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Nobody was surprised that Megan Rapinoe took the Golden Ball, for the tournament’s best player, in 2019, or that Lionel Messi did the same in 2022. Some World Cups are, after all, very obviously dominated by one central character. This has not been one of those World Cups, though. Several Spain players might be contenders: Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, Teresa Abelleira. Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa will likely win the tournament’s Golden Ball, the award handed out to the most prolific goal-scorer.

Persons: volubly, Nobody, Megan Rapinoe, Lionel Messi, Aitana, Mariona Caldentey, Teresa Abelleira, Millie Bright, Kosovare Asllani, Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Australia’s, Hinata, Lauren, Alessia Russo, Lauren James, Alba Redondo, Jenni Hermoso, Bonmatí, Mary Earps, Zecira, Salma Paralluelo, James, Fowler Organizations: FIFA, Spain —, Spain, Nigeria Locations: Sydney, Spain, Georgia, Sweden, England

☆ Australia to set up Pacific Championship in rugby league diplomacy play
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SYDNEY, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Australia said it would commit A$7 million for a Pacific rugby league championship, in a "football diplomacy" move seen as boosting Australia's soft power amid competition for influence with China. Women's and men's teams from seven countries will compete in the Pacific Rugby League Championships, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday. About half of players in Australia's National Rugby League competition are of Pasifika heritage, said Pat Conroy, the minister for international development and the Pacific. The Australian government has funded a PNG team in the Queensland state rugby competition, and a Fijian team in the NSW state competition, he said. Albanese said that the Pacific Championship will showcase women's rugby league, and that the Matildas had shown how women's sport can inspire nations.

Persons: Anthony Albanese, " Albanese, Albanese, Pat Conroy, Conroy, Mary Fowler, Kirsty Needham, Gerry Doyle Organizations: SYDNEY, Pacific, Pacific Rugby League, Pacific Islands Forum, New, Australia's National Rugby League, rugby, Fijian, league, Thomson Locations: Australia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, New South Wales, Queensland, Pacific, NSW

☆ Australia 1-3 England: Lionesses see off co-hosts to set up Spain showdown in their first Women's World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

England's players react after winning the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup semi-final football match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 16, 2023. Franck Fife | AFP | Getty ImagesEngland have made more history, reaching their first Women's World Cup final after beating Australia 3-1 to set up a showdown with Spain on Sunday. England drew first blood as Ella Toone (36) curled home a superb effort as the Matildas conceded their first World Cup goal since the second group game against Nigeria - a run of well over five hours. Read more stories from Sky SportsEngland football fans celebrate at Boxpark Wembley following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between England and Australia on August 16, 2023 in London, England. England's forward #23 Alessia Russo (R) scores a goal past Australia's goalkeeper #18 Mackenzie Arnold during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup semi-final football match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 16, 2023.

Persons: Franck Fife, amble, Ella Toone, Sam Kerr, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Read, Chris J Ratcliffe, Arjan, Kerr, Mary Earps, Mackenzie Arnold, Georgia Stanway, Toone, Russo, Haley, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Arnold, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Millie Bright, Bright, Ellie Carpenter, Saeed Khan, Earps, Kane Organizations: Australia, England, AFP, Getty, Sunday, Nigeria, Spain, Sky Sports England, Wembley, FIFA, New Zealand, eventual, Clare, Georgia, Earps, Chelsea, Hemp, Colombia Locations: New Zealand, Australia, Sydney, Spain, New, London, England, Georgia

☆ England out to play spoilers as 'Matildas Mania' sweeps Australia
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | Thomson Reuters | Leads Coverage Of Sport Across The Asia-Pacific. Still Reports On The Full Panoply Of Sport. Many Olympics World Cups World Championships Grand Slams Grands Prix | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SYDNEY, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Australia and England re-engage one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in sport when they meet with a place in the Women's World Cup final on the line at a sold out Stadium Australia on Wednesday. While England boast the pedigree as twice World Cup semi-finalists and winners of the European title last year, Australia's plucky Matildas have captured the hearts of a nation usually invested in other sports. In Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegman, they have one of the best coaches in the game and most of their players play for top clubs in highly competitive European leagues. Before Saturday's win, much of the narrative around Australia at the tournament focused on the injured calf of the one Matildas player everyone in the country knows, striker Sam Kerr. Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Australia's, Mackenzie Arnold's, Cortnee Vine's, Sydney's, Sarina, Millie Bright, Keira Walsh, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, Saturday's, Sam Kerr, Kerr, Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Wiegman, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford Organizations: SYDNEY, Australia, Sports, England, Thomson Locations: Australia, England, France, Spain, Nigeria

