Women's World Football

The United States will be seeking to secure their spot in the last 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday, when they face Chile in their second match of the competition.

The world champions were rampant in their opener, destroying Thailand 13-0. Chile will be wary about being on the end of a similar mauling.

Elsewhere, there are some other key games left in the group stage. On Monday, China face Spain, with the winner guaranteed a spot in the knockout stages, while Brazil face surprise package Italy after their defeat to Australia, with only a win enough to ensure they progress.

Read on for details of the remaining group-stage fixtures, with some crucial matches to come before the knockout bracket begins.

Fixtures

Sunday, June 16

2 p.m.: Sweden vs. Thailand (Group F)

5 p.m.: United States vs. Chile (Group F)

Monday, June 17

5 p.m.: China vs. Spain (Group B)

5 p.m.: South Africa vs. Germany (Group B)

8 p.m.: Nigeria vs. France (Group A)

8 p.m.: South Korea vs. Norway (Group A)

Tuesday, June 18

8 p.m.: Italy vs. Brazil (Group C)

8 p.m.: Jamaica vs. Australia (Group C)

Wednesday, June 19

8 p.m.: Japan vs. England (Group D)

8 p.m.: Scotland vs. Argentina (Group D)

Thursday, June 20

5 p.m.: Netherlands vs. Canada (Group E)

5 p.m.: Cameroon vs. New Zealand (Group E)

8 p.m.: Sweden vs. United States (Group F)

8 p.m.: Thailand vs. Chile (Group F)

All times BST.

In the United States, the games can be streamed via FOX Sports Go.

In the United Kingdom the matches can be streamed via the BBC website.

BR Video

After their dominant display against Thailand and the consequent criticism they took for their celebrations, all eyes will be on the USWNT when they take to the field against Chile.

In their previous match, there was a huge chasm in ability, although each goal was still greeted with exuberance from the American players.

The manner in which the team conducted themselves didn't sit well with Miguel Delaney of The Independent:

All-time USWNT leading goalscorer Abby Wambach defended some of her former team-mates following the criticism:

While debate will rage about the celebrations, what is beyond doubt is that the United States are a serious outfit and will be difficult to get the better of in France. Chile should at least given them a sterner test this time around.

China's meeting with Spain is another match to look forward to. Both teams are on three points, but the latter has an edge on goal difference, meaning China must win to guarantee a knockout-stage berth.

In terms of surprises, the fact that Brazil are battling to maintain their spot in the competition after two games is a shock. They are unlikely to have it all their own way against Italy, either, with the Azzurri securing two wins from two.

Football writer Tim Stillman noted that the Selecao have the look of an ageing outfit:

As commentator Jacqui Oatley shared, after their extraordinary comeback win over Brazil, Australia star Sam Kerr was delighted with her team's performance:

Australia will be buzzing after that fightback and will be big favourites against Jamaica, who have yet to register a point.

Elsewhere, Canada and the Netherlands will fight it out for top spot in Group E, as they both seek to continue their perfect records at the competition. The Netherlands beat Cameroon on Saturday on what was a historic day for Vivianne Miedema:

The Canadians are emerging as a force at the World Cup, though. A 2-0 win over New Zealand extended their unbeaten run to 10 games. What's more, they have not conceded a goal in nine of those encounters.

Canada booked their place in the knockout stages of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Saturday with a comfortable 2-0 win over New Zealand at Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, France.  

Jessie Fleming and Nichelle Prince scored the goals to send their side through. Fleming opened the scoring in the 48th minute after a brilliant break from Prince, who then sealed the victory with just over 10 minutes remaining by reacting fastest after Christine Sinclair hit the post.

Canada were in control of the ball for long spells and could've broken the deadlock earlier when Sinclair headed against the bar from close range in the first half.

The opening period was punctured by a nasty arm injury suffered by New Zealand's CJ Bott, who was replaced by Annalie Longo in the 18th minute.

New Zealand's plan was clear, as they sat deep and sought to frustrate their opponents, and Canada failed to carve out many clear-cut opportunities in the first half.

