Day 4 of the Women’s World Cup saw action from 2019 runners-up Netherlands, a France team looking to get redemption after failing to do so on their home soil four years ago, and third-ranked Sweden looking to make a splash.
Unlike some of the statement wins made by Japan, the U.S., and Spain in previous days, Sunday’s games were tight: either decided by a single goal or resulting in a scoreless draw.
Netherlands were able to lock down their defence after an early strike, while Sweden overcame a deficit to score in injury time to grab a win of their own. France and Jamaica, meanwhile, both emerged from a tough battle with a point each.
The Results
Group E: Netherlands 1, Portugal 0 (in Dunedin) – Game stats || Report
Group F: France 0, Jamaica 0 (in Sydney) – Game stats || Report
Group G: Sweden 2, South Africa 1 (in Wellington) – Game stats || Report
Main Talking Points
Sweden secures win with 91st minute strike
The scoreline doesn’t tell the full story of a game where South Africa blunted Sweden’s attack in the first half, were a threat themselves on the counter-attack, and controlled the pace thanks to Jermaine Seoposenwe and Thembi Kgatlana. The Banyana Banyana were more than deserving of a point out of the match, but saw it disappear in the dying minutes.
Sweden was lacking and unprepared to start the second half, which allowed Hildah Magaia to put a rebound into Sweden’s goal three minutes in, causing a celebration from the entire bench to break out. Fridolina Rolfö then tied the match with a goal at the back post in the 65th minute, before Amanda Ilestedt netted the winner with a header off a corner kick — one of 13 for Sweden on the night — in the 90th minute.
The performance by the Swedes was far from what would be expected from the world’s No. 3 ranked team — one that hasn’t lost a World Cup group match since 2003.
Early goal enough for Netherlands to hang on
The 2019 finalists Netherlands are looking to finish one spot higher in this Women’s World Cup, and a 13th minute header from Stefanie van der Gragt set the tone as the OranjeLeeuwinnen started their campaign with a win.
The Dutch defender, who plans to retire after this World Cup, scored the quickest goal of the tournament this far, even if an offside review delayed the chance to celebrate it. After taking the lead, the Dutch controlled the tempo with their technique and defence, while first-timer Portugal matched their physicality.
Despite Portugal putting pressure on the Dutch early in the first half, Francisco Neto’s side did not register their first shot of the match until the 82nd minute, which is no way to win a game.
Jamaica survives with historic point against France
The French were held to just a point by a disciplined Jamaica side that thwarted any attempts at an attack, using their press to deny and space or time for Les Bleues to work their usual magic.
France’s Kadidiatou Diani almost broke the deadlock in the first half with a near-post drive, and had one of the biggest chances in the match late in the second half when she hit both the crossbar and then the post.
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was sent off in stoppage time after two yellow cards and will miss Jamaica’s next match, but the performances of Rebecca Spencer, Deneisha Blackwood, Drew Spence and Allyson Swaby kept Jamaica neck and neck with France.
Goal of the Day
South Africa’s Hildah Magaia launched herself at a rebound in the 48th minute, driving the ball into the net with her body for only her nation’s second World Cup goal, but falling awkwardly in the process. The celebration for her first international goal was bittersweet, as she was forced to exit the field with tears in her eyes and watch the rest of the match from the sidelines.
Moment of the Day
The Reggae Girlz of Jamaica have had a tough road to the Women’s World Cup, with a lack of funding and support from their federation prompting them to crowd-fund for their journey to Australia and New Zealand. They held fifth-ranked France scoreless and secured their first ever point at a Women’s World Cup, a historic feat for a program constantly forced to overcome obstacles.
Quote of the Day
“It’s an important goal. I’m proud of the team and it’s a good win. The first game is always the important game of the tournament and I think these three points are really good for us.” — Netherlands defender Stefanie van der Gragt.
Three Stars of the Day
1. Jackie Groenen, Netherlands: Playing 96 minutes for the Dutch side, Groenen was a maestro in the midfield, completing 27 of 30 passes, creating two chances and sweeping four clearances. Groenen also won 64 per cent of her duels and had 12 recoveries for a solid showing to deny any chance from Portugal.
2. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Sweden: In her Women’s World Cup debut, Kaneryd tallied an assist on the equalizing goal, while spacing the pitch to create chances for her teammates and getting one of her own late in the second half. Kaneryd was one of the bright spots in an otherwise subpar performance by Sweden.
3. Deneisha Blackwood, Jamaica: In a scoreless draw, the most deserving player was the Jamaican defender as Blackwood held down her team’s back line with 67 per cent of aerial duels won, 50 per cent of duels on the ground won, three tackles and just one foul, causing problems for France’s forwards.
Looking Ahead
Group G action continues as Italy will face Argentina at Eden Park in Auckland to kick off Matchday 5. Group H will see Germany (No. 2) take on first-timer Morocco in Melbourne for the second match of the day. The day finishes off with Brazil (No. 8) taking on Panama in Group F action from Hindmarsh.
