WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
This is Super Falcons’ chance for a third ever knock-out stage qualification
Eliminated Republic of Ireland meet Group B leaders Nigeria in Brisbane/Meaanjin on Monday.
While the Europeans are simply playing for pride, the African representatives need at least a draw to seal their qualification for the knockout stage.
Despite losing both of their matches so far in their debut campaign in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Irish can take plenty of heart from their performances against Australia and Canada.
Katie McCabe’s fourthminute goal against Canada, their first ever in the tournament, got them off to a bright start in their last match before the Olympic champions mounted an impressive comeback to win 2-1. In what is their final game before they depart Australia & New Zealand 2023, Vera Pauw’s team will want to go out in style.
Nigeria are in pole position to progress from Group B and they know that even a draw will do the job. They were impressive in their 3-2 win over joint hosts Australia in their last match and will now look to seal their spot in the round of 16.
KEY FACTS
- Katie McCabe became the first player to score a FIFA Women’s World Cup goal for the Republic of Ireland when she opened the scoring against Canada.
- Nigeria are aiming to reach the knockout rounds at successive FIFA Women’s World Cup final tournaments for the first time. They previously qualified from their group in 1999 and 2019.
- Nigeria’s total of four points is their best start to a FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign after two matches. Their highest points total after three matches is six, which they achieved in 1999.
- A win or a draw would mean Nigeria are unbeaten in three successive FIFA Women’s World Cup matches for the first time.
- If Nigeria qualify, they would become the first African nation to reach the knockout rounds on three occasions.
- Nigeria’s only previous win in 13 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches against European opposition was a 20 victory against Denmark in 1999.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND TEAM FACTS
- Overall record: Play 2, Win 0, Draw 0, Lost 2, Goals For 1, Goals Against 3, Goal Difference: -2
- Biggest win: Nil
- Biggest defeat: Republic of Ireland 0-2. Australia (20/07/2023) and Republic of Ireland 1-2 Canada (26/07/2023)
- Highest scoring match: 3 goals – Republic of Ireland 1-2 Canada (26/07/2023)
- Most goals scored in a match: 1 – Republic of Ireland 1-2 Canada (26/07/2023)
- Most goals conceded in a match: 2 – Republic of Ireland 1-2 Canada (26/07/2023)
- Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 1 (2023 – 2 matches)
- Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 1 (2023 – 2 matches)
- Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 2 (2023 – 2 matches)
- Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 2 (2023 – 2 matches)
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS
- Successive wins: Nil
- Successive defeats: 2 (2023-present)
- Successive draws: 0
- Successive matches without a defeat: 0
- Successive matches without a win: 2 (2023-present)
- Successive matches with a goal scored: 1 (2023-present)
- Successive matches without scoring: 1 (2023)
- Successive clean sheets: 0
NIGERIA TEAM FACTS
- Overall record: Play28, Win 5, Draw 4, Lost 19, Goals For 23, Goals Against 65, Goal Difference -42
- Biggest win: 2-0Nigeria v. Denmark (27/06/1999)/2-0 Nigeria v. Korea Republic (12/06/2019)
- Biggest defeat: 0-8Nigeria v. Norway (06/06/1995)
- Highest scoring match: 8 goals – Nigeria 0-8 Norway (06/06/1995)/Nigeria 1-7 USA (24/06/1999)
- Most goals scored in a match: 3 – Nigeria 3-3 Canada (08/06/1995), Nigeria 3-4 Brazil, 01/07/1999), Nigeria 3-3 Sweden (08/06/2015)and Nigeria 3-2 Australia (27/07/2023)
- Most goals conceded in a match: 8 – Nigeria 0-8 Norway (06/06/1995)
- Most goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 8 – 1999 (4 matches)
- Fewest goals scored at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 0 – 1991 and 2003 (3 matches)
- Most goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 14 – 1995 (3 matches)
- Fewest goals conceded at a FIFA Women’s World Cup: 2 – 2011 (3 matches)
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP STREAKS
- Successive wins: 1 (five times, the last of which was 2023-present)
- Successive defeats: 4 (three times)
- Successive draws: 1 (four times, the last of which was 2023-present)
- Successive matches without a defeat: 2 (2011-2015, 2023-present)
- Successive matches without a win: 9 (1999-2011)
- Successive matches with a goal scored: 6 (1995-1999)
- Successive matches without scoring: 4 (1991-1995 and 2007-2011)
- Successive clean sheets: 1 (four times, the last of which was 2023-present)
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Spain thrash grieving Portugal 5-0 in Women’s Euro clash

