Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: USA survive Portugal scare to narrowly reach knockout stages

The United States survived a mighty scare against Portugal to advance to the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup.

The defending champions needed to avoid defeat but were inches away from crashing out when Portugal substitute Ana Capeta struck the post in stoppage time.

The USA held on to scrape a 0-0 draw, enough to secure progress to the last-16 while knocking Portugal out, but the four-time winners missed out on top spot in Group E.

That position was claimed by the Netherlands, who thrashed Vietnam 7-0. It means the USA will face the winners of Group G in the last-16, which is likely to be Sweden.

Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog:

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest updates

• Women’s World Cup continues in Australia and New Zealand

• USA battle Portugal for last-16 spot in Group E decider

• Netherlands 7-0 up against Vietnam and heading top of Group E

• England can qualify for last-16 with win or draw against China (11:00am BST)

• Women’s World Cup group standings: How can each team qualify?

• Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:33 , Mike Jones

Former Spain midfielder, Vicky Losada, is worried about how the USA will fare against Sweden in the next round. Speaking on ITV 1 she said:

“I think Portugal’s style was one of the worst to play against for USA. Sweden is a bit similar to them. They need to analyse, bring their confidence up.

“It’s great to see how the tournament is changing, how the small teams are getting better and I think it’s amazing for women’s football in general.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:26 , Mike Jones

Portugal end their first World Cup campaign with a clean sheet from two of their three games.

Only Switzerland and Japan (both with three) have more in this summer’s competition. It’s a heartbreaking way to go out of the tournament but the US pipped them right at the end.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:22 , Mike Jones

Alex Morgan came out for the post-match interview and gave her thoughts on the US’s campaign so far.

“It’s tough to be second, we wanted to go through first,” she told ITV. “This team gave everything, we just didn’t put the ball in the back of the net.

“In the last few minutes, we had to hold it down and get the result to move on. It’s not the result we wanted but we move forward. It’s just not going in the back of the net.

“We have so many corners and we have so many opportunities, we get the crosses. It’s just unlucky. It’s about following through with shots and making the right decisions in front of goal.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:18 , Mike Jones

The United States are now undefeated in their last 18 games at the World Cup, their longest unbeaten streak in the competition. Can they go all the way again?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:15 , Mike Jones

Former Scotland midfielder, Kim Little, spoke on ITV1 about the USA’s struggles against Portugal saying: “It is unusual for the USA to be in this position and credit to Portugal for their performance.

“They tired a little in the second half and they got the chance at the end. I really enjoyed watching them.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:11 , Mike Jones

There were no celebrations from the USA at full-time. They knew that they’ve gotten away with one and came mere inches away from heading out of the World Cup.

It hasn’t been the dominant campaign that everyone was expecting from the current champions. They’ve got plenty to work on before their next match.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:05 , Mike Jones

Who will the USA play next?

Now that the world champions are into the knockout rounds we can speculate who they’ll face in the last-16. The most likely opponent is Sweden.

They are currently top of Group G with two wins from two. Italy have a chance of beating them to the top spot but will need to heavily defeat South Africa and hope Argentina beat Sweden.

The Netherlands are probably going to take on Italy with the US facing Sweden.

That match will be a belter.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:01 , Mike Jones

Group E standings.

After a 7-0 mauling of Vietnam, the Netherlands finish top of Group E and make it into the last-16 as group winners with seven points.

The USA come second on five. Their draw against Portugal was enough to keep them ahead of the European side with end their campaign on four points.

Vietnam round out the group with three defeats from three and a -8 goal difference.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:57 , Mike Jones

Full-time!

90+8 mins: The United States cling on. This group has been a difficult one for them but they’ve held Portugal to a draw in Auckland and head into the last-16 as the Group E runners-up.

The world champions have not found their best form yet but tournaments are all about clicking at the right time. They’ve done the first job and made it out of the group.

The next is is likely to be a round of 16 clash with Sweden which will be their most difficult task yet.

