the pitch and carries it over to the right side of the penalty area before lifting a cross over towards Rosella Ayane.
She can’t control her header and Germany work the ball away. Ghizlane Chebbak, Morocco’s captain, brings the ball under control and has a dart.
She drills a decent effort from range but Merle Frohms plucks it out of the air with a confident stop.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 1-0 Morocco
09:53 , Mike Jones
22 mins: Morocco have sharpened up defensively and will be kicking themselves after the earlier mistake allowed Germany to open the scoring.
They’re getting bodies behind the ball and are doing a fine job of taking the ball off the Germans on the edge of their own box.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 1-0 Morocco
09:50 , Mike Jones
18 mins: Klara Buhl utilises some fancy footwork to get around Sarah Kassi on the left wing. Kassi slips but recovers in time to win back possession.
Morocco then quickly switch the play and send the ball over to Fatima Tagnaout on the opposite side of the pitch. She drives it forward and curls a short pass into the box for Rosella Ayane who then gets flagged offside.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 1-0 Morocco
09:46 , Mike Jones
14 mins: Lina Magull takes the ball in midfield and slips it out to Klara Buhl on the left side. Buhl’s cross it lofted over everyone but drops in time for Sara Dabritz to bring it under control.
She has a go but smokes a left-footed strike high and wide.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Germany 1-0 Morocco (Popp, 11’)⚽️
09:43 , Mike Jones
11 mins: After a chance for Klara Buhl is cleared away, Morocco give the ball back to Germany deep in their own half. Jule Brand’s high press works wonderfully as she nicks recovers the ball then slips it out to the right for the overlapping Kathrin Hendrich.
Hendrich’s cross is whipped perfectly onto the head of Alexandra Popp who nods it home with ease.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 0-0 Morocco
09:40 , Mike Jones
7 mins: Germany are playing with a high line so Morocco are looking to get Rosella Ayane in behind. Klara Buhl loses possession high up the pitch and a long ball down the right side sees Ayane collect the ball and drive it towards the German penalty area.
She takes it to the box but can’t hold it up long enough for her teammates to arrive and Germany recover possession.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 0-0 Morocco
09:35 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Sakina Ouzraoui handles the ball and gifts Germany an early free kick deep in Morocco’s half. Klara Buhl stands over the dead ball before whipping a shot towards the far bottom post!
It’s low and fairly flat but the goalkeeper, Khadija Er-Rmichi, shuffles across, covers the ball, and watches it safely fly wide of the post.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany 0-0 Morocco
09:32 , Mike Jones
Kick off!
Germany get the match underway in Melbourne. They work it around the backline and try to tempt Morocco out of their defensive shape. The African side are expected to defend deep and wait for openings on the counter-attack.
They could be a difficult side for Germany to break down.
Can Germany win the World Cup?
09:28 , Mike Jones
Germany undoubtedly have one of the strongest squads at the World Cup and don’t seem to be as impacted by injuries as some of the other leading nations.
They have a tough draw, but Germany have all the motivation they need to kick on from last summer. That said, a shock 3-2 defeat to Zambia in their World Cup send-off match has raised some doubts.
A strong showing against Morocco today will put those doubts to bed though.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany vs Morocco
09:26 , Mike Jones
The players head out onto the pitch and the national anthems are sung. Germany should have enough quality to get through this match but if the World Cup has shown us anything so far it’s that the underdogs will put up a strong fight.
Morocco’s key player
09:24 , Mike Jones
Ghizlane Chebbak was named player of the tournament as Morocco reached the final of the women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, where they lost to South Africa.
The 32-year-old scored three goals during the tournament and the captain of the Morocco team has become a star in her country.
Morocco, Benzina set to make Women's World Cup history in a game against Germany
09:20 , Mike Jones
When Nouhaila Benzina steps onto the field for Morocco’s first match of the Women’s World Cup against Germany, she will make history — and not just as a player for the first Arab or North African nation ever in the tournament.
The 25-year-old defender will be the first player to wear the Islamic headscarf at the senior-level Women’s World Cup. She and the Atlas Lionesses face two-time World Cup champions Germany in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday.
“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
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany vs Morocco
09:16 , Mike Jones
Morocco are the second lowest ranked team in the World Cup this year. They came through qualifying with a surprise run of victories to reach the tournament for the first time.
They are the first Arab team to feature’s at the Women’s World Cup but face a difficult test first up as they take on Germany who are one of the favourites to win the competition.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany vs Morocco
09:12 , Mike Jones
Team news!
Germany XI: Frohms; Huth, Hendrich, Dabritz, Rauch; Magull, Leupolz, Doorsun-Khajeh; Brand, Popp, Buhl
Morocco XI: Er-Rmichi; Ait El Haj, Mrabet, Redouani; Ouzraoui, Nakkach, Kassi, Tagnaout; Chebbak, Ayane, Lahmari
Women’s World Cup 2023: Italy 1-0 Argentina
09:00 , Luke Baker
FULL-TIME! And they’ve done it! Italy hold on for the win. They left it late but Cristiana Girelli’s 86th-minute effort gives them all three points.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Italy 1-0 Argentina
08:50 , Luke Baker
86 mins: GOAL! They’ve left it late but Italy finally have the goal! A brilliant cross in from the left and Cristiana Girelli, who had only just come off the bench, outjumps her marker and loops a header over the top of a helpless Vanina Correa in the Argentina goal.
