DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Three African teams have reached the Women’s World Cup knockout stages for the first time ever. Here’s what you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Yet the tournament’s lowest FIFA world-ranked team (77th) bowed out in style, claiming their first ever Women’s World Cup win with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica. South AfricaNo team left it as late to qualify from the group stage as South Africa. But Thembi Kgatlana had other ideas, tapping home Hildah Magaia’s pull back to secure South Africa’s first ever Women’s World Cup win and a place in the knockout stages with the flick of a boot. A solid start for a side who arrived at the tournament having conceded more goals at the World Cup than any other team. More history was made as Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a hijab at a senior-level Women’s World Cup, and the defender came close to doubling the lead with a well-struck volley.

Persons: –, Banyana Banyana, Thembi Kgatlana, Kgatlana, Lars Baron, I’ve, ” Kgatlana, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale, Australia’s Alanna Kennedy, Lauren James, Christy Ucheibe, Ucheibe, Isabel Infantes, Striker Ibtissam, Benzina, Anissa, Badri, Paul Kane Organizations: CNN, Qatar, debutants, FIFA, Argentina, South, Getty, Racing Louisville, E, US, Sydney Football Stadium, Super Falcons, Olympic, Canada, Brisbane, Group, England, Denmark, European, Chelsea, Benfica, Germany, South Korea, Atlas Lions, France, Hindmarsh Locations: Nigeria, South Africa, debutants Morocco, Australia, New Zealand, Zambia, Japan, Spain, Costa Rica, Africa, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, Vietnam, Republic, Ireland, Canada, Denmark, England, Morocco, Colombia, Korea, Brisbane, Perth, France, Qatar

☆ Surprise winners, shock losers in 32-team World Cup group stage
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The stunning upsets sent twice German champions packing in their first exit from the group stage in nine editions of the World Cup. Revived Norway were a big group stage winner, brushing off a turbulent two weeks to squeeze into the knockout rounds on goal difference over New Zealand. Norway's advancement sealed New Zealand's fate, despite the Football Ferns having edged the Norwegians 1-0 for their first win at a World Cup at the tournament's opening match. South Africa are not used to dominating outside their own continent and the nation erupted in celebration after the Banyana Banyana knocked out Italy, quarter-finalists four years ago, to progress with their first ever World Cup win. China's Steel Roses, once titans of women's soccer with silver medals from the 1996 Olympics and 1999 World Cup, were shock losers in the group stage, bowing out in a 6-1 thumping by England.

Persons: Deneisha Blackwood, Read, Lorne Donaldson, we'll, Anissa Lahmari, Marta, Canada's, Christine Sinclair, Sam Kerr, Matildas, Tony Gustavsson, Kailen Sheridan, Winger Caroline Graham Hansen, Hege Riise, Banyana, Cyril Ramaphosa, Shui Qingxia, Shui, Lori Ewing, Michael Perry Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Jamaica, Brazil, Melbourne, Australia, New Zealand, Colombia, ARM, Olympic, Football Ferns, U.S, United, debutants, England, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Jamaica, Brazil, Melbourne, Australia, SYDNEY, Morocco, South Africa, Norway, Germany, Canada, China, Perth, South Korea, Brisbane, Korea, New, Eden Park, Portugal, United States, debutants Portugal, Italy, England

☆ Magnificent Morocco stage 1-0 Colombia coup to score unlikely knockout berth
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Joel Dubber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

I would even say that it is the prize for the talent of this team," winning coach Reynald Pedros told reporters. Colombia topped the group with six points, bettering runners-up Morocco on goal difference, while Germany and South Korea depart the tournament. Morocco, who were thumped 6-0 by Germany in their opener before beating South Korea 1-0, move on to meet France in Adelaide and Colombia play Jamaica in Melbourne on Tuesday. A frenzied finish saw end-to-end action, but the Arab nation held on to continue their fairytale start to their first World Cup campaign. Reporting by Joel Dubber in Perth; Editing by Nick Mulvenney and Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Colombia's Marcela Restrepo, Luisa Gonzalez PERTH, Anissa Lahmari's, Reynald Pedros, Colombia's Daniela Arias clumsily, Catalina Perez, Lahmari, Daniela Montoya, Lorena Bedoya Durango, Khadija Er, Rmichi, Linda Caicedo's, We've, Nelson Abadia, Joel Dubber, Nick Mulvenney, Pritha Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Debutants, Anissa, South Korea, Germany, Moroccan, France, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Morocco, Colombia, Perth, Australia, Debutants Morocco, Brisbane, Lang, Germany, South Korea, Adelaide, Jamaica, Melbourne

