Timeless Bronze powers England past Iceland on record-breaking day

England 2-0 Iceland

By Chloe Reynolds (8/3/26)

Above: Lucy Bronze dribbling past Sandra Jessen Photo: Lindsay Cook

Lucy Bronze scored and assisted as England defeated Iceland 2-0 to stay top of their World Cup qualifying group. It was on the same day that the 34 year old moved past Karen Carney and into third place for most Lionesses appearances, with 145.

The Lionesses played their first home game of 2026 as they welcomed Iceland to the City ground in Nottingham for the World Cup qualifiers. England had got their campaign off to the perfect start on Tuesday as Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway and Jess Park each grabbed a brace for a comprehensive 6-1 win over Ukraine in Antalya.

Lucy Bronze also made her return to the starting 11 after being unused on Tuesday, she makes her 145th appearance this afternoon and now sits behind Jill Scott and Fara Williams. Lauren James also returned to the lineup – pushing Jess Park inside while Laura Blindkilde Brown dropped to the bench. Esme Morgan came in for Lotte Wubben-Moy as a straight swap at centre back.

The Action

England looked imperious right from kick off, as Lauren James put a number of teasing balls into the box early in, with Alessia Russo, Bronze and Lauren Hemp all failing to open the scoring from opportunities.

And it was Bronze who opened up the scoring, the defender headed the ball into the back of the net after the cross came in from the foot of Lauren James, following some intricate work down the left between James and Georgia Stanway.

Iceland launched a breakthrough through Hlin Eiriksdottir, biu Esme Morgan dispossessed her before she could get any further on goal and call Hannah Hampton into action.

After James fired a cross in, Alessia Russo attempted a header on goal, but the deflection found Bronze, who has been on top form since making a return to the starting lineup. The right back forced her header down into the lower bottom corner, but keeper Runarsdottir caught the ball.

There was still time for Bronze and Hemp to shoot agonisingly close, while James and Stanway had efforts blocked as half time somehow arrived with England only a goal up.

Iceland had struggled to unlock England, and advance the ball into the opposite half, but with the game sitting at 1-0 they only needed one chance to level it. It looked like this had come as a deflected cross landed perfectly as the head of Sandra Jessen, however Hampton launched up to her right and pushed the ball out for a corner. From the ensuing set piece, the Fifa Best keeper caught it easily and England escaped on that occasion.

As they looked to secure the game, Russo was played in behind the defence. Her shot was saved by Runarsdottir, before bouncing out to James who hit it over the bar.

With just over 10 minutes left, Lucy Bronze curled a cross into the box, that was met perfectly like Stanway on the edge of the 6 yard line. She volleyed it straight into the bottom corner, finally pushing the Lionesses over the line.

Reaction

Sarina Wiegman said she was “really happy with the performance today and with the camp”. This was the first international break it’s kind, encompassing three weeks and two weekends. Wiegman backed the format, saying “I really enjoyed this camp”, and suggested it allowed her side to “could do some more technical things.”

Lucy Bronze played a starring role on the day of her 145th cap, and her England head coach described Bronze as an “incredible human being”. Wiegman added that “she’s helping her teammates on the pitch and off the pitch, which makes the team play better”.

Teams: ENGLAND (4-3-3): Hampton, Bronze, Williamson (c), Morgan, Hinds, Park, Walsh, Stanway, James, Russo, Hemp. Substitutes: Kelly (for James 75′), Blindkilde Brown (for Park 85′), Kendall (for Stanway 90+3′), Moorhouse, Roebuck, Le Tissier, Wubben-Moy, Carter, Pattinson, Clinton, Godfrey, Beever Jones.                          

ICELAND (4-2-3-1): Runarsdottir, Arnardottir, Viggosdottir (c), Sigurdardottir, Heidarsdottir, Hermannsdottir, Antonsdottir, Eiriksdottir, Vilhjalmsdottir, Jessen, Jonsdottir. Substitutes: Gros (for Eiriksdottir 46′), Asgeirsdottir (for Hermannsdottir 63′), Johannsdottir (for Vilhjalmsdottir 63′), Zomers (for Jonsdottir 76′), Agustsdottir (for Antonsdottir 88′).

Referee: Silvia Gasperotti (ITA)

Attendance: 27,474

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Six goal thriller sees history unable to be fully avenged

Australia 3–3 Korea Republic

By Callum Logie 7/3/26

Above: Sam Kerr (#20) celebrates scoring the rest of the Matildas. Photo: Ethan Caffrey Carragh for Impetus.

Despite pinching a goal late, Australia could only manage a three all draw with South Korea, denying the Matildas top spot of Group A at the Women’s Asian Cup.

Mun Eun-Ju struck early for South Korea and goals from substitutes Kim Shin-Ji and Kang Chae-Rim put South Korea in prime position to take all three points, but a late goal from Alanna Kennedy denied the South Koreans an undefeated group stage. Kennedy’s late goal meant she finished the match with a brace for the second match in a row, with Sam Kerr scoring the other Australian goal.

With both sides already having booked their places in the next stage, they both chose to make wholesale changes to their starting line ups from match day two.

The ball saw both sides of the pitch early on, and the first chance of the game went to Kerr who drove a long distance shot straight at Kim Min-Jung.

