Sweden got their Women’s World Cup campaign up and running in dramatic fashion while Jamaica claimed a historic point on day four of the tournament.
The Swedes, who finished third in 2019, battled back to beat South Africa while Jamaica held France and in the day’s other game, the Netherlands claimed a narrow win over Portugal.
Here Football Mad takes a look at all of Sunday’s action.
Netherlands down debutants
How it feels to score the opening goal at the #FIFAWWC 🔥! #NEDPOR #TheOranjeBeat pic.twitter.com/zDs9MkhaZh
— OranjeLeeuwinnen (@oranjevrouwen) July 23, 2023
Stefanie van der Gragt’s header saw the Netherlands open their challenge with a 1-0 victory over debutants Portugal in Dunedin.
The defender beat Ines Pereira after 13 minutes but needed to wait before the effort was awarded by VAR.
Jill Roord and Danielle van de Donk missed good chances to extend the lead for the Dutch, who are without injured record scorer Vivianne Miedema. Portugal substitute Telma Encarnacao had a late effort saved by Daphne van Domselaar.
Reggae Girlz hold on to make history
Jamaica secured their first-ever point at a Women’s World Cup by drawing 0-0 with France in their Group F opener.
The Reggae Girlz had skipper Khadija Shaw sent off late on but held on against a side 38 places higher than them in the FIFA rankings.
Kadidiatou Diani saw one shot saved by Rebecca Spencer, another deflect just wide and headed against the woodwork late on as France were left frustrated.
New Gunners signing seals Sweden comeback
Those goals from Rolfö and Ilestedt were massive! 🇸🇪👏@amandailestedt | @FridolinaRolfo pic.twitter.com/OZfxRcJPe2
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 23, 2023
Amanda Ilestedt’s late winner saw Sweden come from behind to beat South Africa 2-1 at Wellington Regional Stadium.
The new Arsenal signing’s header came in stoppage time to break South Africa hearts after Hildah Magaia put them ahead minutes into the second half.
But Sweden, who beat England in the third-place play-off four years ago and were runners-up in 2003, recovered with Fridolina Rolfo equalising in the 65th minute. Defender Ilestedt then nodded in the winner in the 90th minute.
Picture of the day
Post of the day
Current mood! ❤️🔥#NEDPOR #FIFAWWC #TheOranjeBeat pic.twitter.com/Z9xktmWQYp
— OranjeLeeuwinnen (@oranjevrouwen) July 23, 2023
Quote of the day
Jamaica manager Lorne Donaldson: “I would say it is the number one result we have had so far. The number one result, men or women. Just look at the rankings. You would say this result, on this stage, has to be number one.”
Up next
Group F: Brazil v Panama (12pm Monday, Hindmarsh Stadium)
Group G: Italy v Argentina (7am Monday, Eden Park)
Group H: Germany v Morocco (930am Monday, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium)
all times BST
