Day four at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup brought a draw for Jamaica against France, Sweden victory after a scare from South Africa and Dutch defeat of Portugal.
Ten player Jamaica held on for a more than creditable draw against France, as Group G got underway.
Becky Spencer scooped a shot round the post from Kadidiatou Diani, whose deflected effort just before the break went narrowly wide.
Khadija Shaw rifled a free kick just the wrong side of France’s far post, while Wendie Renard nodded over from close range.
Diani put one header wide when well placed and hit both bar and post with another attempt.
Shaw was shown a second yellow card in the dying minutes but Jamaica shot out France for a memorable draw.
Sweden had to come from behind and score late on to start Group G with victory over South Africa.
South Africa were ahead early in the second half, Thembi Kgatlana outpacing the defence and Zećira Mušović parrying the shot but Hildah Magaia bundling home the rebound.
The scores were back level midway through the half, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s cross met by Fridolina Rolfo and going into the net off Lebohang Ramalepe.
Kaneryd missed a great chance for Sweden but Amanda Ilestedt headed in a 90th-minute corner to leave South Africa heartbroken.
Netherlands had a single-goal success over Portugal to sit second to the USA in Group E.
The Dutch were in front inside 15 minutes, a header from Stephanie van der Gragt from Sherida Spitse’s set piece surviving a VAR check.
Jill Roord headed a clear chance over and Inez Perreira denied Danielle van de Donk, Telma Encarnação forcing a first save from Daphne van Domselaar in the last ten minutes.
Fixtures for Monday 24 July (UK times)
7am – Group G – Italy v Argentina (live on ITV1/STV/ITVX/STV Player)
9.30am – Group H – Germany v Morocco (live on ITV1/STV/ITVX/STV Player)
12pm – Group F – Brazil v Panama (live on ITV1/STV/ITVX/STV Player)