After just a moment, Clare Wheeler won the ball up the pitch which resulted in Katrina Gorry testing Kim Min-Jung. The goalkeeper proved equal to the effort and directed it away, but the Matildas started very positively.

However, against the run of play, South Korea broke forward with remarkable pace. On the break, Jeon Yu-Gyeong played a terrific curling ball across the box to her forward partner Mun Eun-Ju who slid the ball past Mackenzie Arnold to give the South Koreans a 1-0 lead.

Things went from bad to worse for the Australians shortly after when Steph Catley needed to be substituted off due to a head injury, which brought Courtney Nevin into the game earlier than planned.

When moving forward, the Matildas looked best when playing through Gorry, who effectively linked up with the other central midfielders and the wingers.

After winning an aerial duel in the 32nd minute, Kerr released Mary Fowler on a run into the box. Fowler’s shot was driven low and saved well by Kim Min-Jung.

The resulting corner, after a scramble in the box, eventually ended up being poked home by Kennedy, getting her third goal in two games to put the game back on level terms.

At the stroke of half time, Australia’s attacking prowess paid dividends as a run forward from Caitlin Foord expertly set up the prolific Kerr who finished with a low curled effort from 14 yards out.

Korea Republic started the second half positively, enjoying good territory and creating an opportunity with a Kang Chae-Rim effort touched behind by Arnold after a deflection off Nevin’s arm. However, She was deemed to have her arm in an unnatural defending position which earned South Korea a penalty.

Kim Shin-Ji stepped up to take the penalty and converted clinically into the bottom right corner to tie the game up once more.

A few minutes later, South Korea’s substitute masterclass came into effect as Kim Shin-Ji set up a driven shot from Kang Chae-Rim which beat Arnold to restore a one goal lead for the South Koreans.

However, the script had one more plot twist to unfold.

In the 95th minute, a driven cross from Nevin found Kennedy with a header from near the penalty spot. Kim Min-Jung reached the ball at full stretch and was able to deny a late equaliser for the Matildas.

Mere minutes later though, a scramble in Korea’s Republic box set up a Kennedy half-volley, saving a point for the Matildas with a powerful finish.

While it was not the group topping performance the Matildas were hoping for, they showed great resilience when coming back from two separate deficits during the game.

This result means that South Korea will face the highest ranked 3rd place team from Group B or C in the knockout stages in Sydney, while Australia will head to Perth to take on the runners up of Group B.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Arnold, Catley, Hunt, Heatley, Carpenter, Kennedy, Wheeler, Gorry, Fowler, Foord, Kerr. Substitutes: Nevin, Rankin, Torpey, Van Egmond, Lincoln, Chidiac, Johnson, Sayer, Aquino, Heyman, Cooney-Cross, Rule, McNamara, Siemsen.

Scorers: Kennedy 32′, 90+8′, Kerr 45 + 6′.

KOREA REPUBLIC (4-4-2): Kim Min-Jung, Ko Yoo-Jin, Jang Sel-Ji, Noh Jin- Young, Kim Hye-Ri, Mun Eun-Ju, Ji So-Yun, Choe Yu-Ri, Park Soo-Jeong, Jung Min- Young, Jeon Yu-Gyeong. Substitutes: Woo Seo-Bin, Kim Jin-Hui, Park Hye-Jeong, Shin Na-Yeong, Casey Phair, Son Hwa-Yeon, Kim Shin-Ji, Song Jae-Eum, Choi Yoo- Jung, Ryu Ji-Soo, Choo Hyo-Joo, Kang Chae-Rim, Lee Eun-Young, Lee Min-Hwa, Kim Min-Ji.

Scorers: Mun Eun-ju 13′, Kim Shin-Ji 53′, Kang Chae-rim 56′.

Referee: Yoshimi Yamashita (Japan)

Attendance: 60,279

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Beerensteyn brace sees Dutch defeat spirited Irish

Netherlands 2-1 Republic of Ireland

By Alyce Collett 7/3/26

Above: Lynn Wilms (left) and Lineth Beerensteyn (right) celebrate after Beerensteyn scored the first of her two goals tonight against the Republic of Ireland. Photo: via OranjeLeeuwinnen.

After a shock first up draw, the Netherlands are up and running this Nations’ League campaign after defeating the Republic of Ireland 2-1 thanks to a brace from Lineth Beerensteyn.

In an at times fiery clash, the Irish were again competitive and pushed the Dutch all game – and did equalise early in the second half through skipper Katie McCabe – but much like their first game this window a late, well struck goal against them proved to be the difference.

Although it was the Dutch who initially did the attacking, it was the Irish who came closest to scoring first, with a number of Caitlin Hayes’ headers going narrowly wide.

Possession wise the opening exchanges of this match were a lot more even compared to the Republic of Ireland’s opening match of the window.

However despite all the positives the Irish were showing, it was the Dutch who did get on the scoreboard initially, when Beerensteyn snuck behind the Irish line and was able to tap in a well placed cross from Lynn Wilms into the back of the net.

After the goal the Dutch started to really control the attacking play, with the Irish defence certainly put under plenty of pressure.

