Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: Ireland out as Canada come from behind after Katie McCabe wondergoal

Ireland are out of the Women’s World Cup after Olympic champions Canada came from behind to condemn them to a second straight loss in Group B and unable to advance to the knockout stages.

Despite a spectacular opening goal from Katie McCabe, which went straight in from a corner, Canada turned the game around after a Megan Connolly own goal and a second-half winner from Adriana Leon.

The result leaves Ireland bottom of Group B after their opening day defeat to co-hosts Australia, and they will be unable to qualify for the last-16 when they face Nigeria in their final group game next week.

Elsewhere today, both Spain and Japan qualified for the last-16 with a match to spare as they continued their impressive early form in Group C. Japan cruised to a 2-0 win against Costa Rica before Spain thrashed Zambia 5-0, with both teams moving to six points to advance to the knockout stages.

Monday’s meeting between Spain and Japan will decide who goes through as group winners, while Zambia and Costa Rica are already out with a match left to play.

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

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest updates

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

• Ireland defeated by Canada in crucial Group B clash and are out of the World Cup

• 53’ GOAL! Leon collects Schmidt’s pass and pokes it past Brosnan (CAN 2-1 IRE)

• 45+5’ GOAL! Connolly touches Canada cross into own net (CAN 1-1 IRL)

• 4' GOAL! Katie McCabe scores straight from corner (CAN 0-1 IRL)

• Spain qualify for knockout stages with 5-0 victory over Zambia

• Japan join Spain in last-16 after 2-0 win against Costa Rica

Sarina Wiegman admits unconvincing England lacked cutting edge in Women’s World Cup opener

18:41 , Mike Jones

England women boss Sarina Wiegman felt her European champions lacked “ruthlessness” after they eked out a 1-0 victory over debutants Haiti to open their World Cup campaign at Brisbane Stadium.

Georgia Stanway’s retaken first-half penalty was ultimately enough to win her side all three points, but did little to ease concerns about the Lionesses’ attacking form after they failed to find the back of the net in their previous three encounters.

Were it not for a late second-half save from FIFA women’s goalkeeper of the year Mary Earps to deny substitute Roseline Eloissaint, the fourth-ranked Lionesses could well have ended their evening with a draw against their underdog Group D opponents, who sit 49 places below them in the FIFA rankings.

Sarina Wiegman admits unconvincing England lacked cutting edge in World Cup opener

England survive Women’s World Cup scare but Haiti highlight problems for Lionesses to solve

18:34 , Mike Jones

England have a precious first win in this World Cup but that very description is why they did not look like eventual winners of the tournament itself.

That isn’t to say it will remain like this, but Sarina Wiegman has a lot of problems to solve, and a lot of work to do. Haiti at least more than set the tone for the latter. In something that has already developed into a bit of a pattern in these first few games, the supposed minnow deserved more than the 1-0 defeat they suffered through Georgia Stanway’s mercifully reordered penalty.

Haiti’s brilliant young star, Melchie Dumornay, may well end up deserving a series of individual awards. She was by far the player of the match here, running the game. Haiti often gave England a runaround. The entire result ended up depending on Mary Earps standing her ground in a crucial final chance for Haiti.

England survive World Cup scare but Haiti highlight problems to solve

Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?

18:26 , Mike Jones

The United States remain the team to beat ahead of the Women’s World Cup and the two-time defending champions remain number one in the Fifa rankings ahead of the tournament.

The USA are looking to become the first country to win three World Cups in a row and have held top spot since 2017.

But the tournament in Australia and New Zealand could bring a shake-up to the order. Europe is catching up and the likes of England, Germany, France and Spain will be coming for the USA’s crown.

Zambia come into the World Cup as the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, which is hosting 32 teams for the first time.

Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?

Megan Rapinoe: The legendary US attacker and LGBT+ rights activist in profile

18:17 , Mike Jones

Megan Rapinoe, 38, burst onto the global stage at the 2011 World Cup in Germany when she scored a screamer against Colombia and celebrated by grabbing an on-field microphone placed near the corner flag and crooning Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA”. A star was born.

Since then, the iconic neon-haired winger has won gold at the London 2012 Olympics, bronze at the Tokyo 2020 games and both the 2015 and 2019 FIFA World Cups as an integral part of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT).

She was named player of the tournament at her last World Cup in France four years ago after scoring six – including a spotkick in the final against the Netherlands – and picked up both the Golden Boot and that year’s Ballon d’Or Feminin.

Megan Rapinoe: The legendary US attacker and LGBT+ rights activist in profile

Who is Alex Morgan? The prolific USWNT striker in profile

18:08 , Mike Jones

US Women’s National Team (USWNT) striker Alex Morgan, 34, is one of the biggest stars in women’s football, already an Olympic gold medallist and a two-time World Cup winner.

The American is heading into her fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup and ranks in the top 10 in USWNT history in goals, assists and multi-goal games.

Morgan first caught the eye a decade ago at the 2011 World Cup in Germany when she was the youngest player in the American squad but, undaunted by the international spotlight, scored in both the semi-final and final as the US finished runners-up to Japan.

Who is USWNT striker Alex Morgan?

Argentina star defends Cristiano Ronaldo tattoo: ‘It’s not anti-Messi’

18:00 , Mike Jones

Argentina forward Yamila Rodriguez has defended herself for having a tattoo of Cristiano Ronaldo inked on her left shin, saying that favouring the Portugal star is not a sign she does not appreciate their World Cup-winning talisman Lionel Messi.

The 25-year-old, who also has a tattoo of Argentina great Diego Maradona on her left thigh, said she had been receiving criticism on social media for the tattoo of Ronaldo, Messi’s great rival.

“Please stop, I’m not having a good time. At what point did I say that I’m anti-Messi?” she wrote on Instagram.

“I’m not having a bad time because of you (fans) but for the atrocities that are said, without mercy. Can’t you have an idol or a player you like?”