Portugal can feel slightly gutted. They’ve competed against both the US and the Netherlands on top of defeating Vietnam. It’s been a decent World Cup for them but they’re heading home.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:54 , Mike Jones

90+6 mins: Oh my. The USA are a shambles at the back. A long free kick is lofted into the box by Portugal and it should easily be dealt with.

Alyssa Naeher comes out but misses her punch. Remarkably the ball misses everyone and bounces out for a goal kick.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:52 , Mike Jones

90+3 mins: Portugal were within a couple of inches of knocking the USA out of the World Cup. Can they create another chance before the end of the game?

Megan Rapinoe curls a cross into the box from the left and hits Alex Morgan. She can’t control it and the ball bounces out of play off her knee.

Portugal come forward again.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:51 , Mike Jones

90+1 mins: OFF THE POST!

Oh my word, Portugal almost had it. Substitute Ana Capeta brings down a long ball, cuts through the middle of the US defence then smokes a shot at goal.

Alyssa Naeher is beaten but the ball hits the right hand post and bounces away!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:49 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Eight minutes of stoppage time to play. There’s still time for a winning goal from either team.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:49 , Mike Jones

88 mins: Portugal just haven’t been able to create the opportunities to challenge the US goal. They’ve been brilliant at restricting the US’s attacking capabilities but there’s not much happening at the other end.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:44 , Mike Jones

85 mins: Chance! The US attack in the counter with Rapinoe taking the ball down the left side. She curls a pass into the box and finds Alex Morgan.

Morgan cuts onto her right foot and aims a shot at the near post but Ines Pereira drops to her right and smothers the ball.

The Netherlands have added a seventh against Vietnam too!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:42 , Mike Jones

82 mins: The free kick is curled into the box and comes out to Carole Costa on the left side of the box. She floats it into the six-yard area where Alyssa Naeher fumbles the ball.

There’s no Portuguese players near her though and she manages to scoop it back up quickly to avoid any nervous moments.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:40 , Mike Jones

80 mins: Oh that’s lovely. Julie Ertz loses the ball in midfield and Portgual send it up the pitch. Jessica Silva turns off the shoulder of Naomi Girma and sprints towards the ball only to be dragged back by Girma pulling her shirt.

Portugal have a free kick.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:36 , Mike Jones

77 mins: This is enough for the US. They’re knocking the ball around, maintaining possession, taking time out of the match. A draw is more than enough to get the world champions into the knockout rounds.

The Netherlands’ demolition of Vietnam means that the USA won’t be finishing top even if they win this game.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:32 , Mike Jones

74 mins: Dolores Silva shields the ball from Rose Lavelle and wins Portugal a free kick inside their own half. The set piece is booted long towards Diana Silva but she can’t control the ball and it rolls out of play for a US throw in.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:29 , Mike Jones

71 mins: Portugal have had less of the ball in this half and are finding it more difficult to play through the lines. There’s just under 20 minutes to play in Auckland and as it stands, the European side are heading out.

They need a goal.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:27 , Mike Jones

68 mins: This break in play has been going on for a few minutes now. Diana Silva has probably gone through a concussion test but she’s on her feet and jogs off the pitch.

She’ll be okay. Portugal restart the match with a goal kick.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:23 , Mike Jones

65 mins: Megan Rapinoe whips a corner in low towards Julie Ertz.

Ertz tries to flick the ball on but turns it out of play instead. Lynn Williams and Diana Silva tussle with each inside the box and Silva stays down afterwards holding her chin.

She’s taken a couple of knocks to the face today.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:22 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Portugal make a change too and take Kika Nazareth off. That’s a shock but the midfielder has some strapping on her leg and may have picked up a niggle.

Andreia Jacinto replaces her.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:19 , Mike Jones

60 mins: Lavelle lifts the free kick into the box and picks out Lynn Williams over by the back post. Williams gets her head to the ball and nods it wide.