Ultimately Beerensteyn’s goal would be the only one of the first half, but the Irish certainly had plenty to think about at half time.

It was a dream start to the second half for the Irish when after Anna Patten won her side a penalty, McCabe perfectly took the subsequent penalty to equalise proceedings.

Despite conceding the goal, the Netherlands continued to dominate attacking time, continuing to really test the Irish defence in the search of a second goal.

The Irish certainly had their chances, but they were small in number compared to the Dutch numbers.

The Dutch eventually got their reward in the 82nd minute when after a well placed corner, Beerensteyn found a second for the evening after curling the ball into the back of the net from the tightest of angles.

Beerensteyn’s second ultimately proved to be the match winner, but the Irish certainly kept pushing hard to find another equaliser, rejigging their line up to bring more attacking players onto the pitch.

Teams: NETHERLANDS (4-3-3): Kop, Wilms, Buurman, Olislagers, Roord, Beerensteyn, Kaptein, Miedema, Leuchter, Janssen, Demaris. Substitutes: Van Domselaar, De Jong, Brugts, Casparij, Dijkstra, Van De Donk, Grant, Groenen, Levels, Peddermora, Pelova, Van Der Zanden.  

Scorers: Beerensteyn 20’, 82’

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (4-3-3): Brosnan, Mustaki, Hayes, Mannion, Connolly, Patten, Sheva, Quinn, Carusa, Murphy. Substitutes: Moloney, Whitehouse, Stapleton, Kiernan, Littlejohn, Barrett, O’Hanlon, Quinn, Finn, Larkin, Noonan, Toland.

Scorers: McCabe 50’

Referee: Frida Klarlund [DEN]

Attendance: 23,750.

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Group C livens up as Chinese Taipei get a close win over Vietnam 

Chinese Taipei 1 – 0 Vietnam

By Callum Logie 7/3/26

Above: Matsunaga Saki (right) competes for possession with Ngan Thi Van Su.Photo: AFC Asia Cup

Perth Rectangular Stadium hosted a tense affair between Chinese Taipei and Vietnam, where a Su Yu-hsuan goal was the difference between the two teams to give Chinese Taipei a crucial 1-0 win.

Chinese Taipei were looking to turn their fortunes around after suffering a resilient 2-0 defeat to Japan, while Vietnam were looking to seal their path to the knockout stages with a win here after a 2-1 victory over India. 

The game started out at a tense pace, both teams feeling each other out when trying to create an opportunity in the first 10 minutes.

In the 10th minute, Chinese Taipei generated the first opportunity. After winning the ball high up the pitch, Chinese Taipei worked the ball over to Chen Jin-wen who sent her well struck effort over the crossbar.

Vietnam’s passing was a little more fluid than Chinese Taipei through the first half, but they were unable to create any meaningful chances in the 30 minutes due to the solid defensive shape from Chinese Taipei.

In the 26th minute, Chinese Taipei managed to break the deadlock. A well worked attacking move with passing down the left wing allowed for a Matsunaga shot that rattled off the crossbar. Su Yu-hsuan was in the right place at the right time though to knock in the follow up and open the scoring.

Vietnam created their first meaningful chance a few moments later, after a passing move heading forward landed with Tran Thi Duyen who drove her effort wide. 

Heading into the half, Chinese Taipei deserved their lead as they looked more threatening heading forward when compared to Vietnam. 

Early in the second half, while still playing a possession style, Vietnam looked to move the ball forward with more purpose, the full-backs getting involved in attacks with overlapping runs. 

Chinese Taipei held a deep line since they took the lead in the first half, looking to mitigate the threat of Vietnam’s pacey attacking players. There was little space behind the defence to work with and the organisation of the side meant that Vietnam struggled to play around the defence as well.

Vietnam continued to work on creating an equaliser, swapping positions of their wing players and putting a good piece of play together in the 68th minute. A handball shout was not rewarded as Huynh Nhu directed a half volley high of the Chinese Taipei goal.

Sadly late in the game, Chang Chi-lan from Chinese Taipei suffered an injury and had to be stretchered off of the pitch, unable to continue. 

Matsunaga was the creative catalyst for Chinese Taipei as she almost created another goal for her team. A free kick swung into the box was met well by Su Sin-yun but it was driven straight at Thai Thi Thao who was able to collect in the 88thminute.

After more pressure from Vietnam, Chinese Taipei were able to hold on to their narrow lead and clean sheet, keeping their tournament hopes alive with a much needed win. 

The result puts Chinese Taipei level on points with their opponents, but down on goal difference due to their two-goal defeat to Japan. All eyes will be on the final group stage match day with Chinese Taipei looking to make it past India to qualify through to the knockout stages. 

Vietnam will take on group favourites Japan, hoping to cause an upset against the top ranked team in the tournament.

Teams: CHINESE TAIPEI (5-4-1): Wang Yu-ting, Chang, Su Sin-yun, Hsu, Huang, Chen Ying-hui, Matsunaga, Wu, Chen Jin-wen, Chen Yu-chin, Su Yu-hsuan.Substitutes: Lin, Pan Shin-yu, Teng, Ting, Li, He, Pu, Chan, Tseng, Liu, Wu, Cheng, Pan Yen-Hsin, Wang Hsiang-huei, Yang.

