WOMENS SOCCER - WORLD CUP
2010
Qualifier, 2nd Leg - England (3) @ (2) Switzerland - England qualified for the 2011 World Cup Finals with a hard-fought 2nd leg win in Switzerland, advancing with a 5-2 aggregate result. Goals from Kelly Smith, Eniola Aluko and Fara Williams (penalty) sealed the win but the Swiss also scored from a well-taken free-kick then benefitted from the Englsih goalkeeper being sent off when star striker Ramona Bachmann claimed to have been punched in the face after scoring her goal, although replays suggest she dived (10, No half-time, 2 Discs, BBC - Mowbray/Ward, PAL)
2011 - Germany World Cup
Group B - Mexico (1) v (1) England - England started their campaign with a tight draw in Wolfsburg. A 1st half goal from Fara Williams got England off to a good start but Mexico equalised 12 minutes later with a spectacular 30 yard shot from Monica Ocampo. Neither side could find the winner during the rest of the game and both teams shared the points (10, 2 Discs, Eurosport - Boyce/O'Neill, PAL)
Group B - England (2) v (1) New Zealand - England needed a win to stake a claim for a place in the knockout rounds and rode a 2nd half comeback to take the win. The All Whites took the lead in the 1st half against the run of play with a goal from Sarah Gregorius. England struck back with a goal from Jill Scott and finally found the winner with 9 minutes left from substitute Jessica Clarke (10, Missing last 4 minutes but no scoring but does include Post-Game, 2 Discs, BBC - Mowbray/Ward, PAL)
Group B - England (2) v (0) Japan - England advanced to the Quarter Finals as Group winners with an emphatic win over favoured Japan. England controlled the game and took the win with great goals, 1 in each half, from Ellen White (a lob from 22 yards out) and Rachel Yankey (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Mowbray/Ward, PAL)
Quarter Final - England (1) v (1) France - England's run in the tournament ended in familiar fashion, with a penalty shootout loss to France. After a scoreless 1st half, England took the lead with a Jill Scott goal but France equalised with 3 minutes remaining thanks to a stunning shot from outside the penalty area from Elise Bussaglia. Neither team could find a winner in extra-time and England missed 2 penalties in the shootout to give France the win (10, Missing upto 35 minutes of the 1st half but no scoring missed, 2 Discs, BBC - Mowbray/Ward, PAL)
Final - Japan (2) v (2) USA - In a sensational match, Japan made history as the 1st ever Asian continent winners with an upset win over the favoured USA. After a goal-less 1st half dominated by the USA, they finally took the lead through Alex Morgan but Japan equalised 10 minutes from time through Aya Miyama to force extra-time. Abby Wambach again took the lead for the USA before Japan forced a penalty shootout with a goal from Homare Sawa 4 minutes from the end. USA then missed 3 of their 4 penalties to allow Japan to win the game and the trophy (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Mowbray/Ward, PAL)
2013
Qualifier - Belarus (0) @ (6) England - England opened their qualification campaign with a big win at the Goldsands Stadium in Bournemouth. England raced out to a 4-0 lead at the half and added 2 more goals in the 2nd half to take the win. The goals came from Karen Carney (3), Ellen White, Natasha Dowie and Eni Aluko. This was the 1st game England played after long-time manager Hope Powell was sacked (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Ward, PAL)
Qualifier - Turkey (0) @ (8) England - England consolidated their top spot in the group with a goal-explosion in Portsmouth. England led 6-0 at the half and coasted home in the 2nd half. The goals came from Toni Duggan (3), whose hat-trick came in 37 minutes including 2 goals in the opening 2 minutes, Ellen White (2), Eni Aluko (2) and Natasha Dowie (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Ward, PAL)
Qualifier - Wales (0) @ (2) England - England continued their unbeaten start to the campaign with a tight win at Milwall's New Den. Both goals came in the 2nd half from Jordan Nobbs and Toni Duggan (9, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Ward, PAL)
Qualifier - England (4) @ (0) Turkey - England completed the double over Turkey in their qualifying group with a comfortable 4-0 win in Adana, Turkey. Goals from Eniloa Aluko (a great long range shot) and Fara Williams (a penalty) gave England a 2-0 lead at the half and further goals from Toni Duggan and Jordan Nobbs gave England the win. Copied from an internet source (9, 1 Disc, No commentary-Just crowd noise, PAL)
2014
