NPLW VIC R4: Big wins and Box Hill’s instant rebuild

By Kieran Yap 11/3/26

Above: Box Hill United’s Sydney Manarik fights for possession with Minori Akiyama. Photo: Adrian Geremia

It was a high scoring round in the NPLW Vic this weekend, and a month into the season it is still hard to get a sense of where many teams really stand. Boroondara have a perfect record and Box Hill, the reigning champions look like one of the teams to beat despite looking very different to the lineup that lifted the trophy.

In the Grand Final re-match, Box Hill took only seconds to score against Heidelberg United. The league’s in-form player Erin Keyt threaded a through ball for Juri Kawano to round Mia Bailey for the opener.

Keyt doubled the lead herself in the 10th minute. She burst free behind the Heidelberg defence and kept her feet to make it 2-0 before the hosts had time to settle.

Some excellent interplay around the edge of the box created the third goal. Kiara Bercelli scored Box Hill’s third before half an hour had been played. Her terrific finish capped off the type of end-to-end team move that they are becoming known for.

Heidelberg had begun the game without star signing Hayley Geurts and their afternoon only became worse in the second half. Talismanic goalkeeper Mia Bailey had to be subbed out following a horrible looking head injury. Bailey rushed out to make an excellent save as another goal looked inevitable, but looked in immediate distress in the aftermath. She was able to walk off the pitch but it made the result feel secondary and the rest of the game feels like an afterthought. All thoughts turned to her safety and recovery.

Box Hill added a fourth in the dying stages. Consistent winger Gabrielle Simpson finished off another calm, yet rapid passing move from the visitors. Box Hill knocked the ball about with short, passes until it arrived at the Number Seven who turned and shot from the middle of the 18-yard box.

Bentleigh Greens tough start to the season continued with another difficult loss. Spring Hills FC scored six with last season’s Gold Medal winner Aleks Sinclair netting twice.

The opening goal came in the 14th minute. A second attempt at a corner was nodded in at close range at the far post by Aubrie Labno. Bentleigh equalised through a corner of their own. Madina Ali forced the ball over the line from close range in the 21st minute.

Sinclair restored Spring Hills’ lead in the shadows of half time. A deft header by Bella Stringfellow put the star forward into enough space and Sinclair finished calmly in the 42nd minute.

Margaux Clarke made it 3-1 to Spring Hills almost immediately after the restart. A low, long range drive snuck in at the corner of the net after Bentleigh only half-cleared Olivia Anderson’s cross.

Substitute Chelsea De Silva made it 4-1 after being found un-marked directly in front of goal by Lauren Antonello, but her first time finish across her body was still excellently taken.

With less than 20 minutes of play remaining, there was still enough time for Clarke and Sinclair to score another each. Clarke’s came via a terrific, quick turn to send multiple defenders the wrong way in the box and Sinclair’s capped off a very strong performance from her team. Stringfellow was the architect again, her clever cutback set the captain up for a simple, unopposed finish.

The big wins continued on Friday night. Boroondara Eagles defeated Preston Lions 4-1 away. Eagles speedster Priya Savarirayan scored twice after Valentines Pursey’s opener for Preston, with Sarah Brunner and Emma Vane adding one each to keep The Eagles at the top of the table with a perfect record. Michael Maroulis’s side is the only one to remain undefeated after four rounds.

On Saturday, a first minute strike by Anna Liacopoulos was enough for Alamein FC to defeat the visiting Essendon Royals. She did not hesitate when the ball fell to her in midfield and the shot from the middle of the park looped over the backpedalling Zara Board for the only goal of the game.

Keilor Park scored another early goal for this round when Abby Holmes put her side ahead at home against Avondale FC. The clock had barely ticked past a minute when Holmes thrashed the ball into goal following a poor corner clearance by the visitors.

Asuka Miyata levelled the scores with an incredible, unsavable effort from distance in the fifth minute, and a curling, well placed finish from close range by Elise Kellond-Knight made it 2-0 early in the second half.

Any hopes of a Keilor comeback were extinguished when Beattie Goad ran onto a long pass, rounded the goalkeeper and made it 3-1 in the 79th minute.

South Melbourne capped the weekend’s games with a 5-1 win against Melbourne Victory U23’s. Victory were without several crucial players in midfield and attack and South took full advantage of that and a red-card to Aeryn Tarrant to climb to third on the ladder.

Meisha Westland scored with a powerful free-kick in the 10th minute that Chloe Mckenzie could do little to keep out. In a week packed with goals, this felt like the best one.

Alexis Pantazopoulos scored with an explosive solo run that took her all the way to the six yard box, and Westland had her second before half time with a back post tap-in following some excellent build up from Emily Roach.

Victory restored some hope through Anika Dovaston’s spectacular but somewhat fortuitous effort but South struck back with Heidi Dalton scoring a brace to complete a good win away by South Melbourne.

With no games on Sunday, we had to wait until Monday for Melbourne City to host Bulleen Lions.

