Women's World Football

Florijana Ismaili, a footballer for the Switzerland and Young Boys women's teams, has been declared missing after a swimming accident in Lake Como, Italy.

Young Boys provided details in a statement on their website, per Reuters via ESPN FC.

"BSC Young Boys have been informed that our player Florijana Ismaili has been missing since Saturday afternoon on Lake Como after a swimming accident," read the post. "Searches by the police continue. We are very concerned and have not given up the hope that everything will turn out well."

Young Boys also said they're in touch with the 24-year-old's family and will next provide an update when they have more information on the situation.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera (h/t Reuters via the Guardian), the footballer was at the lake with one of her team-mates. The paper said that after rating an inflatable boat she "jumped in to the water, but never surfaced again."

Sweden and the Netherlands joined England and the United States in the semi-final bracket of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup after winning their respective last-eight ties on Saturday. The Netherlands beat Italy 2-0, while Sweden progressed after upsetting Germany 2-1.

Repeating the trick against the Netherlands won't be easy, given the quality in the Dutch ranks. Vivianne Miedema and Arsenal teammate Danielle van de Donk lead a team perfectly combining power with technique, a blend good enough to send the Oranje to the final.

It's a similar story for defending champions the U.S., who should have too much strength for England. The Lionesses have excelled on Phil Neville's watch, but overcoming the holders' experience will prove one obstacle too many.

Tuesday, July 2

England vs. U.S.: 9 p.m. local time, 8 p.m. BST, 3 p.m. ET (1-3)

Wednesday, July 3

Netherlands vs. Sweden: 9 p.m. local time, 8 p.m. BST, 3 p.m. ET (2-1)

Live-Stream links: BBC iPlayer, Fox Sports Go, fubo TV

USA and Netherlands Set to Meet in the Final

Taking chances when it counts has been the hallmark of the U.S. at this tournament. It's not unfair to say Jill Ellis' team was run ragged by hosts France during the quarter-final on Friday, but a ruthless forward line made the difference in a 2-1 win.

Megan Rapinoe scored twice to add to her brace from the penalty spot against Spain in the last 16.

Rapinoe has been providing the finishing touches to moves after defences have been worn out by Alex Morgan. Her pace and power will cause England more than a few problems, especially in tandem with Tobin Heath's eye for a pass.

Expect Morgan and Rapinoe to get on the scoresheet for the U.S., who can also call on Carli Lloyd and Christen Press for reinforcements along the forward line. At least one may be needed given the output of England's attack, with Ellen White the obvious danger.

Match-winners up front aren't in short supply for a Netherlands team benefiting from Miedema's goalscoring brilliance. The PFA Women's Player of the Year is the focal point of this enterprising team going forward.

Miedema's timing and intelligent use of space punished a well-organised Italy defence and can do the same to Sweden:

Her glancing header in the quarter-final was the 22-year-old's 61st goal for her country. It also showed how the Netherlands are prepared to go direct and exploit a height advantage from set pieces.

A corner met by defender Stefanie van der Gragt yielded the second Dutch goal on Saturday, underlining their considerable aerial threat.

Sweden's defence didn't have to deal with the same problem against a Germany side more comfortable with keeping the ball on the deck. The Netherlands are a more versatile outfit, though, and will find a way to scrape a narrow win and book a place in the final.

Sweden eliminated Germany to reach the last four of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup after a 2-1 win in Rennes, France, on Saturday.

Sofia Jakobsson and Stina Blackstenius scored in response to Lina Magull's opener for Germany to send the Swedes into a semi-final matchup against the Netherlands, who beat Italy 2-0 earlier in the day.

A fairly turgid opening 15 minutes was enlivened when Germany put a flowing move together. Typically, Sara Dabritz was at the heart of it, sliding in Magull, who took a touch before finishing smartly on the turn:

Magull was finding plenty of pockets of space in between the midfield and forward lines. In particular, she was exploiting room created whenever Alexandra Popp dropped off the front.

Sweden's best answer to German's artful pass-and-move game proved Jakobsson's pace and tireless running, and she ran free to equalise on 22 minutes.

