With fifteen nations so far qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, a number have been continuing their preparations this month with friendly fixtures.
Thursday 4th October saw Sweden see off Norway 2-1 with an Olivia Schough effort and Kristine Bjørdal Leine own-goal, before a late consolation by Isabell Herlovsen.
The next day brought a 2-0 victory for France over Australia, in which Eugenie Le Sommer broke the deadlock just before the hour mark and sealed the win in the last minute.
While England were beating Brazil 1-0 on Saturday with a 2nd-minute Fran Kirby goal, Germany’s Alexandra Popp also scored early on against Austria. Although Nicole Billa levelled, Linda Dallman and Lea Schuller struck after the interval for a 3-1 result.
The new week started with China getting a 2-0 win over Thailand, Li Yeng and Ren Guixin on target in the opening 15 minutes.
Tuesday’s games saw England held 1-1 by Australia and just one goal in it as Italy edged Sweden, Daniela Sabatino the scorer on 57 minutes.
Onto 9th October and Cameroon held France for 37 minutes before eventually being hit for six. Griedge Mbock Bathy and Kenza Dali bagged a brace each, Kadidatou Diani and Eugenie Le Sommer contributing one apiece.
Yesterday it was Chile and South Africa in action, with the latter twice going ahead through Refiloe Jane and Thembi Kgatlana but the South Americans replied with one each from Amber Soruco and Javiera Grez in a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile, in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship, one notable casualty has been Mexico, who cannot now qualify for the World Cup after defeat by Panama.