The injury to Bott took the momentum out of the game. The New Zealand player was left in serious pain after she blocked a cross with her hand and was clearly struggling: 

Sinclair then crashed her header against the woodwork, but the long delay had made for a scrappy encounter. With the game still goalless at half time, New Zealand would have been pleased, aside from the injury suffered by their full-back.

With time to regroup, Canada showed more purpose in the second period, and they capitalised on a rare attack where their forwards had space to burst into.

Prince scampered down the left flank and pulled back a perfect ball into the path of Fleming to finish: 

Aaron West of FOX Sports paid tribute to the Canadian's desire to get into the penalty area and convert the opportunity:

New Zealand required an excellent save from goalkeeper Erin Nayler to keep the deficit at one goal when she sprung into action to keep out a Prince header.

However, the Ferns were beginning to wilt under the pressure of Canada's possession play, and a second goal was inevitable. With 11 minutes left on the clock, Sinclair had another effort clatter off the woodwork, but Prince was on hand to poke home on the follow-up.

Laura Armstrong of the Toronto Star praised the forward's goalscoring instincts at the end of a fine individual display: 

The three points guarantees Canada's spot in the knockout stages and extends their unbeaten run to 10 games, nine of which they've kept a clean sheet in. They face the Netherlands—who also have six points but a superior goal difference—on Thursday in their final game, in which the winner will top the group.

New Zealand will be seeking to at least secure third in the group on the same day when they face Cameroon.

The United States will effectively secure their spot in the next round of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup if they can beat Chile at the Parc des Princes in their second Group F outing on Sunday.

Jill Ellis' side opened the competition with a record 13-0 hammering of Thailand and look all but certain to advance after flexing against one of the competition's underdogs.

BR Video

The Stars and Stripes will be assured of a place in the round of 16 if they defeat Chile and Sweden beat Thailand earlier on Sunday, which would set up a winner-takes-first encounter with the Europeans.

But first they must overcome the challenge put forth by La Roja Femenina, who would surely take pleasure in clinching their first win over the United States in Paris.

Date: Sunday, June 16

Time: 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET

Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris

Live Stream: BBC iPlayer (UK), Fox Sports Go (U.S.), fuboTV (U.S.)

TV Info: BBC Two (UK), Fox (U.S.)

Odds

USA: 1-33

Draw: 14-1

Chile: 33-1

Via Oddschecker.com.

Preview

The odds don't favour Chile in the French capital, and the tournament favourite United States showed in their opener that nerves don't appear to be a factor.

Least of all for Alex Morgan, the Orlando Pride forward whose five goals helped achieve the widest winning margin in a Women's World Cup fixture. Footage courtesy of Fox Sports (U.S. only):

Ellis' side have won each of their past seven matches and marked a 10th consecutive game unbeaten with that result, ominous for a Chile team that hasn't tasted victory in its 10 matches since November.

The United States came in for some criticism following their celebrations against Thailand after the result was clearly settled, but Morgan told TSN she felt her and her team-mates were justified:

It's not often one's team scores goals in the double digits—never mind in a World Cup fixture—but the Stars and Stripes should be wary of letting that record victory go to their head.

Chile made their World Cup debut in a 2-0 defeat to the veteran Swedes on Tuesday, but the South Americans managed to keep a clean sheet for 83 minutes before conceding twice in quick succession.

Coach Jose Letelier will have taken some positives despite the defeat, and goalkeeper Christiane Endler showed on numerous occasions that she could be a tough figure to beat (U.S. only):

BR Video

They aren't the only debutants to have lost on their World Cup bow, with Scotland, South Africa and Jamaica also suffering defeats.

That being said, the United States have failed to win all three of their group games in each of the past three World Cup tournaments. Sweden held the Americans to a 0-0 stalemate in 2015 but couldn't prevent Ellis' side from topping their group nonetheless.

Thailand could spice up the group if they surprise Sweden on Sunday to leave three teams in sight of six points, although it's highly unlikely they will get the better of Peter Gerhardsson's side.