It was the first goal Germany have conceded at the tournament and one that should have been avoided:

Sweden continued causing problems on the break, and Blackstenius was wasteful after Jakobsson's pass split the German defence to put her through.

Sweden's willingness to play long balls over the top was catching German defenders on their heels, and they were lucky to go in level at the break.

With Germany persisting with a high defensive line after half-time, it took just three minutes for Blackstenius to cap a slick move with an instinctive finish from close range:

Germany needed inspiration and brought chief creator Dzsenifer Marozsan off the bench to provide it. Having missed all but one game at the tournament because of a broken toe, Marozsan understandably struggled to adapt to the pace of the game.

At the other end, Blackstenius went clear again but delayed her shot too long after rounding goalkeeper Almuth Schult, allowing defenders to swarm in to block. Soon after, Jakobsson broke from the flank and drew yet another save from Germany's busiest player.

Germany should have been level deep into injury time, but Marina Hegering headed over with Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl beaten, and it proved to be the last meaningful threat from the Germans.

What's Next?

Sweden face the Netherlands in the second semi-final on Wednesday, with the winner to play either England or the United States in the final in Lyon on July 7.

The United States meet hosts France in the quarter-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday.

It has the potential to be the match of the World Cup so far given it is between the two pre-tournament favourites.

Though worthy of the final, a last-eight meeting between the defending champions and Les Bleues has been on the cards ever since the draw was made.

And by the close of play on Friday, one of the best sides in the competition will be out at the last-eight stage.

Date: Friday, June 28

Time: 9 p.m. local, 8 p.m. BST, 3 p.m. ET

TV Info: Fox (U.S.), BBC One (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go, BBC iPlayer

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): France 23-10, Draw 23-10, USA 13-10

France opened the tournament with a superb 4-0 victory over South Korea that more than lived up to their pre-tournament billing.

However, it has not been plain-sailing since. Les Bleues subsequently beat a strong Norway side 2-1, but they then needed a controversial penalty re-take to edge out Nigeria 1-0:

In the last 16 they were taken to extra time by Brazil, and it is likely they will need to be at their very best to beat the U.S.

Jill Ellis' side were given a reality check in the first knockout round by Spain when they toiled to a 2-1 victory thanks to two Megan Rapinoe penalties.

In the group stage, they had broken all manner of records after a 13-0 win over Thailand, 3-0 victory against Chile and 2-0 triumph over Sweden:

What is not in doubt is that the attacking quality on display at the Parc des Princes will have been unmatched anywhere else so far in the tournament.

Rapinoe is joined in the U.S. squad by the likes of Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd and Christen Press. 

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France, meanwhile, can look to Eugenie Le Sommer, Valerie Gauvin, Kadidiatou Diani and Gaetane Thiney.

The game is likely to be decided in defence. However, even Wendie Renard has shown vulnerabilities at this World Cup:

It is well documented that the U.S. do not have a back line to match their forwards, and it was a defensive mix-up that led to them conceding their first goal of the tournament against Spain.

On the balance of play so far, and the respective experience of the squads, it is reasonable that the United States should go into Friday's clash as slight favourites.

But it is set to be a tense and thrilling encounter in the French capital, and it would be no huge surprise if the hosts prevailed. 

Sweden made it through to the quarter-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Monday after a 1-0 win over Canada.  

The first half was a dull affair with defences very much on top and neither team able to carve out a clear goalscoring opportunity.

The deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes after half-time from a quick Sweden counter-attack.

Kosovare Asllani raced forward and produced a fine pass through to Stina Blackstenius to prod the ball past onrushing goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe.

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Canada were presented with a great chance to equalise on 68 minutes when Asllani conceded a penalty for handball. However, Janine Beckie's shot was pushed around the post by goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.

Sweden came close to doubling their lead in the closing stages. Peter Gerhardsson's side had a penalty ruled out after a VAR check spotted an offside in the build-up and then saw an Asllani effort cleared off the line.

The Swedes made five changes to the team that lost 2-0 to the United States in their final group game, while Canada replaced Jordyn Huitema with Nichelle Prince:

The first half was a disappointing affair with both attacks struggling. The closest Canada come to posing a threat was from a couple of early corners, while Sweden's brightest moment was a shot dragged wide by Sofia Jakobsson.