Qualifier - Montenegro (0) @ (9) England - At the Amex Stadium in Brighton, England continued their unbeaten start to the campaign with a big win over bottom team Montenegro. England were in total control throughout the game, leading 4-0 at the half, and registered over 40 shots on goal. The England goals came from Toni Duggan (3), Eniola Aluko, Jill Scott, Karen Carney, Lianne Sanderson, Demi Stokes and Natasha Dowie (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Ward, PAL)
Qualifier - Ukraine (0) @ (4) England - England kept their unbeaten record with a tough home win against a strong Ukraine team. England only led 1-0 at the half but sealed the win with 2 goals at the start of the 2nd half and a late goal capped the scoring off. The goals came from Natasha Dowie (2) and Eniola Aluko (2) (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Ward, PAL)
Qualifier - England (4) @ (0) Wales - England booked their place at the 2015 World Cup with a big win in Cardiff. England dominated the 1st half, scoring all 4 of their goals, and despite a sloppy 2nd half where they allowed the Welsh back into the game, England cruised home to victory. The England goals came from Karen Carney, Eniola Aluko, Laura Bassett and Lianne Sanderson. Wales featured captain Jess Fishlock and midfielder Sarah Wiltshire (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Ward, PAL)
2015 - Canada World Cup
Group A - Canada (1) v (0) China - Canada opened their home tournament with a nervy win in Edmonton. Both teams created few chances although both teams hit the woodwork. The game was settled in injury time at the end of the game when Canada won a soft penalty and top goal scorer Christine Sinclair scored to take the win. 53,000 people attended the game, making it a record attendance for a Canadian football match (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Bower/Ward, PAL)
Group D - Sweden (3) v (3) Nigeria - In a shootout in Winnipeg, a young Nigerian team twice came back from a deficit to earn a share of the points with the 5th ranked team in the World. Sweden were 2-0 up at the break but the Nigerians fought back to 2-2 with 2 goals in 3 minutes at the start of the 2nd half. Sweden reclaimed the lead in the 60th minute but the Nigerians earned their draw with a tieing goal 3 minutes from time. The Sweden goals came from Nilla Fischer, Linda Sembrant and an Own Goal. The Nigerian goals came from Ngozi Okobi, Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega (10, Next day re-broadcast with no Pre-Game, Half-Time or Post-Game, 1 Disc, BBC - Keatings, PAL)
Group F - England (0) v (1) France - France opened their campaign with a tight win over England. The game was settled in the 1st half by a great shot for the edge of the penalty area by Eugenie LeSommer. England pressed for an equaliser but France kept them at bay. England only managed 3 shots in the game, and only 1 on target (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Bower/Ward, PAL)
Group F - England (2) v (1) Mexico - England rebounded from their opening game loss with a win in Moncton. England were on top most of the game but had to wait until the 70th minute for the breakthrough goal when Fran Kirby scored on her World Cup debut. Karen Carney scored the 2nd after 82 minutes and despite conceding a goal in injury time, England held on for the win (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith, PAL)
Group F - England (2) v (1) Colombia - England qualified for the Last 16 with a big win over a strong Colombian team. England controlled the 1st half and were rewarded with goals from Karen Carney and Fara Williams. In the 2nd half, England took their foot off the gas and an injury time goal from Lady Andrade gave Colombia hope, but they ran out of time (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith, PAL)
Last 16 - England (2) v (1) Norway - England made history with their 1st ever win in a World Cup knockout game, coming from behind to beat a strong Norwegian team. After a scoreless 1st half, Norway scored first with a goal from Solvieg Gulbrandsen. England replied with a goal from captain Steph Houghton then won the game in the 76th minute with a long range strike from Lucy Bronze (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith, PAL)
Quarter Final - Germany (1) v (1) France - In a great game of attacking football, Germany booked a place in their 3rd straight World Cup semi-final with a Penalty Shootout win over the French. France dominated the game but paid the price for poor finishing as Germany forced extra-time with a penalty in the 84th minute. Neither team could find a winner in the extra-time, and Germany won the game when France missed their final penalty in the shootout. The France goal came from Louisa Necib and the Germany goal came from Celia Sasic (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Bower/Ward, PAL)