☆ Morocco prayers answered as World Cup adventure kicks on
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Joel Dubber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The debutants bounced back from their mauling with a 1-0 win over South Korea and, in dramatic fashion in Perth on Thursday, followed up with an identical scoreline to upset Group H winners Colombia. To join the South American team in the knockouts, Morocco needed to win and hope the highly fancied Germans did not beat 17th-ranked South Korea in Brisbane. "We were praying, waiting for the result to come out of the Germany and Korea game. "I was very pleased because the players understood tonight they can play the best players in the world. "This is a showcase for the women's game, for the Moroccans back home and this is such a beautiful display that we're putting on here."

Persons: Fatima Tagnaout, Luisa, Read, Anissa Lahmari, Reynald Pedros, Lahmari, Ghizlane Chebbak's, Cafeteras, we've, Pedros, Joel Dubber, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, South, Colombia, South American, South Korea, Italy, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Morocco, Colombia, Perth, Australia, PERTH, Germany, South Korea, Brisbane, Korea, France, Adelaide, Nigeria, South Africa

☆ Diani's hat-trick lifts France 6-3 over Panama and into last 16
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group F - Panama v France - Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, Australia - August 2, 2023 France's Kadidiatou Diani celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates REUTERS/Carl RecineSYDNEY, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Kadidiatou Diani netted a hat-trick, including two penalties, to lead France to a frenzied 6-3 victory over debutants Panama on Wednesday and into the last 16 of the Women's World Cup. Les Bleues needed only a draw in the Group F finale against winless Panama. After conceding in the second minute, France dominated, with goals from Maelle Lakrar, Lea Le Garrec and Vicki Becho, despite playing without captain Wendie Renard and all-time leading scorer Eugenie Le Sommer. Marta Cox made history by scoring Panama's first-ever Women's World Cup goal - and the quickest at this tournament at 1:07 - with a stunning 35-yard freekick that curled into the top corner. Lineth Cedeno pulled one back with a header in the 87th minute, given after a VAR review for a potential offside.

Persons: Kadidiatou Diani, Carl Recine SYDNEY, Les Bleues, Maelle Lakrar, Lea Le Garrec, Vicki Becho, Wendie Renard, Eugenie Le Sommer, Marta Cox, Panama's, Cox, Yomira Pinzon, Lineth Cedeno, Lori Ewing, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Sydney Football Stadium, REUTERS, debutants Panama, Panama, Canaleras, Sydney Football, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Panama, France, Sydney, Australia

☆ Lyon sign France forward Diani on four-year deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Diani, the leading scorer in the French top flight in the 2022-23 season with 17 goals, joined PSG in 2017 from Paris FC. She helped PSG to win the league title in 2021 and two French Cups, in 2018 and 2022, and has scored more than 90 goals in nearly 170 games in all competitions in the past six years. The 28-year-old, currently with the French national team at the Women's World Cup, netted a hat-trick, including two penalties, to lead France to a frenzied 6-3 victory over debutants Panama and into the last 16 on Wednesday. She scored on her France debut in November 2014 in a 2-1 friendly win over New Zealand and has earned nearly 90 caps and scored more than 30 goals since then. Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk; editing by Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Carl Recine, Paris St Germain, Diani, Anita Kobylinska, Clare Fallon Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Sydney Football Stadium, Olympique Lyonnais, Paris St, PSG, Paris FC, French, debutants, France, New Zealand, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Panama, France, Sydney, Australia, debutants Panama, Gdansk

☆ Colombia hope to keep party going at World Cup as last-16 beckons
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

It's very positive for us and for women's football in our country," Colombia's Leicy Santos told reporters. "People come to me and say that it's a party in our matches that you can't see anywhere else. Morocco may be their easiest opponents on paper but Colombia coach Nelson Abadia warned his squad to exercise caution with five players at risk of suspension and missing their next game if they are booked. Colombia also received criticism for their physicality against Germany but Santos said that has only encouraged them to reinforce their playing style. "They don't press very often but... Colin is a fantastic coach and he might surprise us," Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said.

