The FIFA Women’s World Cup saw England deliver a stunning blow to China’s dreams with a resounding 6-1 victory, while the reigning champions USA advanced with a nail-biting goalless draw against Portugal. The action-packed matches on August 1st kept fans on the edge of their seats.
England’s brilliance was on full display in a thrilling match in Adelaide, securing their top spot in Group D with a remarkable third consecutive win.
They dominated the field with an early goal from Alessia Russo in the fourth minute, followed by strikes from Lauren Hemp and Lauren James, giving them an almost unassailable lead at halftime.
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Although China managed to score a penalty in the 57th minute, England responded with a sensational volley from James in the 65th minute.
Late goals from Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly sealed England’s commanding performance, setting up an exciting round of 16 encounter with Nigeria.
On the other hand, China faced a heartbreaking exit from the tournament, failing to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their World Cup history. The former runner-up suffered their heaviest defeat in World Cup history, making their departure even more disappointing.
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Denmark secured their place in the knockout stage with a clinical 2-0 victory against Haiti in Perth. Star striker Pernille Harder and substitute Sanne Troelsgaard both found the net, paving their way for a challenging round of 16 match against co-hosts Australia.
In Auckland, the USA, a four-time champion and pre-tournament favorite, survived a major scare against Portugal. The American team endured a tense goalless draw and finished second in Group E with five points.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands, the 2019 World Cup runner-up, delivered the tournament’s most impressive victory with a dominant 7-0 win over debutant Vietnam in Dunedin. Esmee Brugts and Jill Roord both scored twice, while Lieke Martens, Katja Snoeijs, and Danielle van de Donk also contributed to the scoreline.
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The Netherlands showcased their title-contender status, and their coach, Andries Jonker, expressed confidence in their ability to conquer any opponent.
As the excitement continues, Wednesday promises four more thrilling matches, featuring title contenders Sweden, France, and Brazil in action. The FIFA Women’s World Cup continues to captivate fans worldwide, offering a spectacle of talent and competition on the global stage.
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