Quarter Final - England (2) v (1) Canada - England won their 2nd World Cup knockout game with a strong game in Vancouver in front of 54,027 fans. England started fast and held a 2-0 lead after 14 minutes. Canada struck back with a goal just before half-time, but in the 2nd half England controlled the game and ran out winners. The England goals came from Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze. The Canada goal came from Christine Sinclair (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith, PAL)
Semi-Final - England (1) v (2) Japan - Japan advanced to their 2nd straight World Cup Final by virtue of a last-second own-goal in Edmonton. Japan dominated the early part of the game and took a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute with a penalty. But England recovered to equalise with a penalty of their own in the 40th minute then dominated the rest of the game. But ultimately England paid for poor finishing when Japan forced England to concede an own-goal, scored by Laura Bassett, with their final attack of the game, and Japan celebrated the win. The Japan goal came from Aya Miyama and the England goal came from Fara Williams (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith, PAL)
3rd Place Match - England (1) v (0) Germany - On an historic day in Edmonton, England claimed 3rd place at the World Cup with their 1st ever win over Germany. After a slow start, England dominated the rest of the game but struggled to find scoring opportunities. Germany seemed to fade as the game went on and when the game went to extra-time, England won a penalty that Fara Williams converted, and the Lionesses' held on for the win. (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Bower/Ward, PAL)
Final - USA (5) v (2) Japan - The USA won their 3rd World Cup with a shootout win in Vancouver. The game was the highest scoring Final ever. The USA took control early and held a 4-0 lead after 16 minutes, effectively ending the game as a contest. Carli Lloyd was the hero for the USA, scoring a hat-trick in 13 minutes including a sensational goal from the half-way line. The other USA goals came from Lauren Holiday and Tobin Heath. The Japan goals came from Yuki Ogimi and an own-goal (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith, PAL)
2017
Qualifier - Russia (0) @ (6) England - England began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a dominating win at Prenton Park in Tranmere. England played great attacking football, with Fran Kirby pulling the strings, and went in at the half with a 4-0 lead. England didn't let up in the 2nd half as they substituted freely and finished the game with 2 further goals. The England goals came from Nikita Parris, Jodie Taylor, Jordan Nobbs, Lucy Bronze and Toni Duggan (2). The game proved to be the final match in charge for England coach Mark Sampson, as the day after the game he was sacked (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith, PAL)
Qualifier - Bosnia and Herzegovina (0) @ (4) England - England continued their unbeaten start to the season with a dominating win at the Bescott Stadium in Walsall. England dominated the stats with 80% possession and 31 shots on goal, but only held a 1-0 lead at the half before sealing the win with 3 more goals in the 2nd half. The goals came from Steph Houghton (2), Nikita Parris and Fran Kirby (9, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith, PAL)
Qualifier - Kazakhstan (0) @ (5) England - At the Weston Homes Community Stadium in Colchester, England dominated Kazakhstan to stay top of their group. Due to a couple of withdrawl's due to injury, England gave full debuts to Mel Lawley and Keira Walsh and brought Jess Carter off the bench for her debut. England led 1-0 at the half with a goal from Lawley and sealed the win with 3 goals in the 2nd half from Fran Kirby, Nikita Parris (2) and Izzy Christiansen. Goalkeeper Karen Bardsley made her return after breaking her leg in the Euro's (9, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith, PAL)
2018
Qualifier - England (3) @ (0) Wales - At Rodney Parade in Newport, England secured their place in the 2019 World Cup with a hard-fought win against the Welsh. The home side kept the game goal-less at the half but 2nd half goals from Toni Duggan, Jill Scott and Nikita Parris secured the win. England dominated possession (73% to 27%) and shots on goal (18 to 7) (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Smith/Davies, PAL)
2019 - France World Cup
Group A - France (4) v (0) South Korea - Hosts France opened their World Cup with a confident victory over South Korea in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd in Paris. France overwhelmed South Korea in the 1st half and took a 3-0 lead in at the half. In the 2nd half, South Korea changed their formation and shored up their Defense, restricting France to only 1 more goal but rarely threatened themselves and France ran out easy winners. The France goals came from Eugenie Le Sommer, Wendie Renard (2) and Amandine Henry (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