The visiting Bulleen had seemingly put a stuttering start to the season behind them with a Round Three win against Keilor Park, and added to that with a 4-0  defeat of City.

Maja Markovski was in sparkling form once again in a mobile role in attack. A lowered tky weighted long ball from Claudia Mihocic found the striker in a dangerous position. Her first touch took her clear and she made the finish look easy under the on-rushing Dali Gorr-Burchmore.

The City goalkeeper was solid between the sticks as Bulleen pushed for a second and it took until the 55th minute to beat her again . Markovski picked up the ball deep, and went on a weaving run before finishing from the edge of the box.

Sarah Cain and Markovski combined centrally to play set up Bulleen’s third. Rosie Rodger beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper to rolls the ball home for her first of the season.

The captain added to Bulleen’s tally in the 77th minute, Alana Cortellino’s quick chance of direction and pace drew multiple defender toward her and her cutback left Cain with a simple, unmarked finish at the far post.

In Appreciation of…. Box Hill United’s instant rebuild

Box Hill United Pythagoras are playing the most entertaining and eye catching football in the NPLW. They have an attacking, but organised style of football that favours short, quick passing and clinical attacks. Most teams have taken some time to warm up to this season, as new signing as tactics bed in, but Box Hill only stumbled in Round One. since then they have scored 14 goals in three games to be the highest scoring side over the opening month.

A Grand Final winning club continuing to dominate in the next season is not a surprising thing, but what makes Box Hill’s form interesting is that the current squad is very different to the one that lifted the trophy in 2025.

Of that starting 11 on Grand Final day, only Maho Murakami and Sofia Palywoda were on the pitch when Round Four kicked off.

Sara Petkaris and Gabrielle Simpson are the only other players two be in the squad for both games.

The matchday squad has seen significant turnover. Wonderkids Georgia Karaparidis and Sienna Techera have moved to Melbourne City and Victory respectively, Sofia Sakalis has played in every game for Melbourne Victory, and while Josie Aulicino and Rhianna Pollicina are both vying for signing of the season in the A-League Women, while Holly Murray and Grand Final hero Carina Rossi have both made big contributions to Adelaide United.

Box Hill did not just lose some players from the Championship winning team, they lost seven outfielders to the A-League Women, plus a prodigious goalkeeper in Chloe Mckenzie.

Instead of struggling following these departures, Box Hill have looked even stronger. big squad changes are nothing unusual in the NPLW, but the instant chemistry that Box Hill has created is. The way that they play is fluid, confident and without hesitation, the ball is flicked between players and before the opposition has time to react Erin Keyt is in on goal.

The former Box Hill junior has been a revelation since returning to the club following some years in the US college system. Quick, clinical and composed, she has terrorised defences over the past month with six goals in the past three games. Her ability in attack, combined with Simpson’s improved form has made Box Hill the most deadly side in the league so far.

The signing of Keeley Segavcic in goal has also been crucial. The former Western Sydney Wanderer has only kept two clean sheets, but for Box Hill to attack the way they do, and to play out from the back with the efficiency and confidence they have shown, they needed an experienced and talented players between the sticks. Segavcic has been better than the stats indicate, especially against Preston when the Lionesses would have surely equalised if not for the star signing.

Box Hill ended last season on an 11 game winning streak, and that culture has seemingly stuck at the club even though some players have departed. They are a swashbuckling, entertaining team that are now compulsory viewing for any fan of this league.

It is a long season, and we are only a fifth of the way through. Box Hill United have taken many by surprise, but right now they look like the most dangerous team in the competition.

On paper at least, the next three games look tougher than the last. They will host South Melbourne and Melbourne Victore before traveling to face Boroondara Eagles.

Box Hill can seriously play, but these games might ask the question, can they fight? It will be exciting to find out.

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“If we want to be playing finals, these are the games we have got to be ready for.” Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Sarah O’Donoghue preview Adelaide United

Image: Sarah O’Donoghue talks to the media. Image: Perth Glory.

By Ella McShane (10/3/26)

Air traffic generated by women in football increases yet again this Friday as Glory make the trip to Adelaide to face the Reds amidst the action of the Asian Cup. 

The home tournament has given the league a three week reprieve. However, there was concern of a momentum loss for Glory, as the contentious concluding game of the block, a dynamic 3-2 Victory over the Jets, showed promising signs coming into the concluding weeks with finals football on the line. 

“The break has really helped us. We’ve still kept the momentum from the Newcastle game. And we’ve been able to channel what we were doing, into what we need to do coming into the final four games,” O’Donoghue said. 

Winning momentum remains crucial for Glory, as their fifth place position on the table places them in contention for finals football, a prospect this side has not faced for quite some time. 

“If you’re not mentioning [finals], it means you’re scared of it. We are not scared of it. It’s something that we’ve got to be ready for, the pressure that comes with that level of conversation. The old cliche is going to come out, the ‘one week at a time,'” said Peters.