Megan Rapinoe comes on to replace Sophia Smith for the USA.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:18 , Mike Jones

57 mins: The Netherlands are 6-0 up now against Vietnam.

Megan Rapinoe is warming up for the USA, they may need her enthusiasm and skills to get ahead in this match. Rose Lavelle drives down the right side before cutting in as she gets to the box.

There’s a nudge in her back and Lavelle wins the US a free kick in a dangerous area.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:13 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Close! The United States are starting to tick. Lindsey Horan drives through the middle before sliding a pass into the right side of the box.

Alex Morgan’s diagonal run sees her collect the ball. She takes it around the goalkeeper and shoots but her effort is blocked at the near post and goes out for a corner.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:11 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Diana Silva goes down with a scream after a challenge in the middle of the pitch. Sophia Smith whipped around to kick the ball and hit the Portuguese on the chin.

Smith is booked and Portugal win a free kick. Silva is fine to play on.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:07 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Andreia Norton leaves a bit on Rose Lavelle as the two women leap up to win an aerial ball. The US are awarded a free kick that Julie Ertz will fizz into the box.

She lifts it into the middle but hits a Portugal defender. The ball bobbles to the edge of the box where Lavelle takes a snapshot and sends her effort high and wide.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

09:04 , Mike Jones

Second half!

Portugal get the match back underway in Auckland. The first goal changes this match completely and depending on who scores it, could change the outlook of Group E.

The United States will be nervous, they expect to get out of the group but are walking a fine line.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:56 , Mike Jones

As things stand in Group E, the Netherlands will win the group with seven points and a healthy goal difference of +6. The USA are second on five but will drop down to third if they’re beaten by Portugal.

Portugal know they need to score. They’ve done brilliantly so far but will have to open up more in the second half if they want to get through to the last-16.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:52 , Mike Jones

Nothing to separate the teams are half-time. Who will go on to win this game?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:48 , Mike Jones

Half-time!

45+2 mins: Chance! A cross comes into the box from the middle and is brought down wonderfully by Lynn Williams. She chests it into space then hooks a shot at goal.

Ines Pereira snatches the ball up to deny the US an opener and the teams head into the break all square.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:46 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play in this first half. Will one of these teams break the deadlock before the break?

The Netherlands have added a fifth goal against Vietnam, they’re safely going to top the group.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:43 , Mike Jones

43 mins: Dolores Silva lifts a cross into the box from the left hoping to match the run of Diana Silva. Diana gets into the box but the ball drops too far in front of her and the Portuguese attack fades out.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:41 , Mike Jones

41 mins: Kika Nazareth brings a diagonal pass down and looks to goal. She’s a long way out but has a dart anyway and drills a great effort towards the right-hand post.

It dips at the last minute which worries Alyssa Naeher but the ball doesn’t drop enough and heads over the crossbar. Decent effort from the Portgual midfielder.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:40 , Mike Jones

39 mins: Portugal are edging possession in this match. Rose Lavelle and Dolores Silva come together in the middle of the pitch with the Portuguese midfielder getting to the ball first.

Lavelle’s follow through cleans her out and earns the American a yellow card. She’s going to miss the US’s last-16 tie now because of that - that is if they manage to get through the group.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:38 , Mike Jones

36 mins: Is this an opportunity for Portugal now?

They win a corner that Andreia Norton floats into the box. It drops to Diana Silva but she’s closed down quickly and can’t shoot. Portugal keep hold of the ball but the US get out quickly and force them to retreat to the halfway line.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:36 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Lynn Williams’ cross finds Sophia Smith but the forward chooses not to shoot first time. She attempts to lay the ball off to Alex Morgan in the middle but her pass is intercepted and cleared.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:32 , Mike Jones

30 mins: Portugal are just weathering a US storm here. The reigning World Cup champions are pressing high and keep recovering the ball.

