FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on Optus Sport – It’s day 11 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in Australia and New Zealand and the football is coming thick and fast.
Yesterday, Sweden put five past Italy while France and Jamaica claimed narrow wins over Brazil and Panama respectively.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 11th day of action, as well as what you missed from the day before.
FROM MATCHDAY 10:
- Sweden 5 – 0 Italy
- France 2 – 1 Brazil
- Panama 0- 1 Jamaica
What’s on today:
It’s a massive day of football on Optus Sport as co-hosts New Zealand discover their fate when the final round of games kicks off.
Korea Republic vs Morocco (2.30pm AEST)
Both Korea Republic and Morocco are on the hunt for their first points of the tournament after being handed comprehensive losses in their first matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
Korea Republic lost to an impressive Colombian outfit 2-0 after a clanger from goalkeeper Yoon Young-geul gifted the South Americans a second goal of the game.
Another loss on Sunday would see Colin Bell’s side be eliminated from the competition should German and Colombia play out a draw on Sunday night.
As for Morocco, playing in their first FIFA Women’s World Cup™ couldn’t have got off to a worse start, being hammered 6-0 by Germany in what is the biggest scoreline of the competition so far.
The Lionesses of Atlas have not won any of their last six games and have not scored in any of those either in what will be a huge concern for head coach Reynald Pedros.
Norway vs Philippines (5pm AEST)
Will we see another Alen Stajcic masterclass on Sunday evening? The Aussie has already taken tournament minnows Philippines to a shock victory over co-hosts New Zealand.
The Philippines may only need a draw to get through against the out-of-form Norwegians, should Switzerland do them a favour and beat New Zealand.
Norway, who boast stars such as Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen, have been in turmoil this FIFA Women’s World Cup™, picking up just one point from two games so far.
Hegerberg pulled out of Norway’s draw with Switzerland last time out just after the national anthems after hurting her groin while Hansen has been outspoken in her criticism of the decision to drop her from the starting line-up.
Norway need to win and hope there is a winner between Switzerland and New Zealand to qualify.
Switzerland vs New Zealand (5pm AEST)
To the other game in Group A where New Zealand will be given a second chance at progressing to the last 16 of their own FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
A win would guarantee progression – and in top spot nonetheless – while a draw should still see them through unless Norway beat the Philippines by a two-goal margin.
As for Switzerland, even a defeat could see them through if there is a draw in the other game, however should the Swiss lose, Norway would still need to better their goal difference to progress.
The mission is simple for the Football Ferns though: win again and progress will be theirs.
Germany vs Colombia (7.30pm AEST)
Two of the more impressive teams from the first round of fixtures do battle in the final game of the day, as we get another chance to see Germany star Alex Popp.
Popp scored twice in the 6-0 romp of Morocco in a performance which put the rest of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ on notice.
Due to Germany’s goal difference from that game, a win would all but guarantee them progression to the last 16 but it won’t be as smooth sailing against a tough Colombia side.
The Copa America runners up had a scare in midweek when star player Linda Caicedo fainted in training, but reports suggest she is fine and has rejoined the squad ahead of the game with Germany.
This one could be one of the games of the tournament based on their first-match showings and is one not to be missed at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Players to watch
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway)
If Norway are going to kick into action, it will require Caroline Graham Hansen to get on the same page as her coach.
She was critical of the decision to omit her from the starting XI last time out and with the pair seemingly burying the hatched for now for the good of the team, Hansen is likely to return with fire in her belly and a point to prove.
Hannah Wilkinson (New Zealand)
If New Zealand are to progress, Hannah Wilkinson will have something to do with it.
So much rests on the striker’s shoulders going into this final game, having already led New Zealand into the unknown with their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ win. Now she’s going to have to do it all again to keep the party going for the Football Ferns.
Alex Popp (Germany)
After scoring twice in Germany’s opening game against Morocco, Alex Popp has been one of the standout players of the tournament so far and has emerged as one of the favourites for the Golden Boot.
The Wolfsburg forward knows how to perform on the biggest stage having helped Germany to an Olympic gold medal and is using the pain of last year’s Euro 2021 final defeat to spur her on this time around.
Where to watch
Like every game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Korea Republic vs Morocco, Norway vs Philippines, Switzerland vs New Zealand and Germany vs Colombia will all be shown live and on demand on Optus Sport.
Live coverage begins from 1.30pm (AEST) on Optus Sport with Korea Republic vs Morocco, with coverage running all the way through until after Germany vs Colombia. Norway vs Philippines and Switzerland vs New Zealand will run simultaneously on Optus Sport 1 and Optus Sport 2.
Media Release – Optus Sport
Link to Optus Sport HERE
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