The weekend’s warm-up matches for several of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers featured a big win for the Dutch over Belgium, Italy being held by Morocco and a South African protest.
Netherlands thrashed Belgium 5-0 in front of a 12,000 crowd, despite an early penalty miss from Stephanie van der Gragt. Lieke Martens had already scored by that point, Sherida Spitse was then successful from the spot, with Lineth Beerensteyn adding a third before the break. Victoria Pelova and Katja Snoeijs later added a goal apiece.
Italy were held to a goalless draw by fellow qualifiers Morocco in Ferrara, while in France Haiti were defeating Malta 5-0 with Kethna Louis, Batcheba Louis, Borgella Roselord, Nerila Mondesir and Schwendesky Joseph all on target.
World Cup qualifiers South Africa had to field a second string in a 5-0 defeat to Botswana, following a protest from players in their World Cup send-off match.
A crowd of 20,000 saw Brazil beat Chile 4-0, as Gabi Nunes, Duda and Luana’s first-half goals were added to by Geyse five minutes after the restart.
China edged Football Union of Russia 1-0 in Qingdao, with a 53rd-minute penalty converted by Zhang Rui.
