Narrow win for England over Scotland, Italy defeat Australia in stoppage-time after having two goals ruled out, Brazil’s Cristiane hits hat-trick against a spirited Jamaica.
GROUP D
Lionesses first-half show sufficient for victory
England had a strong first 45 against Scotland, aided by an early VAR decision but their lead was halved in the latter stages.
Nikita Parris convincingly netted from the spot after a 9th minute handball and after Ellen White had a header chalked off for offiside, the forward did successfully double the lead.
Lee Alexander made several saves to keep Scotland in the game but it was another offside call against White that meant Beth Mead’s effort at the start of the second half was disallowed.
Claire Emslie gave her side great hope with a deflected strike flying past Karen Bardsley, making it a tense finish for the 13,000 crowd.
GROUP C
Italy battle back to win with Bonansea brace
Despite trailing at the break and having two goals disallowed, Italy recorded a dramatic win over Australia with a stoppage-time decider.
Barbara Bonansea had the ball in the net but VAR wiped it off for offside and it was the Matildas who scored first when Sam Kerr won a penalty and netted it on the rebound from goalkeeper Laura Giuliani’s parry.
The scores were levelled on 56 minutes when Bonansea took advantage of a poor touch by Clare Polkinghorne.
Substitute Daniela Sabatino had her goal celebrations cut short for another offside call and although the Azzurre had to fight hard to deny Australia a winner, it was they who took all three points as Bonansea headed home a 95th minute free kick.
Cristiane scores all three goals as Brazil beat Jamaica
An entertaining game saw Brazil create plenty of chances but the score was kept down by the efforts of goalkeeper Sydney Schneider.
Cristiane met Andressa’s cross with a perfect header for the first goal on 15 minutes but while the former doubled her tally despite the efforts of a defender on the line, the latter had a penalty saved.
It was 3-0 when Cristiane’s free kick came down off the underside of the bar and crossed the line.
The Reggae Girlz deserved something to show for their efforts but made many friends in the crowd of 17,000 plus.