Argentina star defends Cristiano Ronaldo tattoo: ‘It’s not anti-Messi’

US Women’s National Team honours late teammate Katie Meyer by dedicating their goals at the World Cup

17:49 , Mike Jones

The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) kicked off their Women’s World Cup with a 3-0 win over Vietnam in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday 22 July. And one of the team’s forwards took the moment to remember an absent friend.

After striker Sophia Smith had slammed home her second goal of the game, she put her fingers to her lips and made a zipping motion across her mouth in honour of former Stanford Cardinal teammate Katie Meyer, whose iconic celebration it was.

Meyer had gone viral after making precisely that gesture when the college side secured the 2019 NCAA College Cup with a penalty shootout win in which she was instrumental but tragically died on 1 March 2022, aged just 22, after taking her own life.

US Women’s National Team honours late teammate by dedicating their goals at World Cup

Lionesses’ pack are forming stronger relationships – Alex Greenwood

17:38 , Mike Jones

England defender Alex Greenwood is confident vital new connections are forming in camp that will see an improved display when the Lionesses take on Denmark in their second World Cup game on Friday.

Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty was enough to secure England a nervy 1-0 victory in their opener against underdogs Haiti, but did little to ease concerns about their attack as it extended the streak without a goal from open play to three matches.

Yet this is a much-changed line-up from last summer’s European Championship triumph, with Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up in Brisbane showing five changes from the one that lifted that trophy almost a year ago.

Lionesses’ pack are forming stronger relationships – Alex Greenwood

Today at the World Cup

17:27 , Mike Jones

Canada fight back to break Irish hearts

Ireland bowed out of the tournament after Canada came from behind to win in Group B. Captain Katie McCabe gave Ireland the lead when she scored straight from a corner after just four minutes.

Megan Connolly’s own goal levelled just before half-time and Adriana Leon grabbed Canada’s winner eight minutes after the break.

Today at the World Cup

17:21 , Mike Jones

Japan ease past Costa Rica

Japan also qualified for the last 16 with a routine win over Costa Rica. Quickfire first-half goals from Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino saw the 2011 champions through.

Japan and Spain will battle it out for top spot in their final Group C game when they face each other on Monday.

Today at the World Cup

17:15 , Mike Jones

Spain cruise into last 16

Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo scored twice as Spain thumped Zambia 5-0 to reach the last 16.

One of the tournament favourites made the knockout stages with a game to spare having already beaten Costa Rica in their first match.

Teresa Abelleira opened the scoring before Hermoso and Redondo took charge as Spain eased to victory.

Ireland ‘heartbroken’ as Canada comeback reveals World Cup lesson

17:09 , Mike Jones

There was no other way for Katie McCabe to put it, nor was there anywhere to hide her emotions. In 90 minutes, the Ireland captain had gone from the elation of scoring her country’s first goal at the Women’s World Cup to the heartbreak of it all being over after two matches.

Ireland will leave the tournament believing they deserved more and while the joy was great while it lasted, it probably made it hurt a whole lot more when it was over.

Canada’s comeback on a sodden night in Perth ended any hopes Ireland had of reaching the knockout stages, leaving their final fixture against Nigeria on Monday as a dead-rubber.

The ‘group of death’, at least from Ireland’s perspective, played out in the manner that many had feared. After facing the unenviable task of facing co-hosts Australia in their opening game, Ireland had to at least draw against an experienced and gritty Canada side who had their backs against the wall. Realistically, they couldn’t have asked for two harder games to start their first ever World Cup adventure.

Ireland ‘heartbroken’ as Canada comeback reveals World Cup lesson

Women’s World Cup 2023

17:00 , Mike Jones

The Lionesses trained in front of over 2,500 fans at Central Coast Stadium as the team set up base in the coastal town on Terrigal in New South Wales, where they will remain for the remainder of their World Cup adventure.

“We are delighted to be on the Central Coast and we want to thank everyone who has made us feel so welcome,” Sarina Wiegman said.

“It is such a beautiful part of Australia and it really feels like a ‘home from home’ both in our base camp hotel but also at the Central Coast Stadium. A huge amount of work has gone in behind the scenes and we are very grateful.

“To have around 2,500 fans and so many of them children watch training is so amazing and we never take the support for granted.”

Women’s World Cup 2023

16:50 , Mike Jones

England forward Lauren Hemp on how the Lionesses can rediscover their scoring touch:

“I think we are all working really hard in training to make sure we are being more clinical, creating more chances and obviously getting our goal percentage higher.

“But we know it is something we need to improve on and we are working really hard as a team to make sure we are ready for the next game. We will be raring and ready to score some goals.

“We have seen in games that we are capable of doing that, so it’s not like we have not scored before. We are all capable of scoring. It is just about making it click and getting those connections working.

“I think obviously being at a World Cup is new for a lot of us – a lot of us have never been to one before. It’s across the other side of the world and I’m not making excuses but it’s important that each game we build on and we’ve seen that last summer, so we’re more than capable of doing that.”

Women’s World Cup 2023

16:41 , Mike Jones

After numerous games at the Women’s World Cup have been halted for video assistant referee (VAR) review, South Korea coach Colin Bell angrily wondered why there was no VAR for a penalty called against his team in a 2-0 loss to Colombia on Tuesday.

Catalina Usme scored on a 30th-minute penalty kick after Shim Seo-yeon was whistled for a handball, deflating the Korean side.

“The penalty was a little bit harsh because the ball was really well-struck, at speed, at distance, I don’t know where Seo-yeon would have had to put our arms,” said Bell, on the shot that glanced off the defender’s arm.

“I just wondered why that was not reviewed. I’ve watched all the matches so far in this tournament, you’ve had five minutes with review at times (when) nobody knows what’s going on. This time it’s a clear penalty. So, then you go down (a goal), and then it’s very difficult against a very strong Colombia team.”