Group A - France (2) v (1) Norway - France all but secured a place in the knockout stages with a hard-fought win in Nice. Despite both teams playing great football, the 1st half remained scoreless. In the 2nd half France scored first, but Norway forced an own-goal to level up the scores before France won the game with a winner 18 minutes from time. The France goals came from Eugenie Le Sommer and Valerie Gauvin. The Norway goal came from a sensational own-goal from French Defender Wendie Renard (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Ward, PAL)
Group C - Brazil (2) v (3) Australia - In a shootout in Montpelier, Australia kept their World Cup participation alive with a comeback win against the Brazilians. It was the first loss by Brazil at the Group Stage of a World Cup since 1995. Brazil were in control entering 1st half stoppage time, holding a 2-0 lead. But Australia scored with the final kick of the half, then rallied to score 2 more unanswered goals in the 2nd half to take the sensational win. The Australia goals came from Caitlin Foord, Chloe Logarzo and an own-goal. The Brazil goals came from Marta and Cristiane. With her goal, Marta became the 1st player to score in 5 different World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019) (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Scott/Rafferty, PAL)
Group D - England (2) v (1) Scotland - England opened their World Cup campaign with a narrow victory over their big rivals Scotland, but needed a big defensive performance in the 2nd half to seal the win. England started strongly, dominating the 1st half, and led 2-0 at the break. But Scotland came more into the game in the 2nd half and dominated the game themselves. They pulled a goal back with 11 minutes to go but couldn't find the tieing goal and England held on for the big win. The England goals came from Nikita Parris and Ellen White. The Scotland goal came from Claire Emslie (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith/Booth, PAL)
Group D - England (1) v (0) Argentina - England dug deep to beat a resolute Argentina side, and all but secured a place in the knockout stage. England faced an in-form Argentinian goalkeeper in Vanina Correa, as she pulled off a string of great saves and also saved a penalty from Nikita Parris. In the 2nd half, though, the South American sides resistance was broken when England put together a sweeping end-to-end move that resulted in a great goal from Jodie Taylor. England then relaxed and saw out the game with great defending to start the World Cup with 2 wins. England dominated the statistics (76% possession, 17 shots on goal) (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
Group D - England (2) v (0) Japan - England finished their Group stage with a 3rd straight win to top the group, beating the 2015 finalists in Nice. England held Japan at arms-length in the 1st half, while they looked impressive themselves on the counter-attack and it was England that took a 1-0 lead in a the break. Japan made a decisive substitution in the 2nd half, and suddenly looked threatening up-front. England defended heroically until the 84th minute before securing the win, and the group, with a 2nd goal. The England goals came from Ellen White (2) (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
Group D - Scotland (3) v (3) Argentina - In a sensational game in Paris, Argentina claimed a remarkable draw against Scotland and knocked the Scots out of the World Cup. Scotland started the better and seemed on course to qualify for the knockout stage as they scored 3 unanswered goals to hold a comfortable lead with only 20 minutes to play. But as Scotland relaxed, Argentina pushed forward and scored 2 goals in 4 minutes to set up a shocking finale. With the game entering the 5th minute of injury time, Argentina won a penalty. The Scottish goalkeeper saved the kick but VAR confirmed the 'keeper was not on the goal-line when the kick was taken, so the penalty was re-taken. This time the kick was successful and Argentina claimed the draw and knocked Scotland out of the World Cup. The Argentina goals came from Milagros Menendez, an own-goal and Florencia Bonsegundo. The Scotland goals came from Kim Little, Jen Beattie and Erin Cuthbert (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Booth, PAL)