Goals: Su Yu-hsuan 26’

VIETNAM (3-5-2): Trần Thị Kim Thanh, Lê, Trần Thị Thu Thả, Cù, Thái, Phạm, Trần Thị Duyên, Dương, Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhã, Ngân, Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy.Substitutes: Đoàn, Lương, Trần Nhật Lan, Trần Thị Thu, Hoàng, Nguyễn Thị Hoa, Ngoc, Nguyễn Thị Trúc Hương, Huỳnh , Trần Thị Hải Linh, Khổng, Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Anh, Nguyễn Thị Thúy Hằng, Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Ngân, Vũ. 

Referee: Lara Lee (Australia)

Attendance: TBC

Sarina Wiegman and Alessia Russo expect “very tough game” in Iceland World Cup Qualifier

By Hope Robinson (6/3/26)

Hope Robinson attended England’s press conference at the Nottingham Forest City Ground this week ahead of their World Cup Qualifying game against Iceland on Saturday, with the Lionesses’ aiming to secure two of two wins in this international window, following their 6-1 win over Ukraine on Tuesday. 

Fixture Overview

The Lionesses are set to play their first home game of the year in a World Cup qualifier against Iceland at the City Ground in Nottingham. The match takes place on Saturday 7th March, with kick off scheduled for 12:30pm.

England will be aiming to continue their strong start in the group before attention turns to a far tougher test in the next international camp, when they face Spain in a repeat of both the Euro 2025 and World Cup 2023 finals.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman is expecting a challenging afternoon despite England’s recent form, describing Iceland as “a very strong test, very disciplined, very physical, very direct team with a lot of pace.”

Wiegman added that the match will demand patience and quality from her side, warning that “we think we will have the ball a lot but they will be hard to break down.”

Form Guide and Previous Meetings

The two sides have not met in recent history, meaning there is little historical context to guide expectations ahead of Saturday’s encounter.

England arrive in excellent form, having won their last three matches while scoring 16 goals and conceding just once across those fixtures. Iceland have also enjoyed a positive run, winning two of their last three matches while scoring five goals and conceding three.

However, those three conceded goals all came in their most recent outing, a World Cup qualifying defeat to Spain earlier this week.

Despite the contrasting results, Wiegman believes Iceland’s direct approach will pose real problems.

“They have some very dangerous attacks with their directness and they are tough to beat,” she said. “It’s going to be a very tough game tomorrow.”

Team News

England will be without Alex Greenwood, who has withdrawn from the squad after failing to recover in time from a minor muscle injury sustained prior to the match against Ukraine.

Wiegman confirmed the defender had been keen to feature but the risk was considered too high.

“Alex didn’t make it. She has a minor muscle injury,” Wiegman said. “She was desperate to go out last Tuesday and also tomorrow, but it’s not worth taking a massive risk on that.”

Aside from Greenwood’s absence, the remainder of the squad are available for selection.

Grace Clinton

Grace Clinton has also been a talking point during the current camp after being left out of the matchday squad for England’s recent win over Ukraine.

The midfielder has seen limited minutes at club level since swapping her Manchester red for blue, but Wiegman made clear that discussions around her development remain private between player and coach.

“When we have individual conversations I keep that private,” Wiegman said. “She responded really well. We also had that conversation last camp as she came back for England.”

Despite the challenges around playing time, Wiegman believes Clinton has shown the right attitude in response.

“So far she has responded really well because she wants to improve,” the England head coach added.

Wiegman also acknowledged that some factors affecting the midfielder’s minutes are outside her control, but stressed that the focus remains on personal development.

“She can’t really control it,” Wiegman said. “What she can control is her own development and taking responsibility for that. She is working really hard and we have these conversations.”

The England manager suggested regular playing time will be an important next step in Clinton’s progression.

“It’s a part of her journey where she really needs minutes,” Wiegman explained. “She shows on the pitch that she is working really hard and off the pitch we continue to have those conversations.”

Tactical Battle

England are expected to dominate possession but breaking down Iceland’s defensive structure may prove difficult.

Reflecting on similar scenarios, Alessia Russo pointed to England’s patience during recent matches where space was limited.

“I think it is easy to get frustrated in those moments,” Russo said. “In an ideal world you would love to score earlier, but they defended really well. They put a lot of bodies behind the ball and made it really difficult for us.”

The forward stressed the importance of composure when opportunities do not come immediately.

“Sometimes you have to be patient and wait for the gaps to open up a little bit and maybe a bit of fatigue to kick in, making sure that when that does happen we are there to capitalise on those moments.”

Russo also highlighted England’s ability to remain calm during difficult periods in games.

“We stayed calm and kept doing our plan,” she said. “Teams showed we could do better and we had to change pictures a little bit, but we stuck with the plan and everyone kept doing the task together.”

Wiegman believes that patience and experience within the squad are key elements when managing these types of matches.

“A bit of experience as well as the environment helps,” she explained. “It’s about saying what goes well and what we have to improve and doing things together. Managing the game comes with experience too and we have players who really understand those moments.”

Players to Watch

Jess Park and Russo will once again be central figures for England.

