Day two at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw Nigeria hold Canada, Switzerland see off Philippines and Spain dominate Costa Rica.
Australia still lead Group B following the first round of games, after Nigeria held Canada to a goalless draw in front of a crowd of over 21,000.
Christine Sinclair was awarded a 50th-minute penalty after a VAR check on the challenge by Francisca Ordega but her spot-kick was saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Another VAR check deep into stoppage-time saw Deborah Abiodun dismissed for a dangerous tackle on Ashley Lawrence.
Switzerland defeated Philippines 2-0 to lead Group A ahead of New Zealand. The Philippines had the ball in the net after 16 minutes but Katrina Guillou was given offside after her fine finish from the edge of the box.
Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic shot narrowly over on the stretch but close to half time another VAR check for a late challenge from Jessika Cowart on Coumba Sow resulted in the referee pointing to the spot, from which Ramona Bachmann comfortably converted.
The Swiss launched waves of attacks, Seraina Piubel doubling the lead midway through the second half after Olivia McDaniel had saved twice.
Spain scored three first-half goals to open Group C with a 3-0 result over Costa Rica.
Ivana Andreas saw her header tipped over by Daniela Solera but with Spain making a dominant start they struck twice in quick succession. Valeria del Compo conceded an own-goal from Esther Gonzalez’s cross before Aitana Bonmati netted the second.
Gonzalez got the third after Jenni Hermoso’s header came back off the bar, but the latter then had her penalty saved.
Three quick saves in a row from Solera helped Costa Rica keep a clean sheet after the interval.
Fixtures for Saturday 22 July (UK times)
2am – Group E – USA v Vietnam (live on BBC One/BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport Website)
8am – Group C – Zambia v Japan (live on BBC Two/BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport Website)
10.30am – Group D – England v Haiti (live on ITV1/STV/ITVX/STV Player)
1pm – Group D – Denmark v China (live on BBC Two/BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport Website)