Any result other than defeat would be a great success for Chile, who likely need at least one point against the United States on Sunday if they are to have a chance of reaching the round of 16.

England defeated Argentina 1-0 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in Le Havre, France, on Friday.

The Lionesses had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring through Nikita Parris' penalty after 27 minutes, but Argentina goalkeeper Vanina Correa saved her shot onto the post.

England had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock. Jodie Taylor was assured as she slotted home after 61 minutes for the only goal of the game.

England dominated the opening stages but failed to put Correa under sustained pressure.

Phil Neville's team had a chance to break the deadlock in the first half when Manchester United captain Alex Greenwood was fouled by Ruth Bravo in the penalty area.

The referee took an extended period to organise the spot-kick, leaving taker Parris waiting to fire her shot. When it finally came, Correa saved her effort.

Sky Sports Football shared the moment:

England continued to be the better side, attacking at will and with consistency, but Argentina's toughness was clearly abundant.

Former United States international Yael Averbuch West tipped her hat to the underdog's tactics:

Neville appeared pensive in the technical area, but his side played with an increasing tempo until the half-time whistle.

OptaJoe highlighted Abbie McManus' ball retention:

Correa was once again at the centre of the action after the restart, denying Parris once more with a superb point-blank save.

England were finally rewarded for their play on 61 minutes as Beth Mead found the perfect cross for Taylor to tap home.

Jill Scott should have doubled the lead with 18 minutes remaining, but the Manchester City star's header landed on the roof of the net.

Argentina had their first shot on target after 75 minutes, but the English were relentless in their focus and desire to win.

Fran Kirby and Parris both remained busy and dangerous throughout, driving England forward, and the Lionesses booked their spot in the next round with their second victory in Group D.

What's Next

Both nations are back in Group D action Wednesday. England will play Japan, and Argentina face Scotland.

England will hope to extend their lead at the top of Group D in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup when they face Argentina in their second outing on Friday.

Fellow home nation Scotland, whom England defeated 2-1 in their tournament bow, meet Japan earlier in the day as both those teams search for their first win in France.

Italy meet Jamaica with a view to moving three points clear of Australia and Brazil at the top of Group C, having surprised the Matildas 2-1 in their first matchup.

BR Video

Australia shocked Brazil 3-2 after trailing by two goals on Thursday, giving Italy the chance to take an outright lead and secure at least a second-place finish if they beat the Reggae Girlz. 

Friday, June 14

Japan vs. Scotland (Group D), 2 p.m. BST/9 a.m. ET

Jamaica vs. Italy (Group C), 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET

England vs. Argentina (Group D), 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET

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.

Lionesses Off to Roaring Start; Italy a Dark Horse

England resume their World Cup campaign at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre and can afford to feel upbeat in their preparation for Argentina despite not reaching their best in the opening win over Scotland.

Goals from Nikita Parris and Ellen White had the Lionesses two goals up before the break. It was clear how much it meant from the former to score her first World Cup goal from the spot, via Match of the Day (UK only):

Parris sprinted to the bench with gusto after nudging her side ahead, via Fox Sports (U.S. only):

Claire Emslie pulled one back in what ended as a more spirited second half for the Scots, who hope for a better result against Japan if they can display the same perseverance.

Argentina, ranked 37th in the world, should be an easier test for England. Left-back Alex Greenwood told Sky Sports she expects a better performance now Phil Neville's side have had a chance to warm up:

Japan and Argentina drew 0-0 in their opener and will want to score their first goals of the tournament.

Scotland were unbeaten in five matches (four wins) prior to the England defeat, and their players remain hopeful of a place in the knockout stages despite the early loss, via Sky Sports:

Italy were the underdogs in their meeting with Australia but emerged 2-1 winners thanks to a game-winning brace from Barbara Bonansea.

Bonansea's second strike came five minutes into injury time and showed an intriguing similarity with a strike from Italy legend Francesco Totti, per Fox Sports:

Italy reached the final of the 2006 World Cup but have never done so in the women's competition. They reached the quarter-finals of the inaugural tournament but haven't gone past the group stage since.

