Women’s World Cup Roundup: Captain Catley saves co-hosts, Spain thrash Costa Rica

We are five matches into this historic 2023 Women’s World Cup, and the competitiveness of women’s football around the world is quite evident. 

Women’s World Cup Group A: New Zealand pitch together storybook performance, Piubel, and Bachmann help Swiss beat Philippines

Norway vs. New Zealand

Final score: New Zealand 1, Norway 0

Behind over 40,000 fans, Ali Riley and the New Zealand national team made history to open up this historic 32-team Women’s World Cup. A brilliant feed from the right flank by Åland United forward Jacqui Hand set up Hannah Wilkinson for a tap in goal in the 48′ to clinch the result.

Wilkinson miraculously tied Lyon superstar Ada Hegerberg in total shots during the match. The Norwegian struggles from the Women’s Euros have carried over into the World Cup. The No. 12 team in the world according to FIFA looked extremely stagnant, mustering only two shots on net against a nation that was going into the contest without a World Cup victory. While the Grasshoppers were quite poor in their attacking prowess, it was much more about the heart of the players in the black and white kits.

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Even with what many consider to be one of the most talented frontlines in women’s international football, Norway looked like it was out of solutions to break down a determined Football Ferns defense. With the defeat, the European outfit has a massive hill to climb in order to get out of the group stage, especially given the result Switzerland pieced together in its first contest. If it were to happen, it would be just the second time in Women’s World Cup history that Norway has failed to make it out of the group stages. The last time it occurred was in 2011.

Jitka Klimková’s side looked fearless against one of the most talented women’s footballing nations in the world and fed off the support in the stands behind them. For the entire sport of women’s soccer and the country of New Zealand, it was a night to remember forever.

Philippines vs. Switzerland

Final score: Switzerland 2, Philippines 0

With Norway’s shock loss to begin the competition, the other European outfit in Group A had a chance to take advantage. For the first time in the history of the Swiss women’s national team, the red and white have begun a major tournament with a victory. Switzerland, who had not played a World Cup fixture since 2015 took down one of the eight debutants, the Philippines 2-0 behind a Ramona Bachmann penalty, and a tap-in finish by Zurich youngster Seraina Piubel.

In the first 16 minutes of the contest, one team found the back of the net, but it was not the Swiss. The Asian Football Confederation representative nearly had a moment like the Football Ferns did earlier, but the offside flag ruled the goal out.

From then on, the No. 46th-ranked team in the world were completely overmatched. The Philippines failed to put a single shot on target while maintaining just 26 percent of the possession during the match. Inka Grings’s team created numerous quality chances in the final third, and were given a gift with the help of VAR. The former Chelsea forward made no mistake from the spot, netting her first World Cup goal since June 12, 2015 in a 10-1 triumph over Ecuador.

Chaos in the penalty area ensued for the underdog as the European side in the 64′. The four-time Swiss Women’s Super League champion Piubel smashed the ball into the back of the net from a chance created by the quickness of Géraldine Reuteler on the wing. Having scored two goals in their first contest, the Swiss surpassed the Football Ferns to take first place in Group A for now.

Women’s World Cup Group B: The Matildas sit top after Canada is held to draw without Jessie Fleming

Australia vs. Republic of Ireland

Final score: Australia 1, Republic of Ireland 0

This is the way women’s sports were meant to the played. 75,784 fans watched on, radiating passion for their respective side throughout the entirety of the 90 minutes. The co-hosts followed up New Zealand, stealing all three points from a gritty Ireland side by way of a Steph Catley penalty in the 52′. Although, Washington Spirit’s Marissa Sheva pled her case, she clearly shoved one of Real Madrid’s newest additions Hayley Raso in the box. The teams only combined for two shots on net in open play. For the Irish, not at least securing a point in this contest is quite harsh considering the toughness defensively they demonstrated throughout the match.

Before the game, Chelsea FC superstar striker Sam Kerr was ruled out for the first two group stage fixtures due to a calf injury suffered in training. It does not seem to be serious, but it was enough to keep her off the pitch to open up the tournament. Without Kerr, the Matildas struggled to test Courtney Brosnan between the sticks a whole lot. In the center of the park, Katrina Gorry was tremendous for the Australians both defensively and going forward. Denise O’Sullivan, and the Irish midfield made it quite difficult for the home side to break them down. It was tough to see this contest decided by a spot kick, but that is the way football work sometimes.

Nigeria vs. Canada

Final score: Nigeria 0, Canada 0

With another one of Emma Hayes’ stars that are competing in Group B out, the Canadians were the ones that now had to adjust. Both Nigeria and Canada had chances to convert at several points during the fixture, but neither team could find the breakthrough. Within the first 10 minutes, Ashley Lawrence let up Christine Sinclair on a platter at the top of the box. It was obvious Bev Priestman’s team was missing Jessie Fleming. The hope is she will return for the next game against the Irish, but it seems like the North American outfit is going to have to come up with answers without her for now.

The greatest goal scorer in the history of international football, Sinclair missed a penalty opportunity in the opening minutes of the second half. The Super Falcons’ stop-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie was up to the task all night, and when her side needed her the most, she came through. Considering the CONCACAF outfit being the favorite, Randy Waldrum’s side turns its attention to one of the host countries with the confidence that they can compete against one of the best nations in the world.

Only two of Canada’s 15 shots against the African side forced Nnadozie into action. Attacking midfielder Toni Payne was one of the standouts for the Super Falcons, tying Ifeoma Onumonu for the team lead in shot-creating actions while completing four take on attempts. Right up until the end, this contest was thrilling. Whether it was stunning saves by both goalkeepers, or last-ditch clearances in the box, the second game of the “group of death” had to be one of the most entertaining of the bunch so far.

Women’s World Cup Group C: Spain completely overpowers Costa Rica, collects 46 shots to kick off tournament with win

Spain vs. Costa Rica

Final score: Spain 3, Costa Rica 0

The scoreline of this Group C opener does not do Spain justice. The No. 6th ranked team in the world was running circles around the No. 36th ranked side from beginning to end. La Roja amassed an xG over 4.5, rifling an astounding 45 shots at Costa Rican keeper Daniela Solera. Esther González, and Aitana Bonmatí combined for two goals and 16 shots. After 27 minutes, the European juggernaut led 3-0. The 2022 Women’s Euros quarterfinalists for total shots, possessions, and touches in an oppositions box since this data was collected in 2011.

While it was a stunning display of quality football by the Spanish, it had to be said that this was a missed opportunity.

Goal differential is always a massive decider in world tournaments, and Jorge Vilda’s team very well could have had a plus-seven goal differential after 90 minutes. The European outfit was coming off a 9-0 friendly win over Vietnam. What the Spanish should have done was save some of those goals for this opening contest against this CONCACAF nation. That being said, Spain made a statement. Even with all the noise coming from off the field, this is still one of the most talented international women’s footballing nations in the world.

Salma Paralluelo was magnificent, and in the final 14 minutes, the world had a chance to see the return of Alexia Putellas on the international stage. Even with such little time to make an impact, the Barcelona star had three successful take ons, and a shot on target.

All Women’s World Cup matches are live on FOX Sports, and FS1. The USWNT begin its quest for a fifth star against Vietnam tonight at 9:00 pm EST on FOX.