Group F - USA (13) v (0) Thailand - The United States recorded the biggest ever victory in the Women's World Cup as they crushed Thailand 13-0 in Reims. The tournament favourites dominated the statistics (40 shots on goal, 73% possession) and were 3-0 up at half-time. They then scored 4 times in 10 minutes at the start of the 2nd half and then added 6 more goals in the last 16 minutes of the game to put a cap on an extraordinary game. The USA goals were scored by Alex Morgan (5), Rose Lavelle (2), Lindsey Horan, Samantha Mewis (2), Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Pugh and Carli Lloyd (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
Last 16 - England (3) v (0) Cameroon - England won through to the Quarter Finals with a comfortable win over Cameroon, but it wasn't without controversy as they needed 2 big VAR decisions either side of half-time to do so. Cameroon were so incensed by the perceived injustices that their players remonstrated openly with the officials and had to be coaxed back on to the field and told to carry on. England were in control of the game throughout and took a 2-0 lead in at the half. The 2nd goal was given by VAR despite being initially ruled offside. After the break, Cameroon thought they had scored only for VAR to rule it out for offside, a decision which incensed the team and forced a long delay before the game could re-start. England remained composed and finished of the game with a 3rd goal to book their place in the next round. The England goals came from Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Alex Greenwood (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
Last 16 - France (2) v (1) Brazil - France progressed to the Quarter Finals with an extra-time win over a strong Brazil team, in a game dominated by VAR. After a scoreless 1st half, France took the lead with a goal from Valerie Gauvin. The lead only lasted 11 minutes before Thaisa equalised, but only after VAR had overturned an offside decision. Neither team could find the winner so the game went to extra-time where France captain Amandine Henry settled the game with a close-range finish to send Les Bleus into the next round. The game proved to be the final World Cup game for Brazilian Marta, who finished her World Cup Finals career as its all-time top scorer (17 goals) (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Scott/F.White, PAL)
Quarter Final - England (3) v (0) Norway - England booked a place in their 2nd consecutive World Cup Semi-Final with a strong performance against Norway. England dominated the 1st half and led 2-0 at the break. Norway tried to get back in to the game in the 2nd half, but a strong defensive performance, especially from captain Steph Houghton, saw them take the win. The England goals came from Jill Scott, Ellen White and Lucy Bronze, who capped a player-of-the-game performance with a fantastic goal (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
Quarter Final - France (1) v (2) USA - In an eagerly anticipated match-up, the holders met the hosts in Paris, and it was the tournament favourites that took the win. Led and inspired by veteran striker Megan Rapinoe, the USA dominated the game, scoring a goal in each half to take the win. France did score with 9 minutes to play but it was too little too late and the USA saw out the game for the win. The USA goals came from Megan Rapinoe (2). The France goal came from Wendie Renard (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
Quarter Final - Germany (1) v (2) Sweden - In a big upset in Rennes, Sweden came back from a 1-0 deficit to finally end their Germany jinx. Sweden had not beaten Germany at a major tournament since 1995 and the streak seemed destined to continue when Germany scored in the 16th minute. But the lead didn't last long as Sweden scored 6 minutes later. Sweden always looked dangerous on the break and scored their 2nd goal early in the 2nd half, a lead which they defended heroically to the end. The Sweden goals came from Sofia Jakobsson and Stina Blackstenius. The Germany goal came from Lina Magull (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Bassett, PAL)
Semi-Final - England (1) v (2) USA - In a sensational game of high drama, the USA held on against a strong England team to reach their 3rd straight World Cup Final. The USA started fast and kept England in check in the 1st half and took a 2-1 lead in at the break. England stepped up a gear in the 2nd half and looked like getting something from the game. But they had a goal disallowed by VAR and, with 6 minutes to play, had a game-tieing penalty kick saved. Soon after, they lost defender Mille Bright to a red card and the USA saw out the win. The USA goals came from Christen Press and Alex Morgan. The England goal came from Ellen White (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