☆ Australia edge France in penalty drama to reach first Women's World Cup semi
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Quarter Final - Australia v France - Brisbane Stadium , Brisbane, Australia - August 12, 2023 Australia celebrate after winning the penalty shootout and progressing to the semi finals of the World Cup REUTERS/Asanka Brendon... Read moreBRISBANE, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Co-hosts Australia beat France 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the last four of the Women's World Cup for the first time after their quarter-final finished deadlocked at 0-0 following extra time on Saturday. "I would like to congratulate my players for the performance they pulled off today against the entire nation," said France coach Herve Renard. What a game, in normal time, in extra time and then during the penalty shootout." France weathered the storm triggered by the introduction of the Australia skipper, however, and their 19-year-old substitute Becho was soon threatening down the other end. The last quarter of an hour of normal time was a tense but ragged affair with half chances at both ends, a theme reprised in the first half of extra time.

Persons: Asanka Brendon, Read, Mackenzie Arnold, Vicki Becho, Solene Durand, Arnold, Kenza Dali, France, Herve Renard, Maelle, Les, Mary Fowler, Elisa de Almeida, Matildas, Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso, Pauline Peyraud, Magnin, Becho, Australia's Alanna Kennedy, Wendy Renard, Caitlin Foord, Nick Mulvenney, Clare Fallon Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Brisbane, World, Australia, France, England, Sweden, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Australia, France, Brisbane, BRISBANE, Colombia, Spain, Auckland

☆ Australia progresses to Women's World Cup semifinals after penalty shootout win over France
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Women’s World Cup 2023: Live scores, fixtures, results, tables and top scorersCNN —Australia reached the Women’s World Cup semifinals for the first time, sending a sell-out crowd in Brisbane into ecstasy, with an incredible penalty shootout victory over France. Cortnee Vine, the 20th penalty taker in the shootout, sealed victory, securing a 7-6 win on penalties and a tie against either England or Colombia. Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson told reporters that he is “so freaking proud” of his team and thanked supporters. Having missed a chance herself to seal Australia’s progress during the shootout, the Australia goalkeeper bounced back to save Kenza Dali’s spot-kick. And we’re loving It …”For all of Australia and France’s endeavor, defenses held firm and the match went to extra-time.

Persons: Tony Gustavsson, “, ”, Tertius Pickard, Les Bleues, Vicki Bècho’s, –, Mackenzie, Kenza, Arnold, Hervé Renard, Maelle Lakrar, Eugénie Le Sommer, France’s, Pauline Peyraud, Magnin, Mary Fowler, Élisa de Almeida, Sam Kerr, France's, Kerr, Hayley Raso, it’s, Wendie Renard, Alanna Kennedy, Vine, Renard, Solene Durand Organizations: CNN — Australia, France, Denmark, Australia Locations: Brisbane, England, Colombia, France, Australia, Peyraud

☆ Australia Women's World Cup: After Barbie, the Matildas became the new heroes in cleats
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Hilary Whiteman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

But now, seemingly in the blink of an eye, we’re all wearing green and gold for our newest heroes, Australia’s Women’s World Cup hopefuls, the Matildas. Sam Kerr takes the ball during a FIFA World Cup 2023 round of 16 match between Australia and Denmark at Stadium Australia on August 7. “A lot of people just frankly don’t want to believe women’s sport is doing well,” Lassey told CNN. Football Australia said part of the rationale for bringing the Women’s World Cup to Australia was to use it to grow the women’s game – backed by a 357 million Australian dollar ($232 million) FIFA legacy fund. Argus says the World Cup is a turning point for women’s sport because the turnout and viewing numbers have proven that there’s an enthusiastic audience.