“We are very keen to treat every game as final. We’re going to put everything on the line, give it our all every single game,” said O’Donoghue. 

The Reds third place position on the table also places them in strong contention for finals football. 

“We are expect a hard game, they’re dangerous in attack. We are working on ourselves and we will give them what we’ve got,” said Peters. “We’ve definitely improved as a side since [the last time we faced them] and I think they have as well. So it is going to be interesting to see how that matches up.”

Looking to the injury bench, Peter’s remains hopeful for the potential return of an undisclosed member of the squad. And detailed the squad dynamic given the loss of crucial players. 

“Losing Julia [Sardo] and Susan [Phonsongkham] after the Canberra game was a pretty tough one.”

“Different players, have stepped up into roles, showcasing the depth we have at our disposal.” 

Adelaide United v Perth Glory will take place at 4pm AWST at Coopers Stadium. Round 19 will be available to stream live and free on 10Play and Paramount+ for paying subscribers. 

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Top 10 Moments from the She Believes Cup

Above: The USWNT lifts the SheBelieves Cup trophy. Image: USWNT on X.

By Emmanuel Faith (10/3/26).

There are three certain things in life: Death, taxes, and USA hosting and winning the She Believes Cup.  

Japan put a dent on that record last year, but USA were insistent on restoring the almost untarnished record, and this year, they did it with style finishing with a perfect 3-0 in the round-robin tournament.  

There were a lot of memorable moments, from Emma Hayes’ mic drop moment when asked about changing her whole squad to the telepathic presence of the Thompson sisters. 

Below are our top ten moments from this year’s competition. 

Above: The Thompson sisters in a pre-match warm up. Photo: USWNT on X. 
  1. Defensive solidity; The United States Women team is known for their attacking prowess but under Emma Hayes, they have doubled down on their defensive sturdiness as they kept three clean sheets in three games despite facing the fiery attack of the Colombians and the technical trickiness of the Canadians. Every American will hope this continues at the World Cup next year as they look to reaffirm their global dominance. 
     
  1. Linda Caicedo’s bedazzling brilliance; When the Colombian superstar broke out in 2022, the world acknowledged her brilliance but also wondered how long she’d last. Well, her performance reminded the world why she is one of the best youngsters out there, and her solo goal against Argentina is a moment worth replaying.  
     
  1. Canada Break Goal Drought:  After 485 minutes of goal drought, the Bayern Munich defender, Vanessa Giles netted a 31st minute header against Argentina. They will score three more and end the match 4:1, but that header was monumental to the Canadians finishing second behind the host, USA. 
     
  1. Kailen Sheridan’s goalkeeping heroics: Alongside her crucial saves in the final match against Argentina, The North Carolina Courage also saved two penalties to ensure her country finished second, a result pivotal to their general morale given their drab run of matches. 
     
  1. Thompson sisters scintillating display: There are many wonders in this world, and one of them is playing with your sister in a competitive match for your country. Both Giselle Thompson and Alyssa Thompson started the second match against Canada and dominated the left-wing completely. In fact, they were so brilliant that Emma Hayes jokingly asked in the press conference when their youngest sister Zoe plan to go pro. 
     
  1. Emma Hayes mic drop comment: When asked about changing ten out of players out of the eleven that started in the first match, Emma Hayes replied that 
    “I don’t have a ‘starting eleven’ and a ‘bench.’ I have 26 players who are all good enough to wear this crest. If I don’t trust them to play in a final or a rivalry match now, how can I trust them in a World Cup knockout game? My job isn’t to protect a winning streak; it’s to build a team that’s durable enough to win three games in seven days.” 
  1. Phallon Tulis-Joyce clean sheets: When Alyssa Naeher announced her retirement, there were questions around who her successor was going to be. There were reliable options from Seattle Reign’s shot stopper, Claudia Dickey who started against Colombia to Jane Campbell who was named as part of the alternates in 2024 Olympics but it is the Manchester United shot-stopper that seems the most likely to take over the huge shoes. From keeping two clean sheets to recording a 95% accuracy in pass distribution, she might be the heir to the throne American fans seek so dearly. 
     
  1. Alyssa Thompson’s Banger: I had resisted the urge to make this number but this was undisputedly the moment of the tournament. An 81st minute thunderous strike in front of a full crowd against a continental opponent? A perfect glimpse of glamour. It is a goal worth rewatching a hundred times and more. 
     
  1. Tobin Heath celebration: America is known for honoring their former players and it felt good for fans to see Tobin Heath celebrated by different generations of American players. Heath addressed the crowd from a podium, expressing her gratitude for a 13-year international career that included 181 caps, 36 goals, and two World Cup titles. 
     
  1. Alyssa Thompson’s MVP and cellies: From the celebration with her sister to the “scuba dance” dance from TikTok and her cheeky dance after being announced as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, for the eldest Thompson sister, this will be one of the most memorable tournaments and her goal will stay in the heart of the fans for a long period of time.

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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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