There’s a few sketchy tackles going in just outside the box but so far Portugal are managing to keep the US at bay.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:29 , Mike Jones

27 mins: Kika Nazareth is the playmaker in the middle for Portugal. She receives the ball with her back to goal and turns beautifully. There are a couple of options ahead of her but she’s bullied off the ball by Andi Sullivan and the US fly forward.

Alex Morgan is played in down the left side and she takes the ball to the byline. The ball may have crossed the line but play goes on and Morgan pulls it back to Rose Lavelle.

Lavelle’s first effort hits Ines Pereira who keeps it out well but the rebound comes back to the US forward. She tries to lift this one over the goalkeeper but get too much of the ball and smokes it over the top!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Vietnam 0-4 Netherlands

08:25 , Jamie Braidwood

The Netherlands are putting on a show in Dunedin - Jill Roord has now added a fourth, after this brilliant curling strike from Esmee Brugts.

Netherlands are heading top of Group E.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:25 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Rose Lavelle lifts a free kick into the box for the USA. Ines Pereira decides to got for the ball and beats Alex Morgan to it by half a second.

She punches it away but is then cleaned out by the US forward and needs a bit of treatment for her right shoulder. That was a heavy hit.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:23 , Mike Jones

21 mins: It’s been an impressive start for Portugal. They’ve created the odd chance but more importantly have kept the US quiet.

Smith is given the ball out wide and takes on Tatiana Pinto. Pinto forces her wide and deflects the attempted cross out for a corner. The US swings the set piece into the middle.

Ines Pereira wants to come for it but she’s put under pressure from Alex Morgan. The ball drops to Rose Lavelle but she’s punished for a foul in the box.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:20 , Mike Jones

18 mins: The Netherlands are now three goals up against Vietnam after just 18 minutes of play. As a result, this match in Auckland will get very exciting should Portugal be the ones to score first.

Sophia Smith goes down after a rough tackle but she’s back on her feet and moves into a more central position. Alex Morgan has drifted out to the left in response.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:17 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Chance! A pass comes up to Kika Nazareth who turns past Andi Sullivan and threads a lovely ball through to Jessica Silva. She takes it to the edge of the penalty area then shoots and pushes her effort wide of the far post!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:13 , Mike Jones

11 mins: The Netherlands are now two goals to the good against Vietnam. That one looks like it’ll be a heavy scoreline for the Dutch side.

Even if the US win today, they may not top the group if the Netherlands finish with a better goal difference than them. Portugal are growing into the game here.

They’re not letting the US dictate proceedings and aren’t afraid to put challenges in.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:10 , Mike Jones

8 mins: Over in Dunedin the Netherlands have taken the lead against Vietnam meaning they’ve moved to the top of Group E as it stands.

Portugal have a throw in that is flung towards Tatiana Pinto. Pinto lays it off to the edge of the box where Andreia Norton shoots and smokes her effort over the crossbar.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:05 , Mike Jones

5 mins: Close! Rose Lavelle drifts into space and is fed the ball as she bursts into the right side of the box. She’s out wide but cuts a pass into the near post where Alex Morgan gets ahead of her marker and turns the ball towards goal.

There’s a slight deflection which saves Portgual and knocks the ball out for the first corner of the game. It’s whipped in but bounces out for a goal kick having hit a US shirt last.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:03 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Portugal will be up against it. Despite their draw with the Netherlands, the US are still the hot favourites to go on and win the World Cup.

They’re a team of winners and just look sharper than anyone else when they play - even when they play badly. They can be beaten though and Portugal will need to believe they can win.

Diana Silva lifts a cross into the US box but Naomi Girma is there to nod it clear.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

08:01 , Mike Jones

Kick off!

The United States get the match underway. This is a big one, win and they’re through, lose and they’re out. It’s as simple as that. They send the ball long down the right side and win it in the air.

A quick cross comes into the box and Alex Morgan attacks it. She’s unable to win the header and Portugal are awarded a free kick just outside their own box after a clearance.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA

07:56 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams.