Persons: Barbie, Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Australia’s, they’ve, Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Daniela Porcelli, “, ”, Jackie Schougaard, Alfred Hotel, “ Everyone’s, It’s, Jason Lassey, –, ” Lassey, Matildas, —, “ I’m, Hannah Mckay, Bruce McAvaney, I’m, Maddie Meyer, Kevin Argus, ” Argus, we’ve, Lassey, We’re, Robbie, Gerwig, Barbie ”, ” Gerwig Organizations: Australia CNN, Neighbours, Hollywood, Chelsea, FIFA, Stadium Australia, France, Brisbane, Caxton, Footy Industry, –, AFL, Australian Football League, CNN, Denmark, Sydney, Football Australia, team, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, RMIT, Socceroos, ”, “, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Locations: Brisbane, Australia, Denmark, Melbourne

☆ Australia hails 'Princess Mary' after Denmark defeat
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

An Australian has graced Denmark's royal family for nearly 20 years since Tasmania-born Mary Donaldson married Frederik, the Scandinavian nation's crown prince. But 20-year-old Fowler, playing as a false nine, is now soccer royalty in Australia after stepping up in Kerr's absence. "Princess Mary Offs Denmark," read the front-page headline in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Tuesday. "Denmark might have Princess Mary but Australia crowned a new queen after a stunning Mary Fowler performance helped the Matildas qualify for the quarter-finals," Martin Gabor wrote in his match report. Australia were upset 3-2 by Nigeria in the group stage when both Kerr and Fowler were absent, the latter due to a head-knock at training.

Persons: Mary Fowler, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Sam Kerr, Kerr, Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Mary Donaldson, Frederik, Mary Offs Denmark, Mary, Martin Gabor, Tony Gustavsson, Striker Foord, Kerr's, Ian Ransom, Sonali Paul Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, Danes, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Sydney Morning Herald, Australian, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Canada, Melbourne, Australia, Denmark, Sydney, Australian, Tasmania, Nigeria, France, Morocco

☆ Women's World Cup Scores and News
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Rory Smith | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +6 min

Her Colombia teammates followed in her wake, eating up the ground in the rush to close the distance, to catch her to celebrate the goal that would soon take the country past Jamaica and into the first Women’s World Cup quarterfinal in Colombia’s history. Caicedo’s emergence at this World Cup has not exactly been a surprise. She has long been earmarked as the next big thing: for Colombia, for South America, and increasingly for women’s soccer as a whole. She played in the under-17 World Cup — Colombia finished second — and the under-20 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals, almost contiguously. This tournament is, in effect, her third World Cup in a year.

Persons: Catalina Usme, Linda Caicedo, Usme, Ana María, Caicedo, —, Hamish Blair, Megan Rapinoe, Christine Sinclair, Alex Morgan, Marta, bookmarked, Italian Giulia Dragoni, Hinata Miyazawa, Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma, Trinity Rodman, Melchie Dumornay, England’s, — Lauren James, Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr, ” Organizations: Copa Libertadores, Copa América, Colombia, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid, world’s, —, Germany, Associated, United, South, England Locations: Colombia, Jamaica, South America, América de Cali, Barcelona, Europe, Real, Madrid, Spain, United States, Nigeria, Germany, Morocco, Australia, New Zealand, Italian, South Korea, Sydney

CNN —Roared on by the majority of the 75,784 crowd inside Sydney’s Stadium Australia, co-host Australia reached the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals after an impressive 2-0 victory over Denmark in Sydney. “I felt a little bit disrespected because it’s not about me, it’s about the team and they’re preparing for a World Cup,” she said. Denmark came roaring back though, putting the Australian defense under pressure, with captain Pernille Harder at the forefront of most of its good attacking work. Try as Denmark may, it was Australia who got the next goal to effectively book its spot in the quarterfinals. “We’re feeling really, really happy, really positive,” Australian defender Clare Hunt told CNN after the victory.

Persons: CNN —, Sam Kerr, “, it’s, ” Kerr, Kerr, ”, we’ve, I’m, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Lene Christensen, Hayley Raso, Fowler, Christensen, Pernille Harder, Foord, David Gray, Emily van Egmond, Clare Hunt, ” Hunt Organizations: CNN, Sydney’s, Australia, Denmark Locations: Australia, Sydney, Denmark, France, Morocco, AFP, Raso

☆ Australia keep Kerr on the bench for Denmark clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Round of 16 - Australia v Denmark - Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 7, 2023 Australia's Sam Kerr in action REUTERS/Carl RecineSYDNEY, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Matildas captain Sam Kerr was left out of the starting team for Australia's last 16 clash against Denmark in the Women's World Cup on Monday, despite being back in full training after a calf strain. Striker Kerr has not played a single minute at the tournament so far after sustaining the injury a couple of days before Australia's opening match. Coach Tony Gustavsson said on Sunday he would make a late call on whether his best player started, and how many minutes she would play at Stadium Australia. Twice UEFA Player of the Year Pernille Harder starts as captain for Denmark. Reporting by Nick Mulvenney Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Sam Kerr, Carl Recine SYDNEY, Striker Kerr, Tony Gustavsson, Swede, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, Harder, Nick Mulvenney, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Stadium, Australia's, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Stadium Australia, Sydney