Reuters

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

16:31 , Mike Jones

For UK viewers, every game will be available to watch on the BBC and ITV.

For the BBC, there will be live coverage on television as well as the BBC Sport website with live audio commentary available on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sounds app.

For ITV, live coverage will be available on television as well as online via ITVX.

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

Meet Canada midfielder Quinn: The first trans player to feature at a World Cup

16:22 , Mike Jones

Canada midfielder Quinn made history when they became the first transgender and non-binary person to appear at either a men’s or women’s World Cup, playing 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Nigeria in Melbourne last week.

The Ontario native, 27, is already a gold medallist for their country, part of the side that triumphed at the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics in summer 2021 and has designs on going all the way in Australia and New Zealand too.

Hailing from a sporting family – Quinn’s father and mother played college rugby and basketball respectively – the midfielder quickly took to football as a child, rejecting all other after-school pursuits in favour of the beautiful game.

Who is Quinn? The first trans and non-binary player to feature at a World Cup

BBC apologises for asking Morocco captain how many of the team are lesbians

16:14 , Mike Jones

The BBC has apologised after one of its reporters asked the Morocco captain whether any of the squad at the ongoing Women’s World Cup are lesbians.

Morocco, a Muslim-majority country, are the first Arab nation to qualify for the World Cup and critics claim the question posed to Ghizlane Chebbak in a pre-match press conference potentially endangered the safety of the squad.

Same-sex sexual activity between men or women is criminalised in the North African country, with a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine.

BBC apologises for asking Morocco captain how many of the team are lesbians

Darts, colouring in and 1,000 bags of Yorkshire tea: Inside the Lionesses’ World Cup den

16:03 , Mike Jones

The central coast beaches of Terrigal are a far cry from the metropolitan hustle and bustle of nearby Sydney but they provide a fitting ‘home away from home’ for the Lionesses as they embark on their Women’s World Cup campaign.

Its streets and coffee shops are frequented by the England team but this quiet town 32 miles north of Australia’s largest city ensures an environment in which they can free themselves from the stresses of a major tournament.

It’s the first time the FA have ever allowed the media access to an England base camp and Kay Cossington, the FA’s women’s technical director, and Anja van Ginhoven, England’s women’s general manager, are excited to reveal what they’ve delivered for the squad.

A private entrance to the hotel is adorned with the Three Lions crest, the staircase that leads you towards the team’s home sits underneath a red and white balloon arch, while the stairs themselves bear phrases to drive home the motivation: “Our England, our family, bonded by pride,” reads one.

Games, colouring and 1,000 bags of tea: Inside the Lionesses’ World Cup den

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:54 , Mike Jones

Group B continues tomorrow as Australia take on Nigeria.

The hosts can secure a spot in the knockout rounds if they win but should they lose then everything will be set up nicely for the final gameweek as two of Australia, Nigeria and Canada would go through while the other would be out.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:42 , Mike Jones

Katie McCabe has now been involved in 12 goals across her last nine games in Women’s World Cup qualifiers and finals for Republic of Ireland (eight goals, four assists).

It’s quite apt that she was the one to score Ireland’s first ever World Cup goal.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:39 , Mike Jones

Post-match thoughts from Ireland captain, Katie McCabe:

Katie McCabe: Ireland captain and Arsenal’s player of the season in profile

15:35 , Mike Jones

Captain of the Irish national team since the age of 21, Arsenal’s Katie McCabe has the honour of leading her team out at their first major championship at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The versatile left-sided player has been ever-present for her club and country in recent years and will be the fulcrum of Ireland’s bid to pull off an almighty shock this summer.

Born in Kilnamanagh, southern Dublin, and one of ten siblings, McCabe began her footballing journey playing in boys’ youth teams for Kilnamanagh and Crumlin before joining her first all-girls team at aged ten.

At 16, she joined Raheny United as part of the newly-formed Women’s National League in Ireland, hitting the ground running with two league titles and three cup victories in her first three years.

Katie McCabe: Ireland captain and Arsenal’s player of the season in profile

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:32 , Mike Jones

More from Katie McCabe who says she is proud of leading out her team and what they have achieved just to get this far:

“Honestly to captain these girls is an absolute honour and a privilege.” She said, “Leading them out against Australia in the first game [was great] but also this game and playing with them.

“The young players coming through like [Larkin], they are the future. We are hungry for more and have had a taste of a major tournament. We know what the level is. I want to thank the fans, they were immense.”

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:27 , Mike Jones

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe speaking to ITV 1: “I mean, it’s bittersweet.

“It’s nice to score and get us off to a good start but it’s the results that matter at this level and in these kind of tournaments. I’m just heartbroken for the girls because of how we played. I’m just just heartbroken.

“We took positives from the game against Australia and we knew we have pace on the flanks. We wanted to get into their faces and put them under a lot of pressure. It’s just about capitalising on those moments too.

“It’s a sucker-punch just before half-time [to concede an equaliser] to go so close but then then we felt we could push for another goal in the second half. Obviously they scored.”

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:24 , Mike Jones

The Republic of Ireland are the first side since the Ivory Coast in 2015 to score the opening goal of a Women’s World Cup game inside the first five minutes and still end up losing.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:21 , Mike Jones

Republic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw spoke to RTE Sport after the defeat saying: “We’ve experienced that before, we spoke so much about it, at the end of the first half you have to keep the organisation tight.

“There were moments there was no cover so they could cut in and have a free cross. We felt we could control the game in the first half. We brought Abbie Larkin in for more variety.

“But they stepped up and she was sandwiched. She couldn’t get out. We played 25 minutes with 4-2-4. We can be proud of what we’ve shown.”

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:17 , Mike Jones

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:14 , Mike Jones

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe was booked after the final whistle for something she said to the referee. She wears her heart on her sleeve and looks gutted to be going home after the group stages.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:10 , Mike Jones

Canada are now top of Group B ahead of Australia’s match against Nigeria tomorrow. They needed this victory after an opening draw and now look set to challenge the tournament co-hosts to see who will top the group.