Persons: Colombia's Leicy Santos, Nelson Abadia, Santos, Marina Hegering, Colin Bell, Colin, Martina Voss, Tecklenburg, Rohith Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: AUCKLAND, South American, debutants, South, Thomson Locations: Colombia, South Korea, Germany, debutants Morocco, Australia, Morocco, South American, Korea, Bengaluru

☆ Heartbroken Portugal exit World Cup with heads held high
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The four-times winners U.S. reached the knockout stages after holding off the debutants, as they spurned several chances to score at Auckland's Eden Park. With the minutes ticking away in the affair, striker Ana Capeta took a shot and 42,958 fans held their breath as they watched the ball ricochet off the post and leave a tearful Portugal team to wonder what could have been. "When Ana shoot I was thinking it will be (a) goal and what Vlatko will do and what I have to do to stop (him)," Portugal coach Neto told reporters. Portugal leave New Zealand with their heads held high after a credible first appearance at the tournament. Reporting by Amy Tennery in Auckland Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Portugal's Ines Pereira, Carole Costa, David Rowland AUCKLAND, Francisco Neto, Ana Capeta, Ana, Neto, Amy Tennery, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, U.S, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Portugal, United States, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Netherlands, Vietnam, Auckland

☆ US failed to take advantage of chances in Portugal draw, says Morgan
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The four-times champions never found their rhythm against the tournament debutants, as they spurned several good chances to score and nearly suffered disaster as Portugal forward Ana Capeta hit the post in stoppage time. The draw allowed them to squeeze into the knockout stages but veteran Morgan said the team had plenty of room to improve. "(We) should have solved problems a little bit better on the field, made a little bit better decisions... and taken advantage of the opportunities given to us," said Morgan. They move on as the second-place finishers in Group E behind the Netherlands, whom they held to a 1-1 draw after beating Vietnam 3-0 in the opener. We’re not happy with the performance we put out there but at the same time, we’re moving on," Morgan told reporters.

Persons: Alex Morgan, Portugal's Ana Borges, David Rowland AUCKLAND, Ana Capeta, Morgan, We’re, Amy Tennery, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Portugal, E, Vietnam, Sweden, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Portugal, United States, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Netherlands, Japan, Auckland

☆ US stumble into knockout stages after 0-0 draw with Portugal
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"We know it's not good enough, we're not happy with our performance," U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski said after the match. "Our girls were very brave and they made an amazing game today," Portugal coach Francisco Neto told reporters. "It's just not going in the back of the net," Morgan added. "We have so many corners, we have so many opportunities, we got the crosses, I mean just unlucky you know." Reporting by Amy Tennery in Auckland, editing by Nick Mulvenney and Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Emily Fox, Portugal's Ana Capeta, David Rowland AUCKLAND, Megan Rapinoe, Ana Capeta, we're, Vlatko Andonovski, Ines Pereira, Lynn Williams, Alex Morgan, Williams, Sophia Smith, Pereira, Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, ricocheted, Francisco Neto, Morgan, didn't, Amy Tennery, Nick Mulvenney Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Portugal's Ana Capeta REUTERS, United, Portugal, E, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Portugal, United States, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, U.S, Melbourne, Sweden, Netherlands, Vietnam, Auckland

CNN —After the thrill of winning successive Women’s World Cup titles, the 2023 tournament – so far – has brought the US team very much down to earth with a bump. For a team that has been so historically dominant at the Women’s World Cup, performances throughout the 2023 edition so far have been underwhelming for women’s soccer’s most dynastic team. Fans of the US team get ready for the Women's World Cup group game against Portugal. 3 ranked in the world by FIFA, has plenty of World Cup history. Sweden drew with the US in 2015 and also beat them in 2011 – the last time any team defeated the USWNT inside regulation at a World Cup.