There’s a determined focus written all over the faces of the US players. Portugal look at ease, they seem to be enjoying the stage and the possibility to reach the last-16.

The national anthems are sung and kick off is up next.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA

07:53 , Mike Jones

The USA have only ever lost one group game at the Women’s World Cup. That was in 2011 when Sweden defeated them 2-1 and topped the group.

If they lose for a second time today, it will be the biggest shock of the tournament so far and they’ll be heading home.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA

07:50 , Mike Jones

Can Portugal actually knock the USA out of the World Cup?

In their World Cup opener Portugal were narrowly beaten by the Netherlands but they impressively defeated Vietnam 2-0 to set up a chance at reaching the knockout rounds.

They face-off with reigning champions the United States for a last-16 spot today. Portugal will progress to the knockout stages if they cause a giant upset and beat the four-time winners.

Can they actually do it?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA

07:45 , Mike Jones

The USA’s match against Portugal is now “a must perform, must win,” game says Megan Rapinoe.

“We go into these moments like, ‘Hell yeah, this is exactly where we want to be,’” she said. “You could feel it in the second half, even, of the game against the Netherlands, that’s coming, you know that it’s coming.

“For us, we’re excited, we’re unsatisfied with the way that we’ve played, but we know the areas that we can be better and I think there are some really simple fixes that we can do to put ourselves in a better position to have more joy on the ball, especially in the final third.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA

07:41 , Mike Jones

There’s a good showing from the United States fans in Auckland for this match. It’s a crucial one for the reigning champions who need to win to ensure they make it into the knockout rounds.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA

07:37 , Mike Jones

Team changes

Portugal have made a few changes from the side that earned a historic first World Cup win against Vietnam. Goalkeeper Ines Pereira, defender Diana Gomes and the experienced Dolores Silva all come back into the starting XI.

Vlatko Andonovski makes his first changes of the tournament after naming the same USA team for the first two games.

Rose Lavelle, who had not played since April before this tournament because of a knee injury, starts after coming off the bench against the Netherlands.

Forward Lynn Williams gets her first taste of this World Cup as Savannah DeMelo and Trinity Rodman drop out.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA

07:31 , Mike Jones

The USA has played Portugal five times in the last six years but the teams were drastically different when they last met in June 2021.

The US won that game 1-0 the likes of Abby Dahlkemper, Becky Sauerbrunn, Sam Mewis and Christen Press - who started that day - are no longer in this current squad.

Portugal, meanwhile, have shown haow they’ve grown with their results at this World Cup. They held the Netherlands to just one goal and beat Vietnam 2-0.

“Every other day, there’s something that everybody’s shocked by. And it’s not because of one team having a terrible game and the other team the game of their life. It’s because both teams competed well,” USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski said.

“When we’re talking about the growth of the women’s game and the growth of the sport, this is an indication of it. And I’m just happy to see it.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA

07:27 , Mike Jones

Will the USA get knocked out of the World Cup?

As the United States continue their bid for a third Women’s World Cup in a row, they cannot afford to lose to Portugal or they will be eliminated in the group stages.

The defending champions opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory against Vietnam but were held to a 1-1 draw by the Netherlands, in what was a rematch of their 2019 World Cup final.

The USA are still in a strong position to qualify from Group E and will advance to the knockout stages if a win or draw against Portugal, who are making their first appearance at the World Cup.

Victory would not guarantee the USA top spot - they must still finish ahead of the Netherlands on goal difference, should the Dutch defeat Vietnam in their final fixture.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA

07:24 , Mike Jones

Megan Rapinoe starts on the bench for the United States today bit is relishing playing in the World Cup once again.

Because the USA drew with the Netherlands last time out they must now win all of their remaining matches if they want to regain the trophy they’ve won in the last two editions of the Women’s World Cup.