Park has enjoyed an outstanding season at club level and impressed during England’s recent victory over Ukraine. Wiegman emphasised Park’s versatility when discussing her role within the squad.

“I think she can play three positions, on the wing and in the middle,” Wiegman said. “For me it’s about figuring out which players we have available and what I think now is the best starting eleven.”

Russo has continued to develop her game beyond traditional striker responsibilities this season, often dropping deeper to link play.

“I feel like I understand the game a lot more,” she said. “As I grow up I have learnt a lot about myself and my playing style. I will play wherever the team needs me in that moment.”

The forward added that adapting to different roles has strengthened her overall understanding of the game.

“The positions offer different things and I am happy to do whatever the team needs. I don’t mind it, it adds to my knowledge of the game.”

Russo also praised Park’s development within the England environment.

“She has had an incredible season both at club and internationally,” Russo said. “She is a player that has grown a lot and Sarina really instils in us to play with freedom and confidence. You are seeing that come out massively now.”

Iceland also possess players capable of influencing the game. Attacker Sveindís Jónsdóttir offers a direct threat in transition, while Bayern Munich captain Glódís Viggósdóttir anchors the defence and will be familiar with England midfielder Georgia Stanway from their encounters in Germany.

Manager’s View

Wiegman believes maintaining England’s high standards will be crucial against a disciplined opponent.

“We have to be at our top level to win that game,” she said.

Squad management remains an important part of that process, particularly with a busy schedule and major tournaments on the horizon.

“It’s part of my task to select the players I think are best for playing for England at this moment,” Wiegman explained. “You want to perform at the highest level but you also have to manage players.”

Wiegman also outlined the qualities she looks for when assessing players pushing to establish themselves in the squad.

“They have to be at the highest level, whether in the WSL or another top league,” she said. “We look at technical ability, physical capacity and players who can make the right decisions in and out of possession, especially in transition moments.”

Russo echoed the sense of unity within the camp, emphasising the players’ commitment to representing their country.

“People are loving playing for England and the performance really showed that,” she said.

For Russo personally, contributing to England’s success remains the primary motivation.

“I love scoring and I love playing for England, so when you get to do them both it’s incredible,” she added. “I am a striker, I love to score and I love to be involved with goals as much as possible.”

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China PR continue title defence with convincing win against Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan 0 – 3 China PR

By Callum Logie 6/3/26

Above: Zhang Xin (left) competes for possession with Umida Zoirova. Photo: AFC Asia Cup

China PR made it two wins in a row as they secured their place in the knockout stages of the AFC Asia Cup at Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta. A brace from Li Qingtong and a goal from Shao Ziqin gave China a solid 3-0 win over a resolute Uzbekistan side.

China PR will meet Korea DPR in a showdown for first place in group B after a complete performance against Uzbekistan.

China PR rotated their side significantly making nine changes. They were looking to be fresh heading into the knockout stages provided they got the result here. Uzbekistan were looking to cause an upset and shake up the standings of Group B. 

In attack, Uzbekistan implemented more of a 4-5-1 formation with one of the centre-backs roaming into a midfield position. On the other side, China PR’s wing players often pushed forward in the attack, looking to overwhelm the Uzbekistan defence.

Toward the 15th minute, China forced a save out of Maftuna Jonimqulova as a quick attacking move from China had Wang Yanwen play Zhang Linyan in. Zhang’s shot was batted away by the Uzbekistan keeper, but the momentum was very much with the reigning champions.

Shao had a snapshot at the edge of the box as Uzbekistan defended resolutely. The shot was deflected wide as there were often at least eight players between the attackers and the ball at any given time. 

China were awarded a penalty in the 28thminute, after a shirt pull from Kholida Dadaboeva brought Shao down. After a check with VAR, China PR were rewarded the penalty which was converted powerfully into the bottom left corner by Shao herself.

The prolific forward had scored her first in the AFC Asia Cup and her ninth in 10 caps with the national side. The 23 year-old has had a great start to her international career and would be looking to continue her good form moving forward in the tournament.

Shao nearly doubled her tally late in the first half as a clever short cross from Chen Qiaozhu found her first-time in the middle of the box. Jonimqulova reacted spectacularly and was able to deflect the ball behind for a corner, keeping the deficit to just one heading into half-time.

Jonimqulova made another save as a tame clearance found Zhang Linyan on the half-volley, driving low toward the bottom corner. Jonimqulova was able to hold onto that effort. 

Just a minute later, Shao had yet another chance from about 12 yards out. She got too far under the ball and drove it high after a good sequence of play for the Uzbekistan goalkeeper.

After a defensive scramble from Uzbekistan, China PR were able to double their advantage. Jonimqulova and Maftuna Shoyimova collided in the box which left the goal open for Li Qingtong who converted clinically.

Jonimqulova stopped a sensational effort a few minutes later as Li Mengwen tried a shot from around 25 yards out. China PR were looking to get as many goals as possible to compete with Korea DPR at the top of the table in Group B.

China PR were able to take a deserved 3-goal lead after a clever corner routine saw Zhang Xin loop a great cross into the box and find Li Qingtong for her second goal of the game, a 7-yard header.