3rd Place Playoff - England (1) v (2) Sweden - Sweden took the Bronze with a tenacious win in Nice. They started the game better and scored 2 goals in the opening 22 minutes. England finally settled in to the match and dominated the remaining 3 quarters of the game, scoring after 31 minutes, but had a goal ruled out by VAR and another shot cleared off the line and couldn't find the equaliser to get back in the game. Sweden held on and claimed 3rd place, their 4th top 3 finish in their World Cup history. The Sweden goals came from Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson. The England goal came from Fran Kirby. England substitute Karen Carney made her final England appearance in the 2nd half, winning her 144th cap (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Ward, PAL)
Final - USA (2) v (0) Netherlands - The USA won their 2nd World Cup title in a row with an overpowering performance against a hard-working Dutch team. The Netherlands made it to half-time without conceding a goal, thanks to great defending and 4 excellent saves from goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal. But in the 2nd half, the USA won and converted a penalty and 8 minutes later scored a 2nd goal to knock the fight out of the Dutch. The USA comfortably saw out the game to take the win and their 4th World Cup title. The USA goals came from Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe, whose goal gave her the Golden Boot for top scorer at the tournament (10, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
2021
Qualifier - Latvia (0) @ (20) England - On a record-setting night at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium, England continued their unbeaten start to their World Cup qualification campaign with a big win. England over-whelmed Latvia, scoring 8 goals in the 1st half and 12 goals in the 2nd half, as they racked up their biggest-ever competitive victory. The England goals came from Beth Mead (3), Lauren Hemp (4), Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Jess Carter, Bethany England (2), Jill Scott, Alessia Russo (3), Jordan Nobbs and Ellen White (3). With her 3 goals, Ellen White became England's record goal-scorer with 48 goals (8, 2 Discs, ITV - Hutchinson/Chamberlain, PAL)
Qualifier - Luxembourg (0) @ (10) England - England finished their qualification group with a resounding win at the Stoke City Stadium. England scored 5 goals in each half and controlled the game with 81% possession. The England goals came from Georgia Stanway (2), Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly, Beth Mead, Beth England (2), Nikita Parris, Ella Toone and Lauren Hemp (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Hutchinson/Hayes, PAL)
2023 - Australia and New Zealand World Cup
Group A - New Zealand (1) v (0) Norway - In front of an emotional 42,137 crowd at Eden Park, co-hosts New Zealand opened the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with a stunning upset victory over Norway. The win was New Zealand's first ever at a World Cup. The goal came at the end of a sensational build-up by the Ferns, with Hannah Wilkinson scoring the winning goal in the 48th minute (9, 2 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Brown-Finnis, PAL)
Group B - Australia (2) v (3) Nigeria - In a sensational shootout at Lang Park in Brisbane, Nigeria moved top of Group B with a stunning win over co-hosts Australia. After Australia opened the scoring, Nigeria scored 3 unanswered goals to take the lead. An injury time goal from Australia made for a nervy finish for the Africans, but they held on for the win. The Nigeria goals came from Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala. The Australia goals came from Emily van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy. Australia were missing star striker Sam Kerr to injury (9, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/Flaherty, PAL)
Group C - Japan (4) v (0) Spain - The eagerly-anticipated match-up between the top 2 teams in Group C turned out to be a one-sided affair as Japan dominated Spain to finish top of the group. Japan were awesome in the 1st half and took a 3-0 lead in at the break, then coasted home in the 2nd half. Even though Spain dominated possession, Japan converted 5 of their shots on goal into 4 goals. The Japanese goals came from Hinata Miyazawa (2), Riko Ueki and Mina Tanaka. Spain featured Alexia Putellas and Jennifer Hermoso (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Matterface/Byrne, PAL)
Group D - England (1) v (0) Haiti - England opened their World Cup with a nervy win at Lang Park in Brisbane. A 1st half goal from Georgia Stanway, with a penalty that had to be taken twice, proved the game-winner. Haiti featured teenager Melchie Dumornay, who had a great game (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Hutchinson/Hayes, PAL)