It’s heartbreaking for Ireland who have been a great underdog team. They’ve pushed both their opponents, Australia and Canada, close and with slightly better luck could be looking at a place in the next round.

However, Ireland are on the plane home. They just didn’t have enough in this tournament but the history makers can still be proud of their own efforts.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:07 , Mike Jones

Here’s the winning goal from Adriana Leon:

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

15:01 , Mike Jones

Full-time!

90+5 mins: A second successive defeat for Ireland, depsite yet another heartening performance, ends their World Cup campaign at the group stages.

They can’t qualify out of Group B but for forty minutes or so tonight, Ireland thought they’d hit the big time. Katie McCabe’s historic goal put them in front but Canada got back in the game thanks to an own goal just before half-time.

The Canadians improved in the second half and were the better side. Adriana Leon poked them ahead and they were savvy enough to close out the match.

Canada can still get into the knockout rounds but Ireland have just one match left in the 2023 edition of the Women’s World Cup.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:54 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play. Five minutes before Ireland are knocked out of the World Cup, unless they can get an equaliser.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:54 , Mike Jones

89 mins: With time running out for Ireland, Lily Agg lets fly with a driving effort from outside the box. It’s a decent strike but Kailen Sheridan has eyes on it from the start and plucks the ball out of the air to deny Ireland.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:50 , Mike Jones

86 mins: Sophie Schmidt is an experience hand for Canada. She wins a throw in in midfield and sends the ball back to her goalkeeper to eke out a few more minutes.

Schmidt is retiring from international football after this tournament so she won’t want Canada facing an early exit. So far so good for her team.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:48 , Mike Jones

83 mins: Inside that last 10 minutes now and Canada have a free kick. Jessie Fleming lofts the set piece into the box but Ireland manage to get it out of the box. Cloe Lacasse has a dart from outside the area but her shot is blocked.

Ireland try to get forward but Canada recover the ball and force the Irish back to defend their own lines.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:46 , Mike Jones

80 mins: Ireland are pushing, mainly through Katie McCabe, who singlehandedly is driving her team up the pitch. She has a shot but is way off target and they’ll have to reset and come again.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:38 , Mike Jones

74 mins: Canada are comfortable. They’re keeping hold of the ball and asking Ireland to force the play. The Irish need to get themselves up the pitch.

A throw in is given to McCabe but she loses it on a run down the left as a back-tracking Sinclair gets there to nick it away from her.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:36 , Mike Jones

71 mins: Amber Barrett, Lily Agg and Izzy Atkinson replace Kyra Carusa, Ruesha Littlejohn and Sinead Farrelly for Ireland who have less than 20 minutes to save their World Cup campaign.

A defeat here and they’re out of the tournament.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:31 , Mike Jones

68 mins: Close! Canada float a cross in from the left wing as Christine Sinclair makes a run into the box. She meets the ball on the volley but it bounces off her shin and leaves Courtney Brosnan with an easy scoop to recover the ball.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:30 , Mike Jones

65 mins: Kyra Carusa’s last involvement in the match sees her get on the end of a Katie McCabe cross. The ball comes in from the left and Carusa wins the ball despite pressure from a defender and the goalkeeper.

She can’t direct her header though and nods it over the top.

Amber Barrett then replaces her for Ireland.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:28 , Mike Jones

62 mins: More changes. Canada take off goalscorer Adriana Leon for Cloe Lacasse as Ireland bring on Marissa Sheva for Aine O’Gorman.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:25 , Mike Jones

59 mins: Jessie Fleming floats a free kick into the box for Canada and look to pick out Jordyn Huitema. The forward gets her head to the ball but can’t control it

There’s a scramble and the ball trickles out for an Ireland throw in.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 2-1 Ireland

14:21 , Mike Jones

56 mins: This has been a proper turnaround as Canada now seem like the team in full control. They’re confident in possession and are getting players behind the ball.

Littlejohn tries to work the ball into the box from the left but dispossessed and Ireland’s attack breaks down.

Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Canada 2-1 Ireland (Leon, 53’)⚽️

14:18 , Mike Jones

53 mins: Turnaround! Quinn has possession over on the left side but loses the ball. Sophie Schmidt regains it for Canada and turns towards goal before lifting a lovely pass into the box for Adriana Leon.

Leon brings the ball under control, spins inside of her marker and flicks it past Courtney Brosnan to send her team ahead. Canada have come from a goal down and now lead.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 1-1 Ireland

14:14 , Mike Jones

51 mins: The state of Group B means that Ireland will be knocked out of the World Cup if they lose today. A win though would give them a strong chance of qualifying for the knockouts.

Save! Jordyn Huitema is given the ball on the edge of the box by Christine Sinclair. She shifts it onto her right foot and smokes a great effort at goal only for Courtney Brosnan to leap to her left and palm it wide of the far post.

Big moment, big save.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 1-1 Ireland

14:12 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Canada made a triple change at the break. They took off Kadeisha Buchanan, Julia Grosso and Evelyne Viens and brought on Shelina Zadorsky, Christine Sinclair and Sophie Schmidt.

Ireland’s Abbie Larkin comes on to replace Lucy Quinn. Quinn had a fantastic first half so that’s a bit of a shock unless she’s picked up a niggle.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 1-1 Ireland

14:09 , Mike Jones

Second half!

There’s been a few personnel changes at the break which we’ll run through in a minute. Ireland get the game restarted and will be chasing a second goal.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 1-1 Ireland

14:06 , Mike Jones

I know you all want to see it so here’s Katie McCabe’s opening goal for Ireland. This is wonderful:

Katie McCabe: Ireland captain and Arsenal’s player of the season in profile

14:02 , Mike Jones

Captain of the Irish national team since the age of 21, Arsenal’s Katie McCabe has the honour of leading her team out at their first major championship at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The versatile left-sided player has been ever-present for her club and country in recent years and will be the fulcrum of Ireland’s bid to pull off an almighty shock this summer.