China PR’s win was supplemented by a very positive crowd, keeping up the energy and very supportive of the team who put together an excellent performance, particularly in the second half. 

Teams: UZBEKISTAN (5-4-1): Jonimqulova, Khikmatova, Dadaboeva, Asadova, Kudratova, Ablyakimova, Karachik, Shoyimova, Zoirova, Mamatkarimova, Khabibullaeva. Substitutes: Gulomova, Saidova, Tosheva, Tilovova, Zaripova, Oraniyazova, Kuchkorova, Usarova, Khusniddinova, Turdiboeva, Amirova, Aminjonova, Bakhtiyarova, Nozimova, Valikhanova.

CHINA PR (4-4-2): C. Chen, Q. Chen, L. Wang, X. Zhang, M. Li, C. Wu, Q. Li, L. Zhang, Yanwen Wang, Shao. Substitutes: Zhu, Peng, Ying Wang, H. Wu, A. Wang, Liu, Xie, Lu, R. Zhang, S. Wang, Wurigumula, Jin, Tang, C. Zhang, Yuan.

Goals: Shao 30′, Q. Li 52′, 77′.

Referee: Supiree Testhomya (Thailand)

Attendance: 8,322.

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Kennedy brace helps Australia to 4-0 win over Iran

Iran 0-4 Australia

By Kieran Yap 5/3/25

Above: Alanna Kennedy (left) and Holly McNamara Photo: Football Australia

The Matildas have comfortably beaten Iran on The Gold Coast. Goals to Amy Sayer, Mary Fowler and a brace to Alanna Kennedy improved Australia’s goal difference and gave them a second win in Group A.

Joe Montemurro made several changes to the starting lineup for The Matildas second game of the tournament. Sayer, Fowler and Kennedy were joined by Courtney Nevin and Charlize Rule, with the Brighton defender partnering Clare Hunt in the heart of defence and Nevin taking her place out on the left.

Fowler looked to be in a free- attacking role, while Sayer was positioned wide on the right, and was the source of the opening goal.

Ellie Carpenter surged forward in familiar fashion and played the ball out to to the flank. Sayer still had one defender to beat and cut onto her left to send the ball long into the far, top corner of the net. As they had against The Philippines, Australia had scored early.

Caitlin Foord looked to have doubled the lead when she powered the ball into goal, but was ruled off-side after a lengthy VAR check. Fowler eventually gave The Matildas an important second when she scrambled the ball home following Foord’s cross from deep.

The Iranian’s evening took another unfortunate turn with that goal as starting goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei succumbed to injury as she lunged for the ball.

Australia thought that they had a third, but another seemingly interminable VAR check ruled out Sam Kerr’s effort for a barely visible off-side call. Kennedy’s excellent half-volley finally delivered a goal that technology and freeze-frames could not deny.

Iran played a much more open game than The Philippines, their defeat to South Korea, combined with conceding early meant that they had nothing to lose, and they tried to press Australia in midfield, while looking to create a chance on the break.

The selection of Kennedy, and the discipline of the Australian back four meant that these chances never really eventuated. As Ellie Carpenter continually bombed forward, Kennedy was able to cover defensively, and when Australia advanced in possession, the central defenders moved up the pitch to win the ball back quickly in the even of any turnovers.

Australia did score a fourth in the second half. Kennedy powered home Emily Van egmond’s corner on the hour, but the floodgates never really opened despite Australia continuing to attack.

Unlike the first game, Australia looked more willing to shoot from the edge of the box and test the Iranian goalkeepers. With the result secure, Montemurro turned to the bench and brought on Holly McNamara, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey and Steph Catley. Hayley Raso also took to the field to a rapturous reception in her home state, but although she was her typically dangerous self, received a football, then a foot to the face in an unfortunately bruising evening for the star forward.

Australia are two for two in the group stage, but need to win against South Korea to secure top spot. The Matildas are still improving as they progress through this tournament and are developing new aspects to their game and new possibilities in their lineup.

Teams: IRAN (5-4-1): Yektaei, Imani, Amineh, Motevalli, Hamoudi, Ramezanizadeh, Sarbali, Ghanbari, Shaban, Behesht, Zolfi. Substitutes: Pasandideh, Yazdani, Chatrenoor, Dini, Makhdoumi, Sadeghi, Tamrian, Didar, Khajavi, Taherkhani, Jafarizadeh, Khosravi, Anbari.

AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Lincoln, Carpenter, Nevin, Hunt, Rule, Van Egmond, Kennedy, Fowler, Sayer, Kerr, Foord. Substitutes: Arnold, Aquino, Heatley, Rankin, Catley, Torpey, Wheeler, Chidiac, Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Johnson, Heyman, McNamara, Siemsen. Goals: Sayer 8’ Fowler 27’ Kennedy 35’ 59’

Referee: Asaka Koizumi

Attendance: 22,398

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Ferns claim top spot and stay undefeated in World Cup Qualifiers

New Zealand 3-0 American Samoa

by Maddison Hagger (5/3/26)

Above: American Samoa’s Aaliyah Tu’ua (left) and New Zealand’s Hannah Blake (right). Photo: Joshua Devenie via Phototek.nz.