Group D - England (1) v (0) Denmark - England remained top of Group D with a comfortable win over the Dames at the Sydney Football Stadium. A 6th-minute goal from Lauren James (a great finish) proved the game-winner. The England result was over-shadowed by a terrible knee injury to star midfielder Keira Walsh (9, 2 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Brown-Finnis, PAL)
Group D - England (6) v (1) China - England put together a complete game and dominated China at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. Inspired by Lauren James, England took a 3-0 lead in at the half and coasted home in the 2nd half with 3 more goals. With the win, England qualified for the knockout round of the tournament. The England goals came from Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James (2), Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly. The China goal came from Shuang Wang (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Hutchinson/Hayes, PAL)
Group F - Brazil (4) v (0) Panama - At the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, Brazil opened their World Cup with a dominant win over Panama. 2 goals in each half did the damage, with the star for Brazil being Ary Borges, who scored 3 of the goals. The other Brazil goal came from Bia Zaneratto (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Hutchinson/Ward, PAL)
Group F - Panama (3) v (6) France - In a shootout at the Sydney Football Stadium, France held off a spirited Panama team to finish top of Group F. France rested star players Wendie Renard and Eugenie le Sommer but didn't seem to miss them as they ran out to a 5-1 lead early in the 2nd half. But Panama kept fighting, and scored 2 unanswered goals to make the game close before an injury-time goal for France settled the result. The France goals came from Maelle Lakrar, Kadi Diani (3), Lea Le Garrec and Vicki Bècho. The Panama goals came from Marta Cox, Yomira Pinzón and Lineth Cedeño (9, No Post Game, 2 Discs, ITV - Meulensteen/Chamberlain, PAL)
Group G - Argentina (2) v (2) South Africa - At the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, both teams played out a draw that earned South Africa their first ever World Cup point. South Africa seemed on course for the win, holding a 2-0 lead with 16 minutes to play, but 2 goals in 5 minutes from Argentina turned the game around. Neither team could find the winner the rest of the way so the honours ended even. The South Africa goals came from Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana. The Argentina goals came from Sophia Braun and Romina Nunez (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Gayle/Ward, PAL)
Group H - Germany (1) v (2) Colombia - In a sensational finish at the Sydney Football Stadium, Colombia upset Germany with an injury-time goal to condemn Germany to their first World Cup group stage defeat since 1995. Colombia seemed ready to take the win, leading 1-0 into the final minute, but Germany won and converted a penalty to equalise. Colombia weren't done, though, and in the 97th minute they won a corner from which they scored a stunning game-winning goal. The Colombia goals came from Linda Caicedo (a terrific curling shot) and Manuela Vanegas. The Germany goal came from Alexandra Popp (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Hutchinson/Ward, PAL)
Last 16 - Sweden (0) v (0) USA - At the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Sweden stunned the football world by knocking out the current World Champions in a penalty shootout. The loss marked the USA's worst ever finish at a Womens World Cup. USA dominated the game (58% possession, 22 shots on goal) but Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was inspired, making 11 saves to force a penalty shootout. USA then folded under the pressure, missing 3 kicks, setting up a game-winning penalty for Lina Hurtig. Hurtig's penalty, though, was saved by USA 'keeper Alyssa Naeher, although VAR reviewed the kick and it was deemed to have crossed the line, and Sweden celebrated the win (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Hutchinson/Ward, PAL)
Last 16 - England (0) v (0) Nigeria - England won through to the Quarter Finals despite a terrible performance against a dynamic and inspired Nigeria team. The England cause wasn't helped when Lauren James was sent off for stamping on a Nigerian player with 3 minutes to play in regulation, but a great Defensive performance saw the team to a penalty shootout, and they held their nerve to win 4-2 (9, 3 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Brown-Finnis, PAL)
