FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on Optus Sport – It’s day seven of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in Australia and New Zealand and the football is coming thick and fast.
Yesterday, Colombia claimed a 2-0 win over the Korea Republic while Group A was blown wide open after the Philippines beat New Zealand and Norway could only draw with Switzerland.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the seventh day of action, as well as what you missed from the day before.
FROM MATCHDAY 6:
- Colombia 2-0 South Korea
- New Zealand 0-1 Philippines
- Switzerland 0-0 Norway
What’s on today:
We’ve seen all but two teams in action so far but that’s going to end today as we get another look at the two other teams in Australia’s group, while one of the tournament favourites, Spain, are back in action.
Japan vs Costa Rica (3pm AEST)
Japan have recorded the second-biggest win of the first round of games and they go up against Costa Rica, who are still searching for their first point of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
The Central Americans were blown away by a quickfire treble from Spain in their first game at a FIFA Women’s World Cup™ but it could have been even worse had it not been for goalkeeper Daniela Solera, who made 10 saves to keep the Spanish at bay.
And she will have another big task on her hands on Wednesday when she comes up against a Japanese attack that has scored 10 goals in their last two games.
A win for the Japanese will see them through to the knockout stages and send Costa Rica out before their final group game.
Spain vs Zambia (5.30pm AEST)
Zambia suffered a huge loss in their opening game against Japan and it could get worse before it gets better for the Copper Queens as they face one of the tournament favourites.
La Roja are on a run of seven successive wins and racked up a whopping 46 shots and 12 goal in their 3-0 win over Costa Rica.
Their profligacy in front of goal could see Jorge Vilda decide to shake up his attack and introduce back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas from the start, while Alba Redondo, who scored a Europe-high 27 league goals last season, is also an option.
As for Zambia, they will be hoping that Racheal Kundananji, who scored 25 goals in Spain’s Liga F, will be able to rediscover her domestic form against a team of players she is used to facing week in, week out.
Canada vs Republic of Ireland (10pm AEST)
The Matildas will have a keen eye on this game as the two other teams in their group go head-to-head.
A Canadian win will mean that the Matildas will go into their Thursday night game with Nigeria knowing a win will send them through to the Round of 16 as well, and leave them favourites to top the group.
Canada missed a penalty and could break down a Nigerian side who finished with 10 players on the pitch, while a stoic Republic of Ireland time weren’t so fortunate from the spot as Steph Catley earned all three points for the Matildas.
Both teams are well supported in Australia and it could set up a blockbuster final round of fixtures in Group B.
Players to watch
Jun Endo (Japan)
Playing for Angel City FC, the side owned by celebrities such as Natalie Portman, America Ferrera, Mia Hamm, Eva Longoria and Serena Williams, Jun Endo made quite the impression in Japan’s first game.
Playing off the left, she scored the fourth goal in Japan’s five-goal rout of Zambia to put the Japanese in poll position to qualify for the Round of 16.
Aitana Bonmati (Spain)
She’s considered one of the best players in the world and features in a team of superstars but Aitana Bonmati has already made an eye-catching start to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
The 25-year-old midfielder cites Xavi and Andres Iniesta as her two idols, wearing the latter’s No.6 shirt for her country, and was voted the Champions League player of the season this year for her performances for Barcelona.
Katie McCabe (Republic of Ireland)
For 90 minutes Katie McCabe was Australian public enemy no.1 for her robust treatment of Hayley Raso in the opening game of Group B.
However, there is far more than that to her game and with Republic of Ireland knowing they must win or be eliminated from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, it’s up to her to show everything she’s got.
Where to watch
Like every game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Japan vs Costa Rica, Spain vs Zambia and Canada vs Republic of Ireland will all be shown live and on demand on Optus Sport.
Live coverage begins from 2pm (AEST) on Optus Sport with Japan vs Costa Rica, with live coverage running all the way through until after Canada vs Republic of Ireland.
Media Release – Optus Sport
Link to Optus Sport HERE
TV Central Optus Sport content HERE