New Zealand has maintained its perfect record at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania qualifiers, coming away with a 3-0 win over American Samoa and finishing top of Group A thanks to goals from Kelli Brown, Claudia Bunge and Indiah-Paige Riley.

American Samoa posed the Ferns’ biggest challenge yet in this tournament by maintaining a disciplined defensive line that restricted New Zealand’s’ scoring opportunities to set pieces and long range efforts. Despite an admirable and patient performance, American Samoa couldn’t break down New Zealand’s quality or control.

Having already qualified for the semi-finals, Football Ferns’ coach Michael Mayne named a revamped starting XI featuring a number of young players yet to have many minutes in the tournament or make starts for their national team. This included goalkeeper Maddie Iro, wingback Suya Haering and midfielders Emma Pijnenburg and Pia Vlok making their first starts for the Ferns.

New Zealand dominated possession in the first half but struggled to work through American Samoa’s defensive line. The tournament’s underdogs stayed disciplined, keeping their lines tight and denying any gaps for the Ferns to have clear sight on goal despite constant pressure.

The deadlock was broken just before halftime though when New Zealand was awarded a penalty after Maya Hahn was dragged down inside the box during a corner. Brown then stepped up to take the shot and delivered a powerful strike into the bottom right that snuck past the keeper despite a touch from Ayana Kirisimasi.

New Zealand doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Michaela Foster delivered a perfect corner towards the back post and Bunge was there to meet it, heading the ball into the top left.

Fatigue from the Honiara heat began to set in for both teams and American Samoa’s defensive efforts became stretched, giving the Ferns greater space to exploit. New Zealand was able to probe the lines and open more opportunities than they had in the first half.

This paid off in the 71st minute when Riley made it three for the Ferns. Playing in from the right, Riley dinked the ball over two American Samoa players, found Hannah Blake who played it back, and then took aim from the back of the box with a curled shot into the top left corner.

This result means the Football Ferns maintain their unbeaten record against Oceania opposition and claim top spot in Group A. Both teams will advance to the semifinals of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, due to be held in New Zealand in April.

Teams: NEW ZEALAND (3-4-3): Iro, Bunge, Foster, Barry, Haering, Wisnewski, Pijnenburg, Elliott, Blake, Vlok. Brown. Substitutes: Esson, Moore, Hahn, Kitching, Clegg, Riley, Stott, Jackson, Lancaster, Jale, Anton, Santos.

Scorers: Brown 44’ (penalty), Bunge 51’, Riley 71’

AMERICAN SAMOA (4-3-3): Kirisimasi, Patolo, Teofilo, Tu’ua, Summers, Mana’u, Tu’ua, Fuamatu-Ma’afala, Patea, Toeaina, Vee. Substitutes: Corcoran, Motuapuaka, Koria, Tuson, Tautoa, Fuamatu-Ma’afala, Reed, Laina, Ve’e.

Referee: Mingxin Mu (China)

Attendance: 200.

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South Korea repeat dominance to stay undefeated at Asian Cup

Philippines 0-3 South Korea

By Alyce Collett 5/3/26

Above: Jeon Yu-Gyeong (#15) celebrates after scoring against the Philippines.  Photo: via AFC.

South Korea is two from two so far in the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup after downing the Philippines 3-0 thanks to goals from Jeon Yu-Gyeong, Park Soo-Jeong and Mun Eun-Ju.

South Korea was able to translate its dominance in possession into dominance on the scoreboard, and although the Philippines were more competitive in the second half than the first, they still could not translate it into any goals.  

The action was very even initially, with plenty of back and forth action between the sides.

However, both sides had different but very distinct game plans of working the ball to goal.

South Korea was favouring going down the right side of its formation when going into attack, with Ko Yoo-Jin, Choo Hyo-Joo and Jeon Yu-Gyeong having big roles to play.

Meanwhile the Philippines were looking to take a more central path to goal, trying to find the feet of the likes of Sara Eggesvik and Chandler McDaniel.  

As proceedings settled, South Korea started to dominate attacking play and really started to pile the pressure on a very compact Philippines’ defence.

Jeon Yu-Gyeong eventually got her reward with the first goal of the match, and after some strong footwork allowed her to work around a few Philippines’ defenders, she then nutmegged a couple of others and perfectly struck the ball into the back of the net and past the outstretched arms of Olivia McDaniel.

South Korea did not have long to wait for a second goal, when Park Soo-Jeong had a shot from outside the 18 yard box that went straight into the back of the Philippines’ net. All of a sudden, what had been a pretty solid performance defensive performance from the underdogs thus far had turned into a complete disaster.

It almost got even worse yet five minutes later, but Kim Shin-Ji’s goal was ruled out thanks to offside.

The Philippines did work their way into attack a few times later in the first half, but ultimately spent most of the first half deep in defence, and went into half time with plenty to think about if they wanted to turn things around in the second half.

Possession was pretty even in the early minutes of the second half. The Philippines made some attacking substitutions at half time and it seemed to improve things as they went within centimetres of getting a goal back. However, a cruel bounce meant that the ball bounced away from the goal line instead of into the back of the net.

South Korea had their own moment of going close to scoring without actually scoring, but Son Hwa-Yeon’s shot was stopped by a great save from McDaniel.