Persons: Ana Capeta’s, Vlatko Andonovski, “, Julie Foudy, Buda Mendes, Alex Morgan, ” Morgan, Thailand’s, –, Megan Rapinoe, Morgan, Andonovski, Mallory Swanson, Tobin Heath, Sam Mewis, Catarina Macario, Becky Sauerbrunn, Abby Dahlkemper, Andrew Cornaga, Trinity Rodman, Carli Lloyd, ” Lloyd, Crystal Dunn, Lloyd, ” Andonovksi, ”, Rebecca Welch, Rose Lavelle, Lavelle, Saeed Khan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sophia Smith, we’ll, Lindsey Horan, ” Andonovski, “ We’re Organizations: CNN, TNT, US, National, Getty, Portugal, New Zealand, Canada, Tokyo, Christen Press, Vietnam, Professional, Chicago Bulls, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Montreal Canadiens, UEFA, Leagues, ”, Sweden, FIFA Locations: Portugal, Buda, Thailand, Netherlands, Vietnam, England, New, New Zealand, Sweden, Spain, Auckland, Wellington, AFP, Real Madrid

☆ Nigeria through to World Cup last 16 despite stalemate with Ireland
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BRISBANE, July 31 (Reuters) - Nigeria advanced to the Women's World Cup knockout stages for just the third time in their history after a 0-0 draw with Ireland in their final Group B match on Monday, with the African side finishing second in the group behind hosts Australia. Nigeria started the game as group toppers and only needed to avoid defeat to advance to the last 16, no matter the result in the other group game between Australia and Canada in Melbourne. Nigeria will have to wait until Tuesday to discover who their last-16 opponents will be with Group D yet to be decided. Debutants Ireland were already eliminated after two defeats but go home having earned their first ever point at the World Cup. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Uchenna Kanu, Courtney Brosnan, Rohith Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: BRISBANE, Ireland, Thomson Locations: Nigeria, Australia, Canada, Melbourne, Ireland, Bengaluru

☆ World Cup upsets keep US on their toes ahead of Portugal match
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

On paper, it would appear that the top-ranked Americans should have every advantage over the Portugal team ranked 20 rungs beneath them at Tuesday's showdown at Eden Park. "Rankings mean nothing in the World Cup," he said. The United States overcame Portugal 1-0 in their last meeting - a 2021 friendly - but Andonovski sees little comparison between the two sides today. Failure to do so would mean missing the knockout stages for the first time in nine World Cup appearances. "Now we see an interesting result every day, every other day, there's something that everybody's shocked (over)."

Persons: Amanda Perobelli, Vlatko Andonovski, Andonovski, Amy Tennery, Philippa Fletcher Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Wellington Regional, United, Portugal, Germany, Vietnam, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, States, Netherlands, Wellington , New Zealand, AUCKLAND, Portugal, Auckland, Colombia, United States, Portuguese, Germany, Vietnam, Dunedin

☆ Nouhaila Benzina: Morocco secures first Women's World Cup win as defender makes history
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Women’s World Cup 2023: Live scores, fixtures, results, tables and top scorersCNN —Morocco earned a surprise victory over South Korea on Sunday to secure the country’s first win at a Women’s World Cup in a match where Nouhaila Benzina also made history. Defender Benzina started for Morocco to become the first player to wear a hijab at a senior-level Women’s World Cup. Ranked 55 places below South Korea in the world rankings, it was a surprise when the debutants took the early lead but Morocco held on for a memorable win. Teenager Casey Phair had a chance to level for South Korea from close range late on but shot wide. South Korea will play Germany on August 3 in their final group stage match.

Persons: Nouhaila Benzina, Striker Ibtissam Jraidi, Benzina, ” Jraidi, Casey Phair Organizations: CNN — Morocco, South, Reuters, Germany, H’s Locations: South Korea, Morocco, Germany, Adelaide, Korea, Colombia

☆ How to watch Australia, Canada and Nigeria battle for Wwomen's World Cup knockout phase spot
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +23 min

Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images Norway celebrates scoring in its 6-0 victory against the Philippines on Sunday. Aisha Schulz/AP Sweden's Amanda Ilestedt, center, heads the ball to score the opening goal against Italy on July 29. John Cowpland/AP Italy's fans cheer before their team's match against Sweden at Wellington Regional Stadium, New Zealand. John Cowpland/AP China's Wang Shuang celebrates after scoring against Haiti during a Women's World Cup match on Friday, July 28. John Cowpland/AP US forward Alex Morgan is surrounded by Vietnam defenders during their opening match on July 22.