☆ Australia crush Canada 4-0 to reach World Cup knockouts
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MELBOURNE, July 31 (Reuters) - Hayley Raso scored a first half brace and Mary Fowler struck after the break as Australia crushed Canada 4-0 on Monday to storm into the last 16 of the Women's World Cup and send the Olympic champions spinning out of the tournament. Australia topped Group B on six points, one ahead of Nigeria, who also advanced after a 0-0 draw against Ireland. They almost made it 2-0 minutes later, but Raso's shot was well saved by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. It scarcely mattered as five minutes later, Raso was celebrating her second strike after Sheridan failed to clear the ball from a set-piece. But another Australian raid minutes later ended with Fowler slotting in a cross from Caitlin Foord to blow out the lead.

Persons: Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler, Raso, Sam Kerr, Fowler, Steph Catley, Kerr, Canada's talismanic, Christine Sinclair, Bev Priestman, Kailen Sheridan, Sheridan, Sophie Schmidt, Caitlin Foord, Jessie Fleming clattered, Katrina Gorry, Ian Ransom, Christian Radnedge Organizations: MELBOURNE, Olympic, Melbourne, Australia, Ireland, Raso, Thomson Locations: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Nigeria, Melbourne

☆ Australia emphatically beats Canada to reach Women’s World Cup last 16, eliminating reigning Olympic champion
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Women’s World Cup 2023: Live scores, fixtures, results, tables and top scorers. CNN —Australia is through to the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup thanks to an emphatic 4-0 win over Canada, eliminating the reigning Olympic champion in the process. Nigeria’s goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland in Group B’s other match ensured the Super Falcons progressed in second place, a point ahead of Canada, to reach the last 16 for the second World Cup in a row. Hayley Raso’s first-half brace, a second-half goal for Mary Fowler and a Steph Catley penalty secured an eye-catching victory for the co-host and thrilled a raucous crowd of 27,706 inside the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. More to follow…

Persons: Hayley Raso’s, Mary Fowler, Steph Catley Organizations: CNN —, Canada, Olympic, Republic of Ireland, Super Falcons Locations: CNN — Australia, Republic of, Canada, Melbourne

☆ Women's World Cup roundup: Australia routs Canada
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group B - Canada v Australia - Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia - July 31, 2023 Australia's Hayley Raso celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Asanka Brendon RatnayakeJuly 31 - Hayley Raso recorded a first-half brace on Monday as Australia advanced to the knockout round with a 4-0 victory over Canada in a Group B clash at the Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. Kailen Sheridan made two saves for Canada (1-1-1), which was unable to take advantage of a 5-4 edge in corner kicks. The Japanese will face Norway in the knockout round on Saturday in Wellington. Misa Rodriguez made one save for Spain (2-1-0), which will challenge Switzerland on Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand. Zambia 3, Costa Rica 1Lushomo Mweemba, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji each scored a goal to lift Zambia to its first-ever win at the Women's World Cup at Hamilton, New Zealand.

Persons: Hayley Raso, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Raso, Mary Fowler, Steph Catley, Kailen Sheridan, Nnadozie, Uchenna Kanu, Courtney Brosnan, Hinata Miyazawa, Miyazawa, Riko Ueki, Mina Tanaka, Misa Rodriguez, Mweemba, Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Catherine Musonda, Melissa Herrera Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Brisbane, Japan, Spain, Costa Rica, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Canada, Melbourne, Australia, Nigeria, Japan, Spain, Wellington , New Zealand, Norway, Wellington, Auckland , New Zealand, Zambia, Costa Rica, Hamilton , New Zealand

☆ Women’s World Cup: Australia Faces Its Injuries, While Newcomers Face Off
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Claire Fahy | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

Thursday’s World Cup matches feature unlikely upstarts who faced top contenders in their opening games and fared better than most expectations. Portugal and Vietnam, both World Cup debutantes, will be vying on Thursday for their first-ever wins. Australia vs. Nigeria Australia will be without star striker Sam Kerr for a second straight game. Nigeria is emerging as a threat after its performance against Canada, but is also no stranger to the World Cup stage — the Nigerians advanced to the round of 16 in 2019 and have qualified for all nine World Cup tournaments. Playing in its fourth World Cup, Argentina is still hunting for its first-ever win.