Match of the Day noted the lack of excitement: 

Even Canada captain Christine Sinclair's finishing was wayward. The 36-year-old captain tried her luck early in the second half with a free-kick that sailed wide of the post.

The deadlock was finally broken on 55 minutes as Sweden intercepted a poor pass deep in the Canada half and played the ball out to Asllani. The striker raced forward and bent a superb pass to Blackstenius to poke home the opener:

Opta noted how the goal was the game's first shot on target:

The goal was exactly what the game needed, as both teams finally began to create chances. Sweden's Fridolina Rolfo fired a powerful shot just wide, while Allysha Chapman headed just wide at the other end.

Canada then won a penalty after Desiree Scott's shot struck Asllani's arm inside the area.

Up stepped Beckie, but she was denied by Lindahl, who dived to her right and pushed her effort around the post:

Sweden thought they had won a penalty of their own inside the final 10 minutes when Ashley Lawrence brought down Rolfo, but the decision was overturned by VAR due to an offside in the build-up.

Scott then saved Canada again with a fine goal-line clearance from Asllani's volley, but Kenneth Heiner-Moller's side could not find a late equaliser and head out of the tournament.

What's Next?

Sweden go on to face Germany in the quarter-finals of the competition on Saturday at Roazhon Park in Rennes.

The United States begin their 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup knockout campaign against Spain on Monday, with La Roja set to make their last-16 debut against the most successful team in the competition's history.

Jill Ellis' side mauled their competition in the pool stage and will be hopeful of making an example out of Spain, with a quarter-final fixture against France on the line for the victor.

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Canada are set to appear in the knockout stages for the third time and face Sweden, who finished second to the Stars and Stripes in Group F and are hoping to bounce back following their first loss in five matches.

The winner of their match will advance to face two-time World Cup winners Germany in the last eight on Saturday.

Monday's Fixtures

Spain vs. United States, 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Sweden vs. Canada, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC red button (UK), Fox (U.S.)

Fox will provide a live stream for viewers in the United States via Fox Sports Go. Audiences in the United Kingdom can stream matches using BBC iPlayer or via the BBC Sport website.

Preview

There likely isn't a team at the Women's World Cup in France that wants to face the United States in their current form, but Spain will have the unfortunate honour of attempting to stop their charge next.

The defending champions came through the group stage without conceding a goal and scoring 18 of their own—at least 10 more than any other nation—and are strong favourites to beat Jorge Vilda's underdogs.

One of Spain's dilemmas will be how to limit the influence of Alex Morgan, who is enjoying top form in France and dazzled with her five-goal display in the opening 13-0 romp over Thailand (U.S. only):

Match of the Day hailed Morgan's fifth strike in that clash as the best of the bunch (UK only):

In contrast to the United States' three victories, Spain have won only once so far in France and are looking to again break new territory in just their second World Cup appearance. 

They lost 1-0 to the Stars and Stripes when these two teams had their maiden meeting in January, but La Roja's players are looking forward to a showdown with more on the line this time around, via Goal:

The lines between Sweden and Canada appear far closer in their round-of-16 fixture, which will pit two group-stage runners-up against one another at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

German football writer Manuel Veth thought Group E runners-up Canada would be easier to beat in the next stage, touting Sweden as the favourites:

Canada lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in what was their only group game against a top-level threat, and Sweden will likely have analysed that result in particular to suss out weaknesses in the North Americans' lineup.

Statistician Simon Gleave highlighted just how close this clash appears on paper:

The Canadian team doesn't have the same wealth of stars as their border neighbours to the south, with four different players responsible for their four goals in the group stage.

Linkopings forward Kosovare Asllani has been one of Sweden's most impressive assets and was their only player to score more than once in the first round:

Two balanced teams that rely largely on the sum of their parts will go head-to-head for the right to face front-runners Germany in the next round, with the margins looking too close to call. 

Brazil legend Marta called on future generations of female footballers to step up to the plate after her side exited the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup at the hands of hosts France on Sunday. 