The Azzurre should be capable of beating Jamaica to keep up their winning start in France and move back to the top of Group C.

Australia's Elise Kellond-Knight has said the Matildas were fired up by Brazil's celebrations as they secured a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory against the South Americans in Group C at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Thursday.

The No. 6 ranked side in the world, Australia had fallen to a shock 2-1 defeat to Italy in their tournament opener at France 2019.

After a Marta penalty and Cristiane's fourth strike of the tournament put them 2-0 behind at the 
Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, Australia looked like they could be heading out of the tournament.

But Caitlin Foord poked home to get them back in the match just before half-time, and when Chloe Logarzo's cross-turned-shot found the back of the net in the 58th minute, the comeback was on.

BR Video

An own goal from Monica then sealed the turnaround on 66 minutes after the intervention of VAR, and Kellond-Knight said Australia had been motivated by Brazil's celebrations at going 2-0 ahead, per Amee Ruszkai of Goal:

"It pisses you off a little bit to be honest with you. It’s such a big rivalry as it is and then to see them celebrating and putting it in your face a little bit, it fires you up. So good on them, it gave us a little bit more encouragement."

Sam Kerr, meanwhile, hit out at those who had criticised Australia after their surprise loss to Italy in the opening match, per AAP (h/t ESPN FC):

"There [were] a lot of critics talking about us, but we're back so suck on that one. We don't listen to the haters. Look at that performance to come back from the deep. I love these girls, they're something else."

Despite the victory, Australia remain third in Group C, outside of the automatic qualification places for the knockout rounds.

They will likely need a win over Jamaica in their final group-stage game on Tuesday in order to seal a spot in the last 16.

The Reggae Girlz lost their opener 3-0 against Brazil and are back in action against Italy in Reims on Friday.

Australia got to the quarter-finals four years ago before being knocked out by eventual runners-up Japan.

They have enough quality in their squad to go further in France this year, and they are now up and running in the tournament thanks to Thursday's victory. 

Australia pulled off a miraculous comeback at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and beat Brazil 3-2 on Thursday to temporarily move level on points with Italy at the top of Group C.

Brazil went two goals up in the first half following goals from forwards Marta and Cristiane, but strikes from Caitlin Foord and Chloe Logarzo either side of half-time brought the Matildas level.

Defender Monica completed a nightmarish second 45 minutes for Brazil by heading the ball into her own net, the decider being approved after some deliberation by the officials.

BR Video

Two teams long viewed as main contenders for the first place in Group C laid on an end-to-end affair in the first half, but the majority of Brazil's bright spots came in the first 40 minutes.

Midfielder Thaisa saw her blushes spared when the referee looked to have awarded Australia a penalty following her challenge on Tameka Yallop inside the box. Fortunately for her, the video assistant referee spotted Yallop had handled the ball in the buildup.

The tables turned minutes later when Brazil had a spot-kick decision go in their favour after a review.

Australia's Elise Kellond-Knight had little defence as replays showed her tugging the jersey of right-back Leticia Santos as she went down.

Marta tucked away the penalty in the 27th minute to make it 118 goals for Brazil—22 more than closest challenger and team-mate Cristiane.

The 33-year-old has now scored at every tournament finals since 2003, via beIN Sports (U.S. only):

Match of the Day posted footage of the breakthrough penalty, which extended her record tally of World Cup goals:

Cristiane cut the distance between her and Marta back down before the break, scoring in the 38th minute to cap off a special passage of play from the Selecao. 

Tamires cleverly nutmegged her marker before feeding Debinha down the left wing, and Cristiane could hardly have asked for a better ball to attack as she doubled the lead, via Fox Soccer (U.S. only):

The 34-year-old closely follows team-mate Marta in terms of her World Cup scoring record, per OptaJoe:

But the Matildas stirred into life and ended the half by effectively doubling the amount of goalmouth pressure they'd applied in the match up until then.

It paid off when Yallop's arcing cross from the left was nodded on by 5'5" Logarzo and volleyed over the line by Foord from all of two yards, via beIN Sports (U.S. only):

Australia benefited from the new hope that goal gave them and asked the initial questions after the restart, and Brazil stopper Barbara was under pressure following a string of tests on her goal.