Persons: Colombia's Manuela Vanegas, Franck Fife, Alexandra Popp, Ulrik Pedersen, Manuela Vanegas, Sajad, Jaimi Joy, Reuters Linda Caicedo, Phil Walter, Getty, Dominique Randle, Hannah Peters, Hali, Rafaela Pontes, Olivia McDaniel, Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen, Abbie Parr, Sophie Roman Haug of, Jessika Cowart, Buda Mendes, Ali Riley, Katie Bowen, Molly Darlington, Julia Stierli, Alessandra Tarantino, Ramona Bachmann, Sanka Vidanagama, James Elsby, Benzina, Edina Alves Batista, Hannah Mckay, Brenton Edwards, Panama's Aldrith Quintero, Jamaica's Deneisha Blackwood, Kameron Simmonds, Luisa Gonzalez, Allyson Swaby, Herve Renard, Wendie Renard, Debinha, Katie Tucker, Aisha Schulz, Amanda Ilestedt, John Cowpland, Rebecka Blomqvist, Wang Shuang, Maddie Meyer, Dumornay, China's Dou Jiaxing, Alex Pantling, Chloe Kelly, Carl Recine, Mary Earps, Andy Cheung, Janni Thomsen, Alex Greenwood, Lauren James, Justin Setterfield, Keira Walsh, Walsh, Argentina's Mariana Larroquette, Yamila Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Matthew Lewis, Linda Motlhalo, Lars Baron, Osinachi Ohale, Bradley Kanaris, Dan Peled, Anthony Albanese, Matt Roberts, Jéssica Silva, Vietnam's, Saeed Khan, Fiona Goodall, Daphne van Domselaar, Julie Ertz, Brad Smith, Andrew Cornaga, Lindsey Horan, Joe Prior, Catherine Ivill, Amanda Perobelli, Canada's Vanessa Gilles, Ireland's Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Murty, Katie McCabe applauds, Paul Kane, Kailen Sheridan, McCabe, Stephen McCarthy, Adriana Leon, Colin Murty, Jennifer Hermoso, David Rowland, Reuters Hermoso, Spain's Alexia Putellas, Mary Wilombe, Naomoto, Japan's Mina Tanaka, Daniela Solera, Sarina Bolden, Bolden's, Hannah Wilkinson, Bolden, Victoria Esson, Katelyn Mulcahy, Hagen Hopkins, Catalina Usme, Korea's Cho, Colombia's Jorelyn, Carolina Arias, Cameron Spencer, Reuters Usme, Kim Hye, Rebecca Welch, David Gray, Brazil's Marta, Matt Turner, Borges, Khadija Er, Victoria Adkins, Germany's Alexandra Popp, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Morocco's Fatima Tagnaout, Hamish Blair, Cristiana Girelli, Kim Price, Francesca Durante, German Portanova, Reuters Italy's Giulia Dragoni, Estefania Banini, Dragoni, Grace Geyoro, Mark Baker, Rebecca Spencer, Robert Cianflone, Bunny, Shaw, Estelle Cascarino, Portugal's Ines Pereira, Stefanie van der, Van der Gragt, Portugal's Jessica Silva, Silva, Joe Allison, Magaia, Sweden's Elin Rubensson, Amalie Vangsgaard's, Zhang Linyan, Denmark's Pernille Harder, Gary Day, Shui, Reuters England's Alessia Russo, Haiti's Tabita Joseph, England's Lionesses, Reuters Nicolas Delépine, Kerly Theus, Zac Goodwin, Jun Endo, Zambia's Agnes Musase, Reuters Aoba, Catherine Musonda, Alex Morgan, Carmen Mandato, Megan Rapinoe, Horan, Trần Thị Kim Thanh, Sophia Smith dribbles, Ane, Esther González, Costa, Costa Rica's Mariana Benavides, Katrina Guillou, Switzerland's Gaëlle Thalmann, William West, Uchenna Kanu, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Canada's Christine Sinclair, Steph Catley, Heather Payne, Australia's Kyra Cooney, Mackenzie Arnold, Ria Percival, Ada Hegerberg, Jan Kruger, Zealand's CJ Bott, Norway's Mathilde Harviken vie, Jose Breton, Benee, Ireland's, Niamh Fahey, Vanessa Gilles, Coliin Murty, Sam Kerr, Kerr, Tony Gustavsson, Christine Sinclair, Ireland, Spain –, Japan's Hikaru Naomoto Organizations: CNN, Germany, Getty, Colombia, Reuters, Norway, Sunday, FIFA, AP, New Zealand, South, Jamaica, Brazil, France, Italy, Sweden, Wellington Regional, Haiti, China, Denmark, England, Argentina, Nigeria, Australia, Canada, Reuters Australian, Vietnam, Portugal, USSF, Ireland, Spain, Eden, Costa, Forsyth, AP Costa, Japan, New, Victoria, Panama, Morocco, Cristiana, Atlanta Primus, Zambia, Zambian, Costa Rica's, Getty Images, Zealand, AP Norway, Nations, FOX Sports, Telemundo, Seven Network, Optus Sport, BBC, ITV, Republic of Ireland, Super Falcons, coy Locations: Japan, Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Australia, Canada, Nigeria, AFP, Colombia, Philippines, AP Philippines, Sophie Roman Haug of Norway, New, Reuters, Morocco, South Korea, Perth, Reuters Jamaica, Brisbane, New Zealand, Reuters England, Reuters Argentina, Argentina, South Africa, Ireland, Portugal, Vietnam, United States, Netherlands, Wellington , New Zealand, Auckland , New Zealand, Costa Rican, Dunedin , New Zealand, AP Costa Rican, Reuters Switzerland, Norway, Switzerland, Sydney, Reuters Colombia, Panama, Adelaide, Germany, AP Argentina, German, Italy, Atlanta, Africa, China, European, Reuters England's Georgia, Ane Frosaker, Eurasia, Melbourne, Reuters Norway, Zealand, Eden, United Kingdom, Republic of, Republic of Ireland, Wellington