Marta played the whole 120 minutes as France beat Brazil 2-1 in extra time at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre, to advance to the quarter-finals. The 33-year-old emotionally attempted to inspire the next wave of would-be internationals, via Fox Soccer (U.S. only):

Reuters (h/t ESPN FC) translated Marta's remarks:

"It's about wanting more, it's about training more, it's about looking after yourself more, it's about being ready to play 90 minutes and then 30 minutes more.

"So that's why I am asking the girls. There's not going to be a Formiga forever, there's not going to be a Marta forever, there's not going to be a Cristiane. Women's football depends on you to survive. Think about it, value it more."

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Marta, who has made it to one Women's World Cup final in five tournament appearances, added: "Cry now, so you can smile at the end."

Amandine Henry scored in the 107th minute to give Les Bleues a round-of-16 victory after Valerie Gauvin and Thaisa each netted in the second half for France and Brazil, respectively.

Former United States internationals Leslie Osborne and Maurice Edu were among those who reacted positively to Marta's message (U.S. only):

Marta scored two goals (both penalties) in France to take her overall World Cup goal tally to 17, the most by any male or female player in the history of the tournament.

Cristiane, 34, scored a hat-trick in Brazil's opener against Jamaica, while Formiga—who turned 41 in March—played in her sixth (and likely last) World Cup.

Marta concluded by stressing the importance of capitalising on tournaments like the World Cup to grow the game:

"It was a great experience for all of us, and now it's time to take advantage of this exposure and make the women's game even bigger and better.

"The World Cup has ended for Brazil, but we need to keep on going. Next year we have the Olympics. And we are very grateful about all the love that came from our country during this run."

Current and former players also reacted to her comments:

The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year will be 37 when the next tournament gets under way in 2023, although coach Vadao said the likes of Marta and Cristiane "should be playing for a few more years yet."

Cameroon manager Alain Djeumfa said Sunday's Women's World Cup loss to England was a "miscarriage of justice" after multiple controversial calls went against his team.

"I won't go anything further than that," Djeumfa told reporters after the match. "It's a game; it's a sport. The referee made a lot of mistakes tonight."

Djeumfa's team took particular ire with calls made by the video assistant referee. England's first two goals came in part because of calls made by VAR. Steph Houghton's goal was set up by England being awarded an indirect free kick, and Ellen White's goal to make it 2-0 was awarded after VAR overturned an offsides call.

A Cameroon goal by Ajara Nchout was wiped out when VAR pointed out an offsides call. Cameroon players were visibly angered by the calls, to the point play stopped on two occasions because of the protests.

England manager Phil Neville was critical of the behavior from Cameroon's players. 

"I sat through 90 minutes of football there and completely felt ashamed of the opposition," Neville said. "I did not enjoy the game for that reason apart from the fact we're in the quarterfinal and have momentum. All those young girls and boys watching the game back in England—we had 5, 6, 7 million people watching England play an international game against Cameroon with that kind of behavior.

"I think it's pretty sad. I can't gloss over it and fudge it, and I've got to tell the truth to everybody."

Djeumfa defended his team, saying they did not quit and showed perseverance through the adverse conditions.

"That's your feeling that the players never refused to play, but ultimately we didn't stop and refuse to play," he said. "My players were examples, and occasionally when you are in a state of shock, you can lose your cool.

England went on to win the match 3-0, eliminating Cameroon from the World Cup. VAR has been at the center of numerous controversies throughout the event, though it's fair to say the review system has made calls more accurate.

England will move on to play Norway in the quarterfinals. 

England reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup after beating Cameroon 3-0 on Sunday. Goals from Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Alex Greenwood proved enough for the Lionesses in Valenciennes, France.  

The game was littered with controversial decisions and VAR use. White's goal was only given after review, while Cameroon had one ruled out after a close offside cancelled Ajara Nchout's finish in the second half.

Nchout was one of several Cameroon players who led intense and prolonged protests about the game's key decisions. The match ended with substitute Alexandra Takounda narrowly escaping a red card after a reckless challenge on Houghton off the ball deep into injury time.

England coach Phil Neville was far from impressed by what he saw from Cameroon:

Controversy started as early as the 14th minute when Annette Ngo Ndom was adjudged to have picked up a backpass from Augustine Ejangue. It meant an in-direct free-kick inside the box, one Houghton converted superbly with a curled effort around the wall and into the bottom corner. 