Argentina have defended so well but the 33-year-old has found the breakthrough n the dying stages.
Women’s World Cup 2023: Italy 0-0 Argentina
08:36 , Luke Baker
75 mins: Into the final 15 minutes - can either side find a breakthrough to nick all three points? It’s Italy looking the more dangerous currently
Women’s World Cup 2023: Concerns over empty seats in Wellington
08:32 , Luke Baker
Host city Wellington hopes the arrival of their Football Ferns will help stir more excitement for the Women’s World Cup this week, as early matches failed to fill the 33,132-capacity Sky Stadium.
A record crowd of 42,137 watched the New Zealand team claim their first-ever World Cup victory, a 1-0 win over Norway, at Eden Park on Thursday but the tournament has gotten off to a tepid start in the New Zealand capital.
Friday’s match between Spain and Costa Rica failed to reach 70% of stadium capacity, with 22,966 in attendance, while Sunday’s affair between Sweden and South Africa was at 55% capacity.
“I thought it’d be a bit more, like a bit more people dressed up,” said 43-year-old Sweden supporter Larna Tigerholm.
Co-host Australia drove the momentum for early ticket sales, as FIFA boasted over a million sold more than a month before the tournament had even begun.
But New Zealand residents were slower to pounce, prompting the global soccer governing body to offer 20,000 for free days ahead of kick-off.
“What (organisers) really need to do is to inform people of what is the uniqueness about being able to go along and see two teams play that are not the national team and may not even be particularly highly ranked,” said Kevin Argus, a senior lecturer from RMIT University. “A lot of storytelling needs to occur.”
There will be no back story needed, however, when the Ferns arrive for Tuesday’s showdown with the Philippines, as a win over the World Cup debutants would keep alive their dream of exiting the group stage.
That game is sold out along with Thursday’s match between four-time champions the United States and their 2019 final foes the Netherlands.
Reuters
Women’s World Cup 2023: Italy 0-0 Argentina
08:12 , Luke Baker
The first game of the day sees Italy taking on Argentina at Eden Park in Auckland. That game is early in the second half and the sides are currently locked at 0-0.
Italy have had more of the ball but the game has lacked clear-cut chances, with the Italians having the only shot on target in the game so far.
Jamaica stun France for first-ever Women’s World Cup point
08:09 , Luke Baker
France’s hopes of a winning start to their Women’s World Cup campaign were thwarted by a hardworking Jamaica side in a 0-0 draw in the opening Group F clash.
The fifth-ranked French, semi-finalists at last year’s Euros, were unable to get their game going as the Jamaicans hassled and harried them throughout the 90 minutes to earn their first World Cup point after three losses during their 2019 debut.
Forward Kadidiatou Diani almost clinched the winner for France in the 90th minute but her powerful header hit the bar then the post to the delight of the crowd of nearly 40,000, who had embraced the 43rd-ranked underdogs.
“It was a difficult first half, we came up against a group of really athletic women,” France coach Herve Renard told reporters. “The second half was better, we created chances but unfortunately we were unable to find the back of the net.”
Jamaica stun France for first-ever Women’s World Cup point
England survive Women’s World Cup scare — but Haiti highlight problems for Lionesses to solve
08:03 , Luke Baker
England have a precious first win in this World Cup but that very description is why they did not look like eventual winners of the tournament itself.
That isn’t to say it will remain like this, but Sarina Wiegman has a lot of problems to solve, and a lot of work to do. Haiti at least more than set the tone for the latter. In something that has already developed into a bit of a pattern in these first few games, the supposed minnow deserved more than the 1-0 defeat they suffered through Georgia Stanway’s mercifully re-ordered penalty.
Haiti’s brilliant young star, Melchie Dumornay, may well end up deserving a series of individual awards. She was by far the player of the match here, running the game. Haiti often gave England a run-around. The entire result ended up depending on Mary Earps standing her ground in a crucial final chance for Haiti.
England survive World Cup scare but Haiti highlight problems to solve
Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?
08:02 , Luke Baker
The United States remain the team to beat ahead of the Women’s World Cup and the two-time defending champions remain number one in the Fifa rankings ahead of the tournament.
The USA are looking to become the first country to win three World Cups in a row and have held top spot since 2017.
But the tournament in Australia and New Zealand could bring a shake-up to the order. Europe is catching up and the likes of England, Germany, France and Spain will be coming for the USA’s crown.
Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?
FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures and full schedule
08:02 , Luke Baker
After winning the European Championships on home soil last summer, England travel to Australia and New Zealand as one of the favourites to win the Women’s World Cup.
The Lionesses defeated Germany at a sold-out Wembley last year and have positioned themselves as one of the strongest teams in the world under Sarina Wiegman.
The United States have won the past two World Cups and are the defending champions after beating the Netherlands - who were coached by Wiegman - at the 2019 World Cup in France. The Lionesses reached the semi-finals for the second World Cup in a row, only to lose to the USA, but will be looking to go a step further this time.