However, it would be mere moments before South Korea did get that third goal. The subsequent corner after Son Hwa-Yeon’s goal was initially punched away by McDaniel, but ultimately not far enough and after getting caught in a pack of players McDaniel was unable to stop the tap in from Mun Eun-Ju.

Mun Eun-Ju’s goal proved to be the final nail in the coffin but both sides did continue to attack hard, with both sides having some chances that went agonisingly close to being goals but were not.

Teams: PHILIPPINES (4-3-3): O.McDaniel, Cowart, Long, Eggesvik, Frilles, C.McDaniel, Beard, Pasion, Wunsch, Markey, Guillou. Substitutes: Bradley, Meollo, Sawicki, Pino, Cesar, Oca, Guy, Castaneda, Hawkinson, Curran, Carpio, DeFazio, Ramirez, Villapando, McSwigan.

SOUTH KOREA (4-3-3): Kim Min-Jung, Ko Yoo-Jin, Choo Hyo-Joo, Kim Jin-Hui, Lee Min-Hwa, Jung Min-Young, Kim Shin-Ji, Park Soo-Jeong, Jeon Yu-Gyeong, Mun Eun-Ju, Son Hwa-Yeon. Substitutes: Woo Seo-Bin, Shin Na-Yeong, Park Hye-Jeong, Casey Phair, Ji So-Yun, Choe Yu-Ri, Song Jae-Eun, Jang Sel-Gi, Choi Yoo-Jung, Ryu Ji-Soo, Noh Jin-Young, Kim Hye-Ri, Kang Chae-Rim, Lee Eun-Young, Kim Min-Ji.

Scorers: Jeon Yu-Gyeong 12’, Park Soo-Jeong 15’

Referee: Lê Thị Ly (Vietnam)

Attendance: 2,332.

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France survive scare to win Nations League opener

Republic of Ireland 1-2 France

By Alyce Collett 3/3/26

Above: Melvine Malard (left) and Sandy Baltimore (right) celebrate after Malard scored one of her goals tonight against the Republic of Ireland. Photo: via UEFA.

France has gotten its UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign off to the perfect start, downing the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Dublin. The Irish gave the more fancied French one hell of a fight and held the lead for most of the match thanks to an early goal from captain Katie McCabe, but a late second half brace from Melvine Malard helped France to the win.

To the surprise of little in the home camp it was the French who did much of the attacking early, but the Irish were not without chances.

As much as France did much of the attacking early, as the half progressed beyond its first 10 minutes, the Irish really started to grow into the game and build their attacking time.

Then in the 12 minute the upset goal came as a hard running McCabe worked her way into the box and after a well timed pass across from Emily Murphy, the Ireland skipper smashed her shot into the back of the net to give the home side an early lead.

After the goal France did take control of the possession, but as hard as the likes of Perle Morroni, Kadidiatou Diani, Sakina Karchaoui and others tried to generate dangerous attacking play for the French, a resolute Irish defence – particularly Anna Patten and Aoife Mannion – continued to defend the space in front of goal well and frustrate the French attacking force.

Not only that, but the Irish kept the defensive pressure on the French further up the pitch too, not leaving the French players much time to think and relax as such while in possession.

All of this meant that the Irish went into the half time break with that one goal lead and the upper hand.

The French started the second half much like they started the first, with the tempo of the game rising after the break.

However, much like much of the first half no matter how hard the French attackers tried, they just could not navigate around the Irish defence.

The home side did have a few dangerous chances of their own, with Caitlin Hayes and Denise O’Sullivan going close and Murphy creating plenty of nerves for the French defence.

Both sides made some changes at about the 70 minute mark, and for the French their chances created almost instant success. Malard took barely a minute after coming on to get the equalising goal for France, after navigating her way through the Irish defence with relative ease and perfectly strike the ball into the back of the net.

Malard was on the scorers sheet again not even 10 minutes later after she navigated the ball behind a slow reacting Irish defence, and momentum had completely flipped to the French.

Despite conceding the lead the Irish continued to try and push for a second goal, and in a frantic three minutes of second half extra time went about as close to scoring as they could without actually getting the goal. However, a brilliant header on the goal line from Marie-Antionette Katoto meant that France maintained their lead and left Dublin with the full three points.

Teams: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (5-3-2): Brosnan, Mustaki, Hayes, Mannion, Connolly, O’Sullivan, McCabe, Patten, Sheva, Carusa, Murphy. Substitutes: Moloney, Whitehouse, Stapleton, Kiernan, Littlejohn, Barrett, O’Hanlon, Quinn, Finn, Larkin, Noonan, Toland.

Scorers: McCabe 12’

FRANCE (4-3-3): Picaud-Inconnu, De Almaida, Samoura, Lakrar, Morroni, Jean-Francois, Geyoro, Karchaoui, Diani, Baltimore, Mateo. Substitutes: Chavas, Pinguet, Cascarino, Sombath, N’Dongala, Sangare, Ebayilin, Fazer, Le Moguedec, Gago, Katoto, Malard.

Scorers: Malard 71’, 79’

Referee: Tess Olofsson [SWE]

Attendance: 8,376.

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