Born in Kilnamanagh, southern Dublin, and one of ten siblings, McCabe began her footballing journey playing in boys’ youth teams for Kilnamanagh and Crumlin before joining her first all-girls team at aged ten.

At 16, she joined Raheny United as part of the newly-formed Women’s National League in Ireland, hitting the ground running with two league titles and three cup victories in her first three years.

Katie McCabe: Ireland captain and Arsenal’s player of the season in profile

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 1-1 Ireland

13:58 , Mike Jones

Ireland took the lead after just four minutes thanks to Katie McCabe’s excellent corner kick delivery but they conceded an equaliser right at the end of the first half to send Canada into the break on level terms.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 1-1 Ireland

13:55 , Mike Jones

Half-time!

45+8 mins: The break arrives with the teams all square in the match. Ireland have been the better side but an unfortunate own goals saw them concede late in the half.

Canada have been well below par but they’ll believe that they’re back in this match and can go on to take the win. There’s a huge 45 minutes coming up.

Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Canada 1-1 Ireland (Connolly OG, 45+5’)⚽️

13:51 , Mike Jones

45+5 mins: Heartbreak for Ireland!

Right at the end of the first half, Canada break up the pitch and send Julia Grosso free on the left wing. She cuts back onto her left foot and curls the ball into the box.

Megan Connolly tries to control it but gets a touch on the ball which take sit past her own goalkeeper and into the net off the far post!

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:49 , Mike Jones

45+3 mins: The rain is absolutely pelting down now too as Ireland prepare for another corner. Kadesisha Buchanan blocked Farrelly’s previous shot and had the wind taken out of her.

She’s helped off the pitch as the next corner comes into the box. Ruesha Littlejohn is pulled up for a bit of argy bargy and Canada are awarded a free kick.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:47 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Five minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half.

Ireland win another corner and Katie McCabe is on delivery duties once again. She lifts a high ball into the box that Jordyn Huitema gets her head to.

She only manages to nod it down to Sinead Farrelly who volleys a shot at goal and has her effort blocked.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:45 , Mike Jones

42 mins: Lucy Quinn causes more problems for Canada. She tries to take on Vanessa Gilles on the right side but the defender does well to take the ball off her and boot it out for a throw in.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:42 , Mike Jones

39 mins: Chance! A long ball up the pitch creates a wonderful opportunity for Ireland.

Kyra Carusa shoulders Kadeisha Buchanan off the ball and takes it into the box. She’s got a tight angle to shoot from but connects well only for Kailen Sheridan to lepas to her left and clings onto the ball.

Positive signs for Ireland.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:37 , Mike Jones

36 mins: Shot! Ireland win the ball in the middle of the pitch and commit players forward. It comes to Denise O’Sullivan inside the final third and she goes for goal.

It’s a decent strike but the ball is always rising and Kailen Sheridan watches the effort sail high over the crossbar.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:34 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Canada are seeing more possession now. Ireland are making sure they have plenty of bodies back to defend which is putting a lot of strain on Kyra Carusa’s hold up play.

The Canadians aren’t doing a great deal with the ball though and Ireland seem fairly comfortable.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:30 , Mike Jones

30 mins: These breaks in play have dented Ireland’s momentum but they’re still displaying a whole heap of confidence whilst maintaining that solid defence.

Fahey does enough against Huitema but knocks the ball out of play for a Canada corner. What can they produce from this set piece?

Jessie Fleming whips the ball into the box but Katie McCabe is there to head the ball away.

Chance! Canada recycle the ball and lift it into the box. Buchanan flicks the ball on and finds Vanessea Gilles who stretches for the ball and lofts it over the crossbar!

That was a close one.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:27 , Mike Jones

27 mins: Sinead Farrelly catches Ashley Lawrence is the face with a stray arm and the Canadian stays down after the collision. She needs some treatment and there’s another stoppage in play.

There’s going to be a few minutes added on at the end of this half already.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:24 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Chance! Canada turn the ball over in the middle of the pitch with Jessie Fleming taking the ball off Niamh Fahey.

Fleming pokes it up to Jordyn Huitema who lets fly from the edge of the box and pings her shot straight at Courtney Brosnan who clings onto the ball.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:21 , Mike Jones

21 mins: Ireland’s corner is passed short and worked over to McCabe on the inside right. She floats the ball into the middle but it’s half-cleared and comes back to her.

McCabe pings a shot from range but catches it all wrong and skews her effort well wide of the far post.

Kailen Sheridan stays down after the set piece and needs a bit of treatment.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:19 , Mike Jones

19 mins: Denise O’Sullivan tries to slip Kyra Carusa in behind the Canadian defence but Kadeisha Buchanan blocks her off and marshalls the ball through to the goalkeeper.

A long ball down the right side for Lucy Quinn sees the Irishwoman bomb forward and challenge Canada’s left-back. Quinn wins a corner which will be taken by Megan Connolly this time.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:17 , Mike Jones

16 mins: Quinn tries to get Canada into the final third with a chipped pass into the box. It’s too heavy for the forward line to get near and the ball drops safely into the arms of Courtney Brosnan.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:15 , Mike Jones

13 mins: The corner is cleared away from the near post this time but Canada continue to struggle. They can’t keep possession as Ireland’s pressing has been intense and aggressive.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:11 , Mike Jones

10 mins: When the ball crossed the line, the Canadians gathered in a huddle. They’ve not been at their best in this tournament and are facing an uphill battle to get back into this match.

Ireland are hunting a second goal. They’re playing further up the pitch and have a lot of confidence. Niamh Fahey floats a cross up the pitch where Sinead Farrelly flicks the ball on.