☆ Brilliant Brazil meet France in blockbuster World Cup clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AUCKLAND, July 29 (Reuters) - A confident Brazil side will look to build on their dazzling Women's World Cup opener while France aim to kick-start their campaign when the two meet in a blockbuster clash on Saturday, where a win would assure the South Americans a last 16 spot. France beat Brazil 2-1 in extra time in the last 16 of their home World Cup in 2019. "The team is loud, there is a lot of confidence," Brazil coach Pia Sundhage said. "Not conceding goals is very important but, at the end of the day, it will be more important to score goals against France. Jamaica will be without star striker Khadija Shaw, who will serve a one-game suspension after being sent off against France.

Persons: Wendie Renard, Pia Sundhage, Khadija Shaw, Milena Bertolini, Hritika Sharma Organizations: AUCKLAND, South Americans, debutants Panama, France, Jamaica, Brazil, South, Argentina, Thomson Locations: Brazil, France, Brisbane, Panama, Jamaica, Perth . Jamaica, South Africa, Argentina, G, Sweden, Italy, Wellington, Hyderabad

☆ Encarnacao shines as Portugal beat Vietnam 2-0 for first World Cup win
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Portugal coach Francisco Neto made seven changes to the team that lost 1-0 to the Netherlands in their Group E opener and the decision paid off as first-half goals from Encarnacao and Francisca Nazareth earned them a first ever World Cup win. In stark contrast to their struggling display against the Netherlands, Portugal dazzled under the floodlights in Hamilton and Neto was delighted with the victory even though the scoreline did not reflect their dominance. "This is very important and it means a lot for all the players," said the Portugal coach, who has been in charge since 2014. "In the first half, I was not satisfied with the team," Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung said. "They are 11 ranks higher than us and they come from Europe so, yes, they are much better than us ...