“Now every single game from here on out is that pressure moment,” Rapinoe said. “And that’s the best part of being in the World Cup.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal vs USA line-ups

07:18 , Mike Jones

Portugal XI: Pereira; Borges, Gomes, Costa, Amado; Dolores Silva, Pinto, Norton; Nazareth, Jessica Silva, Diana Silva

USA XI: Naeher; Fox, Ertz, Girma, Dunn; Sullivan, Lavelle, Horan; Williams, Morgan, Smith

Women’s World Cup LIVE

07:09 , Jamie Braidwood

“When Keira Walsh got injured, there was a collective groan of sympathy for a world-class player missing the rest of the tournament, but also for the rest of England’s squad. They must now deal with the loss of Walsh, the deep-lying playmaker who knits the team’s approach play together and so brilliantly patrols the space in front of the back four.

“Walsh is probably Sarina Wiegman’s most important player, certainly in the absence of Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, and England have now lost all three of the players who led them to European Championship glory.”

Here’s Kelly Smith’s latest column on how England can adapt to losing their most crucial midfielder:

Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust

Women’s World Cup LIVE

06:59 , Jamie Braidwood

When is England vs China?

The match will kick off at 12pm BST on Tuesday 1 August at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.

How can I watch it?

England’s match against China will be shown on ITV 1 and on ITV X, with coverage starting at 11:15am.

What is the team news?

England midfielder Keira Walsh has been ruled out of the match against China, but could play later in the World Cup after the Lionesses confirmed she had not suffered an ACL injury.

England have a fully fit squad elsewhere. Sarina Wiegman made two changes for the win against Haiti, with Lauren James and Rachel Daly set to keep their places.

Laura Coombs replaced Walsh when she was stretchered off against Denmark and could start, with Georgia Stanway moving back to the holding role.

Women’s World Cup LIVE

06:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Zambia end tournament on a high

Debutants Zambia claimed their first-ever victory at the Women’s World Cup with a 3-1 win over Costa Rica at Waikato Stadium, although both teams were already out of contention for the knockout stage.

Zambia, whose first two games ended in 5-0 hammerings, finished third in Group C, as Costa Rica finished bottom and did not pick up a point in their three matches.

Defender Lushomo Mweemba scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far, with a spectacular volleyed effort at two minutes and 11 seconds, and captain Barbra Banda doubled the lead from the penalty spot just after the half-hour mark. Melissa Herrera cut the deficit two minutes after the break and Costa Rica pushed for an equaliser, but substitute Racheal Kundananji netted the third in stoppage time to ensure Zambia’s debut World Cup campaign ended on a high.

“It’s a historic day,” Banda said. “We’ve had a lot of support back home so we wanted to win today ... It was not an easy game for us. It was a battle.

“I’ve been practising penalties in training so I was confident. At the same time, I was nervous, carrying the hopes of thousands of people back home. It was an honour for me to take that penalty.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE

06:33 , Jamie Braidwood

Japan lay down marker with Spain thrashing

Hinata Miyazawa grabbed two goals to become the tournament’s leading scorer as former champions Japan put on a counter-attacking clinic to beat Spain 4-0 and lock up top spot in Group C.

Striker Riko Ueki also scored on the break as the Nadeshiko cut through Spain’s high press with three lightning raids in the first half before substitute Momoko Tanaka added the fourth with another quality strike eight minutes from time.

Japan, winners of the 2011 World Cup and runners-up in 2015, will remain in the New Zealand capital to play Norway in the last 16 on Saturday, while Spain – who similarly to their opponents had already qualified for the last 16 – will move north to Auckland to face Switzerland earlier on the same day.

“In the first and second games, we had more time to work with the ball but had to be wary of the counter-attack,” said coach Futoshi Ikeda.

“In this match against Spain, we knew we would have to defend for long periods. So we knew we would have to take advantage of every opportunity we had to play the game we wanted to. I think were successful in this.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE

06:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Nigeria were disappointed to come away from their final Women’s World Cup group game against Ireland with just a point but would have gladly accepted it before kick-off if they knew it meant reaching the last 16, coach Randy Waldrum said.