She gets it back and drills a shto from range, forcing the goalkeeper to turn the ball out for another corner.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-1 Ireland

13:08 , Mike Jones

7 mins: That is a massive goal. Not just for Ireland but also for Canada. Ireland, having lost to Australia in their opening match, will be on the verge of the knockout rounds if they win today.

If Canada lose, they’ll be close to elimination.

Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! Canada 0-1 Ireland (McCabe, 4’)⚽️

13:06 , Mike Jones

4 mins: Oh my word! Katie McCabe - Ireland’s talisman - steps up to take the corner kick and whips it into the box aiming for the far corner.

Kailen Sheridan lets it go by but the ball continues to curl. It strikes the inside of the post and deflects into the back of the net. What a goal!

Ireland take the lead with their first ever Women’s World Cup goal.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-0 Ireland

13:04 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Chance! Lucy Quinn makes a fine run down the right wing and is fed the ball. She carries it to the edge of the box and whips a lovely pass into the six-yard box.

Kyra Carusa is there to meet the ball. She stretches and prods it towards goal only for Kailen Sheridan to push it behind for a corner!

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada 0-0 Ireland

13:01 , Mike Jones

Kick off!

Canada get this Group B match underway, They boot the ball over to the inside left channel but the is won in the air by Ireland. They work the ball up to Kyra Carusa who holds it up nicely and waits for her teammates to join her up the pitch.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada vs Ireland

12:56 , Mike Jones

The teams make their way out onto the pitch and the national anthems are sung. This is a big one for both sides. Whoever wins will have a solid chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

If Ireland lose, they’re pretty much on the verge of being eliminated from the World Cup.

Who is Quinn? The first trans and non-binary player to feature at a World Cup

12:52 , Mike Jones

Canada midfielder Quinn made history when they became the first transgender and non-binary person to appear at either a men’s or women’s World Cup, playing 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Nigeria in Melbourne last week.

The Ontario native, 27, is already a gold medallist for their country, part of the side that triumphed at the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics in summer 2021 and has designs on going all the way in Australia and New Zealand too.

Hailing from a sporting family – Quinn’s father and mother played college rugby and basketball respectively – the midfielder quickly took to football as a child, rejecting all other after-school pursuits in favour of the beautiful game.

Who is Quinn? The first trans and non-binary player to feature at a World Cup

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada vs Ireland

12:46 , Mike Jones

Canada can take a huge step towards qualifying for the knockout rounds when they face the Republic of Ireland this afternoon. The match kicks off a 1pm BST on ITV 1.

A win for the Canadians will take them top of Group B and should put them back on course to get out of the group after they opened their campaign with a draw against Nigeria.

Ireland meanwhile are hoping to build on a positive display against Australia. They lost that match 1-0, after conceding a penalty, but were defensively solid and ended the match as the more aggressive team.

If they can win today, the Irish would just need to defeat Nigeria to secure a place in the next round.

Women’s World Cup

12:40 , Mike Jones

Argentina forward Yamila Rodriguez has defended herself for having a tattoo of Cristiano Ronaldo inked on her left shin, saying that favouring the Portugal star is not a sign she does not appreciate their World Cup-winning talisman Lionel Messi.

The 25-year-old, who also has a tattoo of Argentina great Diego Maradona on her left thigh, said she had been receiving criticism on social media for the tattoo of Ronaldo, Messi’s great rival.

“Please stop, I’m not having a good time. At what point did I say that I’m anti-Messi?” she wrote on Instagram.

“I’m not having a bad time because of you (fans) but for the atrocities that are said, without mercy. Can’t you have an idol or a player you like?”

Argentina star defends Cristiano Ronaldo tattoo: ‘It’s not anti-Messi’

Women’s World Cup 2023: Pre-match thoughts from Vera Pauw

12:36 , Mike Jones

Republic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw said: “Winning starts with not losing. If you play a game like this against an Olympic champion, I have to stay realistic but it’s clear that if we want to go through in this group, we need a result.

“If we win, we have it in our own hands. If we have a draw then we depend on other results.

“Canada are a very, very experienced team. They know how to have patience in getting their results.

“They often get their results in the latter stages, and that shows that they have the trust to keep going with their game plan.”

It’s a new summer now – Lauren Hemp says Lionesses have moved on from Euro glory

12:32 , Mike Jones

England forward Lauren Hemp feels the Lionesses have moved on from their Euro 2022 triumph and are determined to refocus attention on their World Cup campaign.

Manchester City’s Hemp started every game for boss Sarina Wiegman during an historic run that ended, one year ago Monday, with England lifting their first major trophy at Wembley, igniting unprecedented interest in women’s football across the UK.

As a result of injuries and retirements, the England boss’s World Cup squad features seven players who were not part of that monumental match, while Rachel Daly, last summer’s left-back, is a forward for this competition.

It’s a new summer now – Lauren Hemp says Lionesses have moved on from Euro glory

When do England women play next? World Cup fixtures and route to the final

12:24 , Mike Jones

England opened their Women’s World Cup campaign with a win but the Lionesses were pushed all the way by Haiti in what was a close contest in Brisbane.

Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty in the first half was enough to earn England a narrow victory, but goalkeeper Mary Earps had to make a big stop to protect their lead late on.

The result gives England a winning start to Group D, with Denmark joining them on three points after scoring an 89th-minute winner against China. The Lionesses will play Denmark in their second match on Friday.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When do England women play next? Full Lionesses World Cup fixtures

Women’s World Cup 2023: Canada vs Ireland

12:21 , Mike Jones

Christine Sinclair is not in the starting XI for Canada vs Ireland. It’s the first time in Sinclair’s six consecutive Women’s World Cups that she will not start for Canada.