Persons: Jessica Silva, David Rowland HAMILTON, Telma Encarnacao, Francisco Neto, Francisca Nazareth, Neto, Encarnacao, Lucia Alves, Tran Thi Kim Thanh, Kim Thanh, Kim Thanh's, Nguyen Thi, Thuy, Patricia Morais, Mai Duc Chung, Hritika Sharma, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, Vietnam, Waikato, Encarnacao, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Portugal, Vietnam, Waikato, Hamilton , New Zealand, David Rowland HAMILTON , New Zealand, Netherlands, U.S, Auckland, Dunedin, Hamilton, United States, Nazareth, Europe, Hyderabad

☆ 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

☆ Five-star Spain cruise into World Cup knockouts with thumping win over Zambia
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

That's the ambition I like to see in the team," Spain coach Jorge Vilda told reporters. Zambia had their chances on the counter-attack but failed to test Misa Rodriguez in Spain's goal with a number of wayward shots. "Spain are very experienced... we are just developing, we still need more experience," Zambia skipper Barbra Banda said. Sakala had the final say, however, when she made a string of saves to deny both Hermoso and Redondo from claiming hat-tricks. "Today's game, we actually played much better than we did the first game," Zambia coach Bruce Mwape said.

Persons: Jennifer Hermoso, David Rowland AUCKLAND, Teresa Abelleira, Alba Redondo, Jorge Vilda, Vilda, Alexia Putellas, Ballon, Abelleira, Hermoso, Ona Batlle, Salma Paralluelo, Eunice Sakala, Catherine Musonda, Redondo, Jeong Oh, Hyeon, Misa Rodriguez, Barbra Banda, Sakala, Bruce Mwape, they've, Rohith Nair, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, debutants, Alba, Costa Rica, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Zambia, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, debutants Zambia, Japan, Costa, Costa Rica, Spain's, Redondo, Bengaluru

☆ US match to showcase best of women's football, says Dutch coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The United States are gunning for an unprecedented third straight title while the Dutch will want to revive the spirit of their 2017 European Championship win. "This will be an example of modern women's football. It will be a fight from the first minute until the last with teams who want to compete, teams who want to win, teams who respect each other, who both have no fear," Jonker told reporters. "Both want to win the group so this is going to be a really good match." "We all know America has been one of the best teams in the world for a long, long time.

Persons: Amanda Perobelli WELLINGTON, Andries Jonker, gunning, Jonker, Lineth Beerensteyn, Vivianne Miedema, Jackie Groenen, Groenen, We're, Amy Tennery, John Stonestreet Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, United, United States Training, United States, debutants, Vietnam, America, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, United States, Newtown, Wellington , New Zealand, Netherlands, Wellington, Dutch, debutants Portugal, America

☆ US has room to improve before tough Netherlands match, says Morgan
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"This is going to be an incredibly difficult match up, very challenging," said Morgan, who is competing in the tournament for the fourth time. "We watched the Netherlands the other night, and they have a lot of the same players as we played them in the World Cup four years ago." The American defence was solid in their 3-0 opening win over Vietnam on Saturday, scarcely letting the World Cup debutants into the final third. But the U.S. spurned several chances to find the net and Morgan, who failed to score a first-half penalty against Vietnam, conceded that there is room for improvement. I feel like some of the plays that we had were a little forced or rushed," said Morgan.

Persons: Alyssa Thompson, Nguyen Thi, Jenna Watson, Alex Morgan, Morgan, Vivianne, Amy Tennery, Toby Davis Organizations: Vietnam, FIFA, USA, United, U.S, Tokyo, United States, Thomson Locations: Auckland, NZL, USA, Eden, United States, Netherlands, Wellington, Portugal

☆ Underdogs serve notice that the gap is closing at Women's World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

At the 2019 World Cup in France, the United States thoroughly demolished Thailand 13-0. "Going into this World Cup the game has just grown and a lot of federations have grown as well," said U.S. defender Naomi Girma. Only 40% identified themselves as a professional footballer, although all will receive $30,000 direct from FIFA for playing in the World Cup. "We know we are not going to have any easy game in the World Cup," she said. They made the World Cup."