Spain striker Esther Gonzalez scored twice in the first half as her side powered to a 5-0 win over Portugal at the Women’s Euros that was overshadowed by the deaths of Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident earlier on Thursday.
On an emotional night that began with a minute’s silence for the brothers, Portugal went behind almost immediately, Olga Carmona putting the ball over the top for Gonzalez to run on to and score in the second minute.
Mariona Caldentey did superbly to pull the ball across the box for Vicky Lopez to score the second goal five minutes later.
The Portuguese managed to steady the ship but they were rocked again four minutes before the break when Alexia Putellas took down another great pass from Caldentey on her chest before calmly cutting inside and firing home.
“I highlight our mindset, how we came out to play,” Putellas said. “We were really eager to get started but it’s only the first match.”
There was more misery to come for Portugal before halftime as Gonzalez netted her second goal two minutes later, scoring from close range after Claudia Pina’s cross came back off the far post.
The world champions were delighted to be able to bring in Aitana Bonmati from the bench following her recent brush with viral meningitis, and the playmaker wasted no time getting into the thick of things, setting up a chance for Cristina Martin-Prieto.
“Aitana is a very important player for us. We are delighted that she is back and has overcome her illness. It is a joy,” Putellas said.
Portugal showed more composure in the second half but they were no match for Spain’s power, precision and technique and, though they held Spain at bay for most of the second half, Martin-Prieto scored with a superb late header to complete the rout.
“We conceded early goals and the team became anxious and unsettled,” said Portugal forward Diana Silva. “We couldn’t get hold of the ball and then it’s harder to chase the result. We were much better in the second half, more united. We didn’t allow Spain so much space to get in.
“We believe until the end, our goal is to earn points until the end and everything is still up for grabs.”
Silva and her teammates remained on the pitch after the final whistle, posing in front of their fans with a huge black banner in memory of Jota.
Spain’s victory was their biggest in a European Championship, surpassing their 4-1 win over Finland in 2022, and was the ideal start for what the tournament favourites hope will be their first Women’s Euro title.
With Italy having defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier in the evening, Spain top the group with the Italians second. Spain take on the Belgians in their next game, while Portugal face Italy.
-Reuters
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025: Morocco to Face Brazil in opening match

The draw for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 was held on Wednesday in Rabat. It set the tone for a highly anticipated edition of the tournament.
The event will feature competitive groups. There will be a dazzling, historic opening match between the host nation and Brazil.
Hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia will fly the African flag. This will occur during the 3-week tournament taking place between 17 October – 8 November.
As hosts of this eighth edition, Morocco have not been dealt an easy hand. Drawn into Group A alongside Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica
The opening match is scheduled to take place in Rabat. It will see Morocco go head-to-head with a Brazilian side renowned for its strength at youth level.
This high-profile fixture will be an important benchmark for Morocco. They can gauge how far they’ve come in their footballing development.
Cameroon to Tackle a Formidable Group B
Group B presents a stern test for Cameroon. They will face North Korea, Mexico, and the Netherlands.
This group showcases a compelling mix of footballing philosophies and playing styles. The Lionesses will need to combine tactical discipline with physical strength to compete effectively.
Cameroon have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in this competition. Their U-17 side will be hoping to break new ground.
Their recent success on the regional stage, particularly within the UNIFFAC zone, offers a solid foundation for optimism.
Nigeria Aim to Maintain Their Legacy
As one of the most successful African nations at youth level, Nigeria arrive with a proud legacy to uphold.
Drawn into Group D, the Super Flamingos will take on France, Canada, and Samoa. It’s a challenging group, but well within reach for a team known for its athletic prowess and technical quality.
The Nigerian class of 2025 is attracting a lot of attention. With the right momentum, they have the potential to reach the quarterfinals or even further. Their encounter with France could very well be the pivotal fixture of the group.
Debut Challenge for Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire will make their tournament debut in Group E, where they’ll face Spain, Colombia, and South Korea. The Ivorians will need to demonstrate character and determination to compete at this level.
Their match against Spain, the runners-up in the previous edition, will be a formidable test. However, it’s not insurmountable. Should the Little Elephants manage to hold off the Spanish onslaught, an upset could be on the cards. Their attacking line known for its speed and unpredictability could be their biggest asset.
Zambia Ready to Make a Statement in Group F
In Group F, Zambia is set to face Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay. Though less experienced than their opponents, the U-17 Copper Princesses arrive with a clear goal: to surpass the performance of previous African teams at this stage of the tournament.
It’s a demanding draw, particularly against a Japanese side famed for its collective organisation and fluidity.
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WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Finland mistakenly call up 51-year-old for international duty

Finland women’s national team manager has apologised for mistakenly calling up a long-retired 51-year-old for this week’s game against Serbia.
When submitting the lineup, manager Outi Saarinen mistakenly entered former player Stina Ruuskanen instead of 23-year-old Djurgarden defender Nanne Ruuskanen.
The error was not discovered until past deadline.
Ruuskanen, who received her call-up 29 years after playing two senior internationals for Finland, took the mix-up in good humour.
“I’m definitely ready if the call comes! Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match … so my game feel is good,” she told the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat.
The younger Ruuskanen, who is no relation, was unable to take part in the Nations League match, a 1-1 draw in Helsinki on Tuesday.
“Nanne was, of course, disappointed but took the news very well considering the circumstances,” Saarinen said in a statement from the Finnish Football Association.
“I am very sorry for the mistake.”
-Reuters
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