It paid off in the 58th minute when Sam Kerr's run across goal distracted Barbara enough to allow Logarzo's long-range cross to sail through a sea of Brazil bodies and over the line (U.S. only):

Brazil looked dominant at two goals up, but the spirit looked drained from their play after the equaliser. Their attacks lacked the same zip seen early on, and it was Australia doing the majority of the pressing and quick counters.

That pressure again yielded profit in the 66th minute when a hopeful lob up to Kerr put Brazil under the spotlight, and Monica's attempt to clear skipped off her head and inside the left post of Barbara's goal.

After a lengthy review, it was adjudged Kerr wasn't interfering enough for the goal to be ruled out.

Former England forward Eniola Aluko agreed with the call:

Brazil attempted to get back on level terms to salvage a point, but Australia proved equal to the challenge and looked a different team to the one that started.

Neither team will forget such a rollercoaster clash in a hurry, and both nations still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the 2019 World Cup.

What's Next?

Brazil face Italy in their final Group C fixture on Tuesday, while Australia take on Jamaica in a decisive group clash that could now see them take top spot.

England play their second game of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France on Friday when they take on Argentina at Le Havre's Stade Oceane in Group D.

The Lionesses underwhelmed in their opener against Scotland but still came away with a 2-1 win.

Argentina, meanwhile, earned their first-ever World Cup point as they held Japan to a 0-0 draw:

England are heavy favourites to claim victory against the South Americans, but head coach Phil Neville will be looking for a much more complete performance than he saw against the Scots.

Date: Friday, June 14

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

TV Info: Fox Network (U.S.), BBC One (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go, BBC iPlayer

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): England 1-10, Argentina 40-1, Draw 19-2

There is little doubt how Argentina will set up against England.

They were brilliant defensively against Japan, restricting the 2011 champions and 2015 runners-up to few chances despite having less than 30 percent of the possession.

BR Video

Argentina will likely try the same tactic against the Lionesses, who will need to come up with solutions to unlocking a deep-sitting defence.

Neville certainly has enough talent at his disposal to engineer a comfortable win that would go a long way to securing England top spot in Group D before their clash with Japan.

Fran Kirby, Ellen White, Lucy Bronze and Nikita Parris could deal the key blow to Argentina on Friday with an individual piece of brilliance, but the performance of the team as a whole will be the most crucial element.

Against Scotland, England were excellent in the first half but sloppy in the second, and Neville will be looking for a strong 90 minutes in Le Havre to build a platform for the rest of the tournament. 

The right flank will be a key outlet for the Lionesses, as it was in their opener:

Bronze and Parris are two of the most exciting players at the tournament, and they should be able to get through Argentina in a way Japan could not if they link up effectively.

The Albicelestes' draw against Japan was remarkable not just because they sit 30 places below the Asian champions in the world rankings, but also because they recently spent two years in the international wilderness after a lack of backing from their federation.

The fact they are even at France 2019 is remarkable, but they showed against Japan they can frustrate even the best teams.

A penalty from Eugenie Le Sommer was enough to see FIFA Women's World Cup hosts France beat Norway 2-1 on Wednesday at the Allianz Riviera in Nice.

The home side were frustrated for long spells in the first half, as Norway proved to be resolute opposition.

BR Video

That changed immediately in the second period, as within a minute of the restart Amel Majri fizzed a brilliant cross into the area for Valerie Gauvin to turn home. Norway were back on terms in the 56th minute, though, when Wendie Renard inexplicably turned the ball into her own net under no pressure.

Despite the calamity, France were able to rally again, and when Marion Torrent was deemed to have been fouled in the penalty area after a VAR check, Le Sommer hammered home what proved to be the winner.

Having dominated South Korea in the competition curtain-raiser, it was anticipated this encounter would be a much more challenging fixture for the host nation.

