FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on Optus Sport – It’s day 20 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in Australia and New Zealand and the football is coming thick and fast.
Day 19 saw Australia advance into the last eight of the tournament with a huge win over Denmark while England were made to sweat as Lauren James was sent off against Nigeria before the Lionesses triumphed in a penalty shootout.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 20th day of action, as well as what you missed from the day before.
FROM MATCHDAY 19:
- England 0-0 Nigeria
- Australia 2-0 Denmark
What’s on today:
It’s another crucial day of football on Optus Sport as we enter the final games of the Round of 16.
Colombia vs Jamaica (6pm AEST)
Both Colombia and Jamaica endured thrilling ends to their group stages as big names Germany and Brazil were dumped out of their respective groups.
The unpredictability of these two countries’ progression has really opened up the bottom half of the draw with a date with England awaiting the winner in the last eight.
It’ll be a coming together of two of the most exciting talents in the tournament with Colombia’s Linda Caicedo and Jamaica’s Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw two players to watch throughout the game.
Jamaica will go in confident having not yet conceded a goal at the tournament, while the hero against Germany, Manuela Vanegas, will miss the game through suspension having picked up two yellow cards in the group stage.
France vs Morocco (9pm AEST)
After a slow start to the tournament, France kicked into gear in their last two games with a 2-1 win over Brazil before a 6-3 thumping of Panama to finish top.
Herve Renard’s side will be looking to go deep into the tournament having reached the Euro 2022 semi-finals in England last year.
However, they wouldn’t have expected for that to mean having to beat Morocco, the second-lowest ranked team in the whole tournament.
Their shock win over Colombia saw them take the runners-up spot over Germany to qualify for the Round of 16.
There are 67 places between the two countries in the FIFA rankings but expect it to be a lot closer on the pitch than it is on paper come Tuesday night.
Players to watch
Linda Caicedo (Colombia)
Coming into her third World Cup in a year, Linda Caicedo had already chiselled out a huge amount of buzz for herself and so far she’s lived up to it all.
Two goals in three games – including a goal of the tournament contender against Germany – she has been one of the shining lights of Australia and New Zealand and will need to produce her best once again if she’s to lead Colombia to the last eight.
Kadidiatou Diani (France)
Immediately after bagging a hat-trick against Panama in France’s final group game, Kadidiatou Diani was announced as Lyon’s new signing from rivals PSG.
She’s now targeting the Golden Boot after three goals and an assist in three games and Morocco, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, provide a good opportunity for her to do so.
Where to watch
Like every game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Colombia vs Jamaica and France vs Morocco will all be shown live and on demand on Optus Sport.
Live coverage begins from 5pm (AEST) on Optus Sport with Colombia vs Jamaica on Optus Sport 1, before France vs Morocco.
Media Release – Optus Sport
Link to Optus Sport HERE
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