What to expect at the Women’s World Cup 2023 | You Ask The Questions
The Women’s World Cup continues as the Republic of Ireland fight to keep their hopes alive against Olympic champions Canada in a pivotal Group B clash.
Defeat would put Ireland on the brink of elimination following their opening loss to co-hosts Australia, while Canada are looking to bounce back from their draw against Nigeria.
Elsewhere today, both Spain and Japan can qualify for the last-16 with a match to spare as they look to build on comfortable opening wins in Group C. Spain face Zambia after Japan cruised to a 2-0 victory against Costa Rica – and a win for Spain would see both teams advance to the knockout stages.
On Tuesday, co-hosts New Zealand were stunned by debutants Philippines, who claimed their first ever victory at the tournament with a 1-0 win in Wellington. The result blew Group A wide open and all four teams are still able to advance after Norway were held to a goalless draw by Switzerland in the day’s late kick-off.
Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog
1690363335GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 5-0 ZambiaSpain are hunting for that fifth goal and Alba Redondo has been on a mission since coming on to do it…. the flag goes up again as Redondo controls a cross from the right, beats the defender and finishes past Sakala…
… but it’s given onside! Spain have five! Redondo, the top scorer in Spain last season for Levante, has her second since coming on.
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 10:22
1690362625GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 4-0 ZambiaGoal! Two in two minutes for Spain, and a second of the day for Hermoso! It’s a 50th goal for Spain for Hermoso, too, on what is her 100th appearance.
It was originally ruled out for offside, but VAR allowed it. The referee adds to the confusion by announcing ‘no goal… no offisde… no, no offisde, goal!’
We got there in the end.
Spain now only one goal behind Japan…
(Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 10:10
1690362330GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 3-0 ZambiaBrilliant goal – and Spain have a third at last! A simple ball releases Alba Redondo, who rounds the goalkeeper and finishes into the empty net. That confirms the win and Spain’s place in the last-16.
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 10:05
1690362117Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-0 Zambia66 mins: Save! Sakala palms Hermoso’s deflected effort wide, before substitute Irene Guerrero flashes a header wide from the resulting corner.
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 10:01
1690361918Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-0 Zambia61 mins: Another change for Spain – this time it’s Bonmati who is being allowed a rest before the final game against Japan on Monday.
It looks like Spain are not going to go for the goal difference (they currently trail Japan by two goals, as it stands). A win against Japan would see them top Group A and go through as group winners, avoiding the USA until the semi-finals.
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 09:58
1690361673Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-0 Zambia57 mins: It’s all quite scrappy now – Spain have lost some of the rhythm they were playing with in the first half. Banda is again released down the left, this time getting away from Parades. But again Zambia are unable to get a shot in at goal and the move breaks down.
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 09:54
1690361303Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-0 Zambia52 mins: Chance! Bonmati is left with a free header, six yards out! But she heads down into the ground and Sakala does just enough to recover the ball on the goalline.
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 09:48
1690361245Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-0 Zambia 50 mins: Spain are still taking risks by playing a high line against Zambia and leaving a lot of space for Banda to run into – but the defending from Parades is superb again as the centre-back wins the challenge on the halfway line.
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 09:47
1690360848Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-0 ZambiaThere are changes coming for Spain – three of them, in fact. Putellas is one of those who are coming off after an encouraging 45 minutes from the Barcelona star. Salma Paralluelo and Ona Batlle are off too.
Oihane Hernández, Alba Redondo and Eva Navarro are on.
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 09:40
1690360153HALF TIME! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-0 ZambiaHere’s how Spain took the led. A stunning strike from the Real Madrid midfielder Teresa Abelleira, who has impressed quitely at the base of Spain’s midfield.
Jamie Braidwood26 July 2023 09:29