It proved to be exactly that in the first 45 minutes, as Norway were able to showcase their defensive organisation and aggression out of possession. Rory Smith of the New York Times noted that France adopted a direct style of football early in the game: 

Kadidiatou Diani was lively going forward for France and caused problems with her delivery into the penalty area. Meanwhile, Norway did scamper forward on a couple of occasions too, with Ingrid Syrstad Engen going close.

Despite the lack of goals, Oliver Holt of the Mail on Sunday praised the quality of the players on show: 

Within a minute of the match restarting, there was something for the home fans to cheer, as France took the lead.

Gauvin still had a lot to do when she ran on to Majri's cross, but she struck the ball sweetly with her left foot from close range to make it 1-0, much to the delight of the capacity crowd at the Allianz Riviera Stadium, per Match of the Day: 

France's lead would only last eight minutes, though, as the otherwise assured Renard produced a moment of madness. 

The defender appeared in total control of the situation, as a tame cross was put into the area from the Norway left. However, Renard prodded a foot out at the ball and inadvertently turned it into the corner of the goal, with no Norway player in sight:

The atmosphere in the stadium did fizzle out after such a peculiar moment, but France were back on the front foot after they steadied themselves.

Following a flurry of pressure, the match official stopped play to check for a possible VAR penalty decision. After consulting the footage, Engen was deemed to have caught Torrent, and the referee pointed to the spot.

From 12 yards, it was no surprise to see Le Sommer slam home her effort, keeping up her brilliant form: 

Norway were unable to muster much of a response following that setback and were aggrieved at the decision to award the penalty. 

France will be delighted with their start to the competition and pleased to have come through a tough test on Wednesday. Next up for them in Group A will be Nigeria on Monday, while Norway face South Korea, knowing a win should be enough to put them into the knockout stages on the same day.

Germany registered their second 1-0 win in succession at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Wednesday, with Sara Dabritz's first-half goal seeing them past Spain.  

It was Spain who bossed long spells of the contest, only for some slack defensive play to undo their good work in the 42nd minute. Dabritz was fastest to react at the back post to a loose ball, sliding past her marker to turn home from close range.

The win for Germany sees them guarantee a spot in the knockout stages, having already beaten China in their Group B opener. Spain still have China to face and know a win will be enough for them to advance, too.

BR Video

Spain flew out of the traps and had a number of chances to take the lead in the game. 

Nahikari Garcia was the biggest threat for La Roja, as she was foiled by Almuth Schult inside the first minute. The Spain forward then appeared set to pull the trigger in a dangerous area, only for Sara Doorsoun to get back and make a crucial intervention.

Women's football writer Jen O'Neill commented on what had been an impressive spell early on:

Germany were finding their opponents tough to cut through and when they did eventually sneak in front three minutes before the break it was largely down to poor defending.

Alexandra Popp's header was smartly saved by goalkeeper Sandra Panos and Spain captain Marta Torrejon appeared to get to the rebound first. However, she dallied in possession in a dangerous area, allowing Dabritz to slide ahead of her and bundle the ball over the line.

BBC's Match of the Day shared footage of the unusual goal:

The Germany Twitter account noted Dabritz has been pretty prolific at World Cups, having given her side a lead against the run of play at the break:

While Spain were in control of possession in the second period, there was more positive signs for Germany after half time. Popp again prompted Panos into action, before Klara Buhl's effort was pounced upon by the Spain stopper.

There was a moment of controversy on the hour-mark as Spain sought to get back into the contest. Lucia Garcia appeared set to race onto a through ball, only to be tripped by Verena Schweers. However, the Germany player was only shown a yellow card.

In the final stages, Spain ran out of ideas and in the crucial moments it was Germany who operated with more assurance. Per Squawka Football, when it comes to the group stages of this competition they are adept at getting the job done:

Spain have the makings of a fine side. The manner in which they build play is pleasing to watch, as is the individual technical ability of some of their players. Even so, if they're to progress at the France showpiece, they need some incision to match their possession play.

Germany have been far from their best in their two games so far, although you suspect they'll improve as the tournament goes on. At the moment, their rock-solid defence appears set to provide a platform for another deep run at the World Cup.