Nigeria started the game top of the Group B standings but the 0-0 draw allowed co-hosts Australia to move up to first place after they thrashed Canada 4-0, meaning the African side look on course to face England in the last 16.

A pay dispute has overshadowed their campaign, with the outspoken Waldrum saying he was owed seven months’ wages and some of his players had not been paid in two years. But the American coach said he was proud of what his side achieved despite the complaints.

“I just told them that two years ago, when we started this journey, so many things went well and so many things didn’t go well. They never gave up, they continued to believe,” a smiling Waldrum said after they sealed qualification for the last 16.

“You know, I was actually disappointed in the second half because we could have won the match. So it almost feels disappointing that we didn’t get the result, the three points. But all of us would have taken this result before we started the match just to know we got through.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE

06:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Sam Kerr remained on the bench but thankfully for Australia, they did not need her. In a must-win match, the co-hosts did much more to keep their World Cup alive: thrashing the Olympic champions Canada to reach the knockout stages and restoring belief that looked to have been lost in the shock defeat to Nigeria. With it, Group B was flipped on its head: Ireland’s draw with Nigeria means Australia advance as group winners, avoiding a potential clash with England in the last-16.

Kerr could yet return for that, but Australia finally found a way to play without their star striker and captain. It came at the perfect time with the Matildas facing elimination and a World Cup dream that was instead turning into a nightmare. Kerr was back on the bench after missing Australia’s opening two games with a calf injury, but against Canada they were instead lifted by another returning star in Mary Fowler.

Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare

Women’s World Cup LIVE

06:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Group E How can each team qualify?

United States

- The USA will qualify for the last-16 as long as they do not lose to Portugal. They will finish top of Group E if Netherlands draw or lose, or if they win by a greater margin than the Dutch.

Netherlands

- The Netherlands will qualify with a win or draw against Vietnam. The Netherlands could still qualify with a defeat, as long as they had a better goal difference than the USA.

Portugal

- Portugal will reach the last-16 if they beat the USA but will be out if they lose. If Portugal draw, they would require the Netherlands to lose Vietnam by at least two goals.

Vietnam

- Cannot qualify for the knockout stages.

Women’s World Cup LIVE - How can each team qualify?

06:06 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s crunch time at the Women’s World Cup with the final round of fixtures in the group stages set to decide who will advance to the knockouts.

It has been a tournament of shocks and surprises so far, with Nigeria stunning Australia and Colombia’s last-gasp win over Germany standing out as the biggest results of the World Cup.

There are set to be more twists and turns as the final matches of the group stages are played out - with the top two teams in each group advancing to the last-16.

With everything to play for across several groups, here’s what each team needs to reach the knockout stages.

Women’s World Cup group tables and standings: How can each team qualify?

Women’s World Cup LIVE - Today’s fixtures

06:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Group E: Vietnam vs Netherlands (08:00, Dunedin) - ITV 4

Group E: Portugal vs USA (08:00, Auckland) - ITV 1

Group D: Haiti vs Denmark (12:00, Perth) - ITV 4

Group D: China vs England (12:00, Adelaide) - ITV 1

Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today

Women’s World Cup LIVE - Good morning

06:01 , Jamie Braidwood

England and the United States will look to book their place in the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup as the group stage deciders continue in Australia and New Zealand.

The Lionesses face China in their final fixture of Group D, with the Lionesses knowing that a win or a draw would be enough to seal top spot and confirm a meeting with Nigeria in the last-16.

Sarina Wiegman’s side will be without key midfielder Keira Walsh and their hopes of reaching the knockout stages will be in danger should they lose to China, with Denmark facing Haiti for the other qualification spot.

Elsewhere, the United States must avoid defeat to Portugal in order to advance to the last-16 and keep their title defence alive. Defeat would see the defending champions eliminated, with Netherlands facing Vietnam in the other Group E decider.

Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog: