Roundup of the second round of group stage fixtures across Groups A-H at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
A dramatic second round of group matches saw three teams secure qualification for the knockout stages, whilst several twists and turns left teams like England, New Zealand and Australia heading into the final round of group fixtures fighting for qualification.
Republic of Ireland meanwhile led various teams looking to bounce back from opening defeats as five teams suffered early eliminations.
Group A
Switzerland remain top of Group A after they were held to a goalless draw by Norway in a scrappy contest.
Sarina Bolden’s 24th-minute header saw Philippines snatch a shock win over tournament co-hosts, New Zealand to keep their World Cup dreams alive, which meant that all four teams in Group A still have a chance of qualification heading into their final group matches.
Group B
Second-half goals from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala guided Nigeria to a shock comeback 3-2 win over Australia to move top of Group B, after Uchenna Kanu cancelled out Emily van Egmond’s opening goal whilst the Aussies’ Alanna Kennedy netted a late consolatory for the hosts.
Adriana Leon struck a 53rd minute winner as Canada fought back to eliminate Republic of Ireland with a 2-1 win and go second, after Katie McCabe had handed the Irish a shock third-minute lead before Megan Connolly deflected Julia Grosso’s cross into her own net on the stroke of half-time.
Group C
Braces from Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo fired Spain to the top of Group C on goal difference following a 5-0 mauling of eliminated Zambia, after Teresa Abelleira had opened the scoring with a ninth-minute strike into the top-left corner.
Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino both found the net from assists by Mina Tanaka as Japan defeated Costa Rica to eliminate the South Americans, and in-turn set up a top of Group C decider against Spain in their final group match.
Group D
What a way to score your first goal at a major tournament! 😱
🔥 @laurenjamess22 🔥pic.twitter.com/JVTp46C9Ms
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2023
Lauren James rifled in a sixth minute winner to send England top of Group D with a narrow 1-0 win over Denmark, despite losing Keira Walsh to a knee injury.
Wang Shuang’s 74th minute penalty secured a narrow win over Haiti for ten-women China to keep their knockout dreams alive.
Group E
USA remain top of Group E on goal difference from the Netherlands after Lindsey Horan’s header cancelled out Jill Roord’s strike in a 1-1 draw, in a tense clash between the winners and runners-up of 2019 Women’s World Cup.
First-half goals from Telma Encarnacao and Kika Nazareth saw Portugal cruise past Vietnam to keep their World Cup dreams alive, although they must beat USA in their final Group E match in order to advance at the expense of the reigning champions.
Group F
Wendie Renard’s 83rd minute header saw France defeat Brazil 2-1 after Eugenie Le Sommer’s opening header was cancelled out by Debinha’s 58th minute strike.
Allyson Swaby’s 56th minute header from Trudi Carter’s cross proved enough for Jamaica to scrape past Panama, which lifted them into second behind France on goals scored whilst Panama were eliminated.
Group G
Amanda Ilestedt’s brace plus goals from Fridolina Rolfö, Stina Blackstenius and Rebecka Blomqvist saw Sweden hammer Italy 5-0 to stay top of Group G.
Quick-fire goals from Sophie Braun and Romina Nunez saw rock-bottom Argentina fight back to draw 2-2 against South Africa, who had led through goals from Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana.
Group H
Manuela Vanegas’ injury-time header saw Colombia stun Germany 2-1 to go top of Group H, after Linda Caicedo’s stunning strike was canelled out by Alexandra Popp’s penalty.
Ibtissam Jraidi’s sixth minute header proved enough for Morocco to scrape past South Korea for a first Women’s World Cup win.
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