Women’s World Cup: Canada vs Ireland

12:20 , Mike Jones

The final Women’s World Cup match of the day sees Canada take on Ireland in Group B. Here’s the two line-ups:

Canada XI: Sheridan; Riviere, Buchanan, Gilles, Lawrence; Quinn, Grosso; Huitema, Fleming, Leon; Viens

Ireland XI: Brosnan; Fahey, Louise Quinn, Connolly; Payne, O’Sullivan, Littlejohn, McCabe; Farrelly, Carusa, Lucy Quinn

‘We’re ready for each game’ says Hemp

12:17 , Mike Jones

Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses play their second group game on Friday 28th July and ahead of the fixture, forward Lauren Hemp discussed how England have moved on from their Euro 2022 triumph.

They opened their World Cup campaign with a scratchy 1-0 victory over Haiti and now face Denmark hoping to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

The Man City star, who started every game during that historic run last summer, said the squad are determined to refocus attention on their World Cup campaign.

“As a team, yes that happened last summer, what a fantastic summer it was, but obviously it’s a new summer now, new challenges,” Hemp said.

“You’ve seen in games in this tournament that anything can happen, but we’re ready for each one.

“It’s exciting to be a part of but obviously it’s a massive tournament where anything can happen, so as a team we’re just focusing on each game as it comes.”

Women’s World Cup

12:08 , Mike Jones

Who will win between Portugal and Vietnam?

One team could earn its first ever victory in the Women’s World Cup when Portugal and Vietnam meet in Group E.

Odds were stacked against both teams when they landed in the same group as the United States and 2019 runner-up the Netherlands. It’s the first appearance at the World Cup for both Portugal and Vietnam, and both were losers in the opening matches against the two powerhouses.

Portugal’s tournament started with a 1-0 loss to the Dutch and Vietnam dropped a 3-0 match to the Americans. Both teams now have a chance to score their first World Cup goals in the match played in Hamilton, New Zealand, and, perhaps even grab a win.

The loser of this match will likely be eliminated from advancing in the tournament with a game remaining in group play.

Women’s World Cup

11:59 , Jamie Braidwood

France captain Wendie Renard is a doubt for Saturday’s key Women’s World Cup group game against Brazil after injuring her calf.

Renard, 33, strained her calf in France’s 0-0 draw with Jamaica in Sydney on Sunday, although completed the full 90 minutes as one of the pre-tournament favourites made a stuttering start to their campaign.

The surprise draw against the Caribbean islanders puts France under pressure for their second Group F game in Brisbane at the weekend, especially after Brazil beat Panama 4-0 in their opener.

Striker Naomie Feller also missed training after a thigh knock against Jamaica but Selma Bacha, who sprained her left ankle in the warm-up friendly against Australia a fortnight ago, is back training as is Elisa de Almeida, who also missed out on Sunday with a calf problem.

Reuters

Women’s World Cup

11:50 , Mike Jones

There are some injury worries for World Cup co-hosts, Australia.

They opened the tournament with captain and star player Sam Kerr out injured for at least two matches, and now Kerr’s replacement is hurt, too, heading into a Group B match against Nigeria.

Mary Fowler joined Kerr on the injury list one day before the Thursday match in Brisbane. Fowler, a striker who also plays for Manchester City, suffered a concussion in a recent practice.

The Matildas pulled out a 1-0 victory over Ireland in their opening match and now their squad depth will be tested as they look to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

“I think we could play any one of us right now in the starting 11 and it would be the same as what we do on the training pitch,” midfielder Tameka Yallop said earlier this week. “I think everyone has that ability and capability to step up and be a star at any point.”

Nigeria were over the moon with their 0-0 draw against Canada in the opening match, and the Super Falcons have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four matches.

The big moment in that game was when goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie stopped Canada star Christine Sinclair’s penalty kick and if the African side can avoid defeat to Australia too, they’ll have a remarkable chance of reaching the next round.

Women’s World Cup

11:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Australia’s injuries continue to mount at the Women’s World Cup with forward Mary Fowler and defender Aivi Luik joining Sam Kerr on the sidelines for Thursday’s Group B clash against Nigeria.

Fowler and Luik suffered mild concussions in separate incidents during Tuesday’s training, while Kerr, the team’s leading scorer with 63 goals, has a calf injury that kept her out of Australia’s 1-0 win over Ireland in their opening game. She will be re-evaluated after the Nigeria game.

“Morale is high. There’s not too much I need to do to be honest, I think everyone’s very focused,” said Steph Catley, who scored the lone goal on a penalty versus Ireland. “Everyone knows we need to keep the morale high.

“(Injuries) are not what you want ever in a tournament and, in particular, this tournament...as Australian players probably the biggest moment of our careers. But it’s football and it happens to every single footballer on the entire planet. It’s how the rest of the squad bounces back and performs in a high-pressure situation in the biggest games.”

Reuters

Women's World Cup rematch pits United States against ailing Dutch squad

11:30 , Mike Jones

The United States and the Netherlands meet again on the Women’s World Cup stage — with smaller stakes than the 2019 title game won by the Americans — and the Dutch team collecting injuries at a terrible time of the tournament.

The Netherlands will most likely be without forward Lineth Beerensteyn, who was hurt early in her team’s 1-0 victory over Portugal to open the tournament, when they play the Americans on Thursday in New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington.

The Americans are the two-time reigning World Cup champions and Netherlands coach Andries Jonker said on the eve of the match “we would need a miracle” for Beerensteyn to be ready to play.

Women's World Cup rematch pits United States against ailing Dutch squad

Women’s World Cup

11:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Netherlands coach Andries Jonker is promising must-watch football when his team face four-times champions United States on Thursday in the Women’s World Cup group stage.

In a highly anticipated rematch of their 2019 final, the two sides will clash in Wellington with plenty on the line.

The United States are gunning for an unprecedented third straight title while the Dutch will want to revive the spirit of their 2017 European Championship win.

“This will be an example of modern women’s football. It will be a fight from the first minute until the last with teams who want to compete, teams who want to win, teams who respect each other, who both have no fear,” Jonker told reporters.