Persons: Deneisha Blackwood, Carl Recine SYDNEY, Alen Stajcic, We've, Mary Earps, Lorne Donaldson, Chantelle Swaby, Allyson, FIFPRO, Naomi Girma, Jitka Klimkova, Lori Ewing, Amy Tennery, Nick Mulvenney, Michael Perry Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Sydney Football Stadium, REUTERS, Morocco, Monday, Vietnam, England, Debutants, Zealand, Norway, New, World, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, France, Jamaica, Sydney, Australia, Haiti, Ireland, Germany, Brazil, Japan, Philippines, Switzerland, United States, Thailand, Debutants Ireland, Argentina, Ghana, U.S, England, Vietnam, Czech

☆ Borges bags hat-trick as Brazil breeze past Panama
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ADELAIDE, July 24 (Reuters) - Ary Borges scored a hat-trick on her Women's World Cup debut to help Brazil thrash debutants Panama 4-0 at the Hindmarsh stadium in Adelaide on Monday and get their campaign off to a winning start. Brazil, whose best finish at the global soccer showpiece was runners-up in 2007, have now won all nine of their opening Women's World Cup matches. Borges netted her second of the match 20 minutes later as she poked in a rebound after having a header saved by Bailey. Marta enjoyed a lively cameo, registering an effort on target with a free-kick, but the forward was unable to add a record-extending 18th World Cup goal to her tally. Brazil next face France in a mouth-watering clash on Saturday in Brisbane, while Panama take on Jamaica in Perth later that day.

Persons: Borges, Pia Sundhage, Adriana, Yenith Bailey, Antonia, Debinha, Bailey, Bia, Marta, Rafaelle, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Hindmarsh, Jamaica, Sunday, Panama, South, Geyse, Brazilian, Thomson Locations: ADELAIDE, Brazil, Panama, Adelaide, France, Luana, Brisbane, Jamaica, Perth, Bengaluru

☆ Popp doubles down as Germany maul Morocco 6-0
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MELBOURNE, July 24 (Reuters) - Talismanic captain Alexandra Popp scored a brace as Germany launched their bid for a third Women's World Cup title with a 6-0 demolition of debutants Morocco on Monday. I look forward to the next match, but today we want to be happy with what we did today. "As it stands we came across a team which was superior to our own -- David and Goliath," said Morocco coach Reynald Pedros. Whirling around in the box, Popp scored again in the 39th minute, Buehl's corner pinging off the back of her head. Lea Schueller completed the rout a minute before stoppage time, smashing in the sixth goal after team mate Lena Lattwein's attempt careened off the keeper.

Persons: Alexandra Popp, Popp, Klara Buehl, Lea Schueller, Martina Voss, Tecklenburg, Lionesses, David, Goliath, Reynald Pedros, Khadija Er, Ghizlane Chebbak, Merle Frohms, Lina Magull, Hanane Ait, Hanane Ait El Haj, Zineb Redouani, Lena Lattwein's, Ian Ransom, Christian Radnedge Organizations: MELBOURNE, Germany, Melbourne, Colombia, South, Thomson Locations: Morocco, Germans, South Korea, Sydney, Germany, Moroccan, Qatar, Hanane Ait El, Melbourne

☆ Brazil, Germany kick off World Cup campaigns, Morocco make debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AUCKLAND, July 24 (Reuters) - Former champions Germany and fellow powerhouses Brazil will kick off their Women's World Cup title challenges on Monday, while newcomers Morocco will make history by becoming the first Arab side to compete in the tournament. Second-ranked Germany won consecutive World Cups in 2003 and 2007 but their last major triumph, excluding an Olympic gold in 2016, was a decade ago when they won an eighth European Championship. "Women's football teams have come closer than ever," Voss-Tecklenburg said before Germany face Morocco in Group H in Melbourne. Veteran forward Marta, Brazil's record scorer with 115 goals, will begin her sixth and final World Cup with the Group F opener against debutants Panama in Adelaide. Italy, quarter-finalists in 2019, will begin their Group G campaign against Argentina, who have never won a World Cup match in their three tournament appearances so far.

Persons: Martina Voss, Tecklenburg, Voss, Reynald Pedros, Pedros, Marta, Brazil's, Hritika Sharma, Toby Davis Organizations: AUCKLAND, Germany, Brazil, England, Africa, of Nations, debutants Panama, G, Argentina, Thomson Locations: Morocco, Germany, Melbourne, Adelaide . Italy, Hyderabad

Search resuls for: "debutants"

25 mentions found