Cameroon were incensed by the awarding of the free-kick and the mood hardly improved when White's goal deep into first-half stoppage time was given. White finished well after being played in by a neat slide-rule pass from Luzy Bronze, but the scorer was initially flagged offside.

VAR was consulted and the goal was given. It was the correct decision considering White was clearly level with her markers when the pass was played.

Even so, Cameroon's players simply couldn't accept the decision:

In particular, key forward Nchout could hardly be calmed or consoled by her teammates. It left coach Alain Djeufma anxiously trying to keep his players' minds focused on the game.

Djeufma's task became harder still when Nchout thought she had reduced the deficit a minute after the restart. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after more work for VAR, although the decision was a tight one to say the least.

These events prompted even more animated protests from Cameroon, with Djeufma struggling to get through to Nchout.

Cameroon's misery was compounded when Greenwood made it 3-0 after finishing off a smart set-piece routine.

Despite a commanding lead, there were some warning signs for England. The defence looked vulnerable to a long ball over the top and direct pace running in behind.

Takounda went close, while Michaela Abam also caused a few problems with her timing and movement before things threatened to get nasty after Houghton was felled on the touchline.

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Neville needs his players to eradicate defensive lapses before the last eight. Overall, though, he'll be pleased at how ruthlessly efficient the Lionesses have become in the final third.

What's Next?

England will meet Norway on Thursday in Le Havre.

Germany will open the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup knockout-stage schedule against Nigeria on Saturday in a matchup between two-time world champions and the lowest-ranked third-placed team to qualify for the round of 16.

Die Nationalelf won Group B with a perfect record to maintain their record of progressing past the group stage in each of their eight World Cup tournament appearances.

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Australia and Norway will clash in the second of Saturday's last-16 matchups, a fixture that will see one of the pre-tournament dark horses depart.

The Matildas finished second in Group C, while Norway ended up as runners-up in Group A. The victor of their match will face either England or Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

Here's the 2019 Women's World Cup bracket in full:

Saturday's Fixtures

Germany vs. Nigeria, 4:30 p.m. BST/11:30 a.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Norway vs. Australia, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), Fox (U.S.)

Fox will provide a live stream for viewers in the United States via Fox Sports Go. Audiences in the United Kingdom can stream matches using BBC iPlayer or via the BBC Sport website.

Preview

Germany's pristine run through the Group B was in stark contrast to Nigeria's route into the round of 16, whereby the Super Falcons were relying on results to go in their favour in order to advance.

The No. 2-ranked team in the world finally moved up a gear on Matchday 3 and exorcised some creative demons with a 4-0 hammering of South Africa, having edged past both China and Spain 1-0.

The European giants are strongly favoured on Saturday, though coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg isn't taking Nigeria lightly:

Nigeria are through to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time in 20 years, progressing despite a controversial 1-0 defeat to hosts France.

There are obvious downsides to facing a highly regarded team and previous World Cup winner like Germany, but Nigeria can at least feel relieved of any pressure having made it back to the knockout rounds.

Broadcaster Usher Komugisha celebrated African nations breaking new ground in France:

Either Sweden or Canada await the winner of their fixture in the next stage of the tournament.

Germany's chances of advancing look stronger than those of Norway, who were drawn opposite an intimidating Australia squad after they both finished second in their respective groups.

The Grasshoppers have failed to make it past the round of 16 in each of their past two World Cup appearances, and star striker Ada Hegerberg's ongoing decision to not represent her country hasn't aided their odds of winning.

The Matildas have their star woman in Samantha Kerr, who entered the history books after netting four goals in their 4-1 victory over Jamaica on Monday, as The Sydney Morning Herald highlighted:

Sports writer John D. Halloran voiced his appreciation for the Perth Glory forward:

Australia scored eight goals in the group stage and have qualified for the last eight in each of the previous three World Cups.

Kerr was present for the quarter-final runs of 2011 and 2015, and she's the jewel in their crown hoping to lead the charge past 1995 World Cup winners Norway on Saturday.