“Both want to win the group so this is going to be a really good match.”

Reuters

Fifa shuts down reporter questioning sexual misconduct allegations against Zambia coach

11:10 , Mike Jones

Fifa’s media officer intervened at a Women’s World Cup press conference on Tuesday 25 July to deflect questions about an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Zambia head coach Bruce Mwape.

“I’ll ask you to restrict the questions to the football and to the tournament only,” a media officer for the organisation is heard saying, after a reporter asked what effect the investigation into the allegations has on Zambia’s image.

Women’s World Cup LIVE

10:59 , Jamie Braidwood

Norway winger Caroline Graham Hansen has apologised for lashing out at coach Hege Riise after being dropped to the bench for Tuesday’s scoreless draw with Switzerland at the Women’s World Cup.

The 28-year-old was brought on as a second-half substitute at Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium but the 0-0 draw left the former champions teetering at the exit of the tournament.

Graham Hansen vented her frustrations in a TV interview after the final whistle.

“I just want to apologise for my statements after the match. I’m just a human being with a lot of feelings,” she told reporters on Tuesday.

“Emotions got the better of me. I took the focus away from what matters, and that is being here to play the World Cup.”

Graham Hansen said she still “strongly disagreed” with the coach’s decision to leave her out of the starting line-up.

“But I respect that the coach decides, and she has the right to do what is best,” she added.

“I know it causes unrest around the team, when I speak out as I did yesterday. It was ... not the rational me.”

Reuters

FULL TIME! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 5-0 Zambia

10:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Spain underlined their credentials as pre-tournament favourites when they became one of the first teams to seal qualification for the Women's World Cup knockouts with a 5-0 win over Zambia in their second Group C encounter on Wednesday.

Teresa Abelleira opened the scoring while Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo scored twice to give Spain their second victory, which also assured Japan of last-16 qualification after they beat Costa Rica 2-0 earlier on Wednesday.

Abelleira settled any opening nerves when she picked up the ball after an intricate passing move in the ninth minute and fired a shot from long range that rocketed into the top corner. Four minutes later, Hermoso marked her 100th appearance for Spain with an easy header at the far post after Zambia failed to defend a cross from Alexia Putellas.

Spain continued to dominate after halftime although Zambia goalkeeper Eunice Sakala made several saves. But she was left stranded when Redondo was put through on goal as the forward rounded the 21-year-old keeper to make it 3-0.

Hermoso then grabbed her second - and 50th for Spain - when she pounced on a rebound off the post to fire home, a goal awarded after some confusion over the referee's initial announcement that it was ruled out for offside.

Redondo then beat the offside trap late in the game to score Spain's fifth, also awarded after a VAR review when the assistant referee flagged for offside.

FULL TIME! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 5-0 Zambia

10:40 , Jamie Braidwood

That was a cruise for Spain ever since jumping into that early lead after 15 minutes. Zambia posed them plenty of questions on the counter-attack but their final ball was poor all match and they were unable to ever trouble the Spain goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. After a flurry of substitutes, Alba Redondo came on with a mission and scored two quick goals as Spain racked up five, overtaking Japan on goal difference. That could be important ahead of Monday’s Group C decider, with Spain and Japan level on six points.

FULL TIME! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 5-0 Zambia

10:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Job done for Spain! They are through to the last-16 thanks to a five-star win against Zambia, a result which also sees Japan go through from Group C.

Zambia and Costa Rica are out with a game to spare.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 5-0 Zambia

10:35 , Jamie Braidwood

90+8 mins: Racheal Kundananji drives forward for Zambia.... can they get their World Cup goal?! No - Kundananji’s shot is driven over.

At the other end, Sakala makes another save to deny Redondo her hat-trick. Redondo had leapt at the header by Sakala makes a great save to her right.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 5-0 Zambia

10:33 , Jamie Braidwood

90+5 mins: There’s a worry for Real Madrid forward Athenea del Castillo, who hobbles off with an injury. Spain will play out the last few minutes with 10.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 5-0 Zambia

10:27 , Jamie Braidwood

90 mins: We’re into eight minutes of added time and Zambia are heading for back-to-back 5-0 defeats. Sakala, who considering who she came into today’s game as Zambia’s third-choice goalkeeper, has been able to keep the score down, saving from the corner as Spain push for a sixth.

GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 5-0 Zambia

10:22 , Jamie Braidwood

Spain are hunting for that fifth goal and Alba Redondo has been on a mission since coming on to do it.... the flag goes up again as Redondo controls a cross from the right, beats the defender and finishes past Sakala...

... but it’s given onside! Spain have five! Redondo, the top scorer in Spain last season for Levante, has her second since coming on.

GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 4-0 Zambia

10:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Goal! Two in two minutes for Spain, and a second of the day for Hermoso! It’s a 50th goal for Spain for Hermoso, too, on what is her 100th appearance.

It was originally ruled out for offside, but VAR allowed it. The referee adds to the confusion by announcing ‘no goal... no offisde... no, no offisde, goal!’

We got there in the end.

Spain now only one goal behind Japan...

GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 3-0 Zambia

10:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Brilliant goal - and Spain have a third at last! A simple ball releases Alba Redondo, who rounds the goalkeeper and finishes into the empty net. That confirms the win and Spain’s place in the last-16.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-0 Zambia

10:01 , Jamie Braidwood

66 mins: Save! Sakala palms Hermoso’s deflected effort wide, before substitute Irene Guerrero flashes a header wide from the resulting corner.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-0 Zambia

09:58 , Jamie Braidwood

61 mins: Another change for Spain - this time it’s Bonmati who is being allowed a rest before the final game against Japan on Monday.

It looks like Spain are not going to go for the goal difference (they currently trail Japan by two goals, as it stands). A win against Japan would see them top Group A and go through as group winners, avoiding the USA until the semi-finals.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website