Quarter Final - Spain (2) v (1) Netherlands - At the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, Spain booked a place in their 1st World Cup Semi-Final with an extra-time win over the Dutch. After a scoreless 1st half, Spain took the lead with 9 minutes to play with a converted penalty. But the Dutch kept going and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 91st minute. In extra-time both teams had chances to win, but in the end it was Spain who scored the game-winner, with 19 year old substitute Sarah Paralluelo scoring. The other Spanish goal came from Mariona Caldentey Oliver. The Netherlands goal came from Stefanie van der Gragt (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Gayle/Byrne, PAL)
Quarter Final - Sweden (2) v (1) Japan - Sweden repeated their giant-killing act from the Last 16, knocking out a favoured Japan team at Eden Park in Auckland. Sweden went 2-0 up after 51 minutes, while also using a great Defensive game-plan to keep Japan at bay. Japan did get a goal back with 3 minutes to play, but it proved too little, too late. The Sweden goals came from Amanda Ilestedt and Filippa Angeldahl. The Japan goal came from Honoka Hayashi (9, 2 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Brown-Finnis, PAL)
Quarter Final - Australia (0) v (0) France - Co-hosts Australia reached the Women's World Cup semi-finals for the first time as they beat heavily favoured France on penalties at Lang Park in Brisbane. After a goal-less match, a penalty shootout was required and the shootout ebbed-and-flowed, with both teams having an opportunity to score 1 penalty to win. But the goalkeepers stepped up and made crucial saves at crucial times, and it was Australia 'keeper Mackenzie Arnold that proved the hero, saving 4 kicks, as Australia won 7-6 (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Meulensteen/Ward, PAL)
Quarter Final - England (2) v (1) Colombia - At Stadium Australia in Sydney, England overcame a stubborn Colombian team to book a place in their third straight World Cup semi-final. England had to overcome a 1st half goal from Colombia before pouncing on 2 loose balls in the penalty area to score 2 goals to take the lead that they defended to the end. The England goals came from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo. The Colombia goal came from Leicy Santos (9, 2 Discs, ITV - Hutchinson/Hayes, PAL)
Semi-Final - Spain (2) v (1) Sweden - At Eden Park in Auckland, Spain beat Sweden in a thrilling finish to reach their first Women's World Cup final. A tight game of few chances looked to be heading for extra-time when Spain substitute Salma Paralluelo scored what looked like the game-winner with 10 minutes to play. But in the final minute Sweden's Rebecka Blomqvist sensationally equalised and once again extra-time seemed on the cards. But there was one last twist, as 93 seconds later, Spain captain Olga Carmona scored a stunning goal to finally win the game for Spain and book their place in the Final (9, 2 Discs, BBC - Pearce/S.Smith, PAL)
Semi-Final - England (3) v (1) Australia - England overcame 'Matildas Mania' and a partizan, sell-out crowd at Stadium Australia in Sydney, to reach the Women's World Cup Final for the first time. England took a 1-0 lead in at the half and were in control until Australia striker Sam Kerr scored a sensational 25-yard goal in the 63rd minute. Australia and the crowd really got into the game but England firmly shut the door on an upset by scoring 2 goals in 15 minutes to seal the win and a place in the Final. The England goals came from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo. Coverage also includes BBC News Post-Game (5 mins) + ITV match hi-lites (46 mins) + BBC News coverage from the next day (10 mins) (9, 2 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Brown-Finnis, PAL)
Final - England (0) v (1) Spain - Spain won their 1st ever Major Womens trophy with an upset of England at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Spain took the lead in the 1st half with a goal from Jenni Hermoso, then managed to keep England at arms length the rest of the way to take the win. Spain could have scored more but England goalkeeper Mary Earps had a big game, making several big saves and even saved a penalty. After the game, during the medal ceremony, Spanish Football President Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed Jenni Hermoso, an unsolicited act that caused uproar around the world. 3 weeks after the final, Rubiales was forced to resign and was banned by FIFA from any football activities for 3 years. Coverage includes BBC News Post-Game + news report on Rubiales resignation (9, 3 Discs, BBC - Cowen/Brown-Finnis, PAL)
Womens World Cup : Review - A look back at the 9th Womens World Cup Finals, held jointly by Australia and New Zealand. Includes game action and interviews with key players (9, 53 minutes, 1 Disc, BBC, PAL)