Persons: Bradley Kanaris, Sam Kerr, Kerr, upstarts, Thi Kim Thanh Tran, Alex Morgan, Simply, Mary Fowler, Aivi Luik, Tony Gustavsson, Fowler, Luik Organizations: Australia, Canada, ., Nigeria, Ireland, South Locations: Portugal, Vietnam, Nigeria, Australia, Nigerian, Vietnam Portugal, Netherlands, United States, American, . Nigeria Australia, Argentina, Africa South Africa, Sweden, South Africa, Dunedin , New Zealand, Italy

☆ United States and Netherlands face off in repeat of 2019 final
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - Women's World Cup Final - United States v Netherlands - Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France - July 7, 2019 Lindsey Horan, Alex Morgan and Allie Long of the U.S. celebrate winning the Women's World Cup with their medals REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File PhotoAUCKLAND, July 27 (Reuters) - The United States and the Netherlands will renew their rivalry in the Women's World Cup when they meet in their second group stage encounter on Thursday, four years after the Americans triumphed over the Oranje in the final to win a fourth crown. "Their experience may be an advantage or people may look at it as an advantage. But the unknowns and unpredictability that comes with our squad could be an advantage," Andonovski said. Portugal play Vietnam in the other Group E encounter which gives the two World Cup debutants their best chance to register a first win. "It's how the rest of the squad bounces back and performs in a high-pressure situation in the biggest games."

Persons: Lindsey Horan, Alex Morgan, Allie Long, Denis Balibouse, Vivianne Miedema, Vlatko Andonovski, Andonovski, They're, Rose Lavelle, Andries Jonker, Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Aivi Luik, Steph Catley, Rohith Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer, Groupama, REUTERS, Oranje, Australia, Thomson Locations: States, Netherlands, Lyon, France, AUCKLAND, United States, Wellington, Portugal, Vietnam, Nigeria, Bengaluru

☆ Sam Kerr: Australia’s talisman to miss opening two Women’s World Cup games with calf injury
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Australia striker Sam Kerr, who is the face of this Women’s World Cup, will miss the opening two matches of the tournament after sustaining a calf injury in training. One of the world’s best players, Kerr’s absence is a huge blow to the Matildas who played the Republic of Ireland in their opening World Cup game on Thursday. Kerr racked up five goals in four matches at the 2019 World Cup, including four goals against Jamaica in the group stage. The 2023 edition represents her fourth World Cup, having debuted at the showpiece event in Germany in 2011 as a 17-year-old. Manchester City striker Mary Fowler, who scored the winner in a friendly against France last week, started in Kerr’s place.

Persons: Sam Kerr, “, ” Kerr, Kerr, England’s, Mary Fowler, Fowler, Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord Organizations: CNN, Chelsea, Nigeria, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, League, Manchester City, France, Republic of Ireland Locations: Australia, Republic of Ireland, Germany, Kerr’s, Republic of, France

☆ Catley penalty gives Kerr-less Australia winning start
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | Thomson Reuters | Leads Coverage Of Sport Across The Asia-Pacific. Still Reports On The Full Panoply Of Sport. Many Olympics World Cups World Championships Grand Slams Grands Prix | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The second shot on goal came just before halftime but Katrina Gorry's long-range effort was easily gathered by Courtney Brosnan in the Ireland goal. Australia came out with more intent after the break and the half was only seven minutes old when Kyra Cooney-Cross sent the ball looping into the box and Ireland forward Marissa Sheva shoved Raso to the ground. Catley gave Brosnan no chance with the penalty, striking the ball with her left foot firmly into the top corner of the Ireland net. The penalty appeared to ease the Australian nerves and Mary Fowler, who had replaced Kerr up front, almost immediately stormed forward and lashed a shot high over the bar. Australia, however, held on to make a winning start to a tournament in which they feel they can be genuine contenders after wins over England, Spain and France this year.

Persons: Steph Catley, Joy SYDNEY, Sam Kerr, Kerr, Catley, Hayley Raso, Katrina Gorry's, Courtney Brosnan, Kyra Cooney, Cross, Marissa Sheva, Raso, Brosnan, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Megan Connolly, Katie McCabe, Mackenzie Arnold, Louise Quinn, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, of Ireland, REUTERS, Australia, Ireland, England, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Australia, of, Sydney, Ireland, Auckland, Spain, France

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