Mixed results for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup-bound nations as they wind down their preparations

It’s less than 100 days to go before the start of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

All the countries that have qualified for the tournament were in action during the 3-11 FIFA international break window, as they wind down their preparations for the global women’s football showpiece set to start on 20 July, with the final pencilled in for 20 August.

This will be the first time ever that 32 nations will feature in a Women’s World Cup. It will be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to have more than one host nation, and also the first senior World Cup for either gender to be held across multiple confederations, as Australia is in the Asian Confederation, while New Zealand is in the Oceanian Confederation.

Eight teams are making their debut in the tournament – Zambia, Morocco, Panama, Haiti, Republic of Ireland, Portugal, Philippines and Vietnam.

Among those in action in international friendly matches were the four African representatives – South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria and Zambia.

The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana were in Serbia and lost 3-2 to the Eastern Europeans on Monday, 10 April. This was their sixth match of preparations – and have beaten in four, winning one and drawing the other.

South Africa

Serbia 3-2 South Africa

Sportski Centar FSS, Stara Pazova

Monday, 10 April

Argentina got off to a bad start as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow South Americans Venezuela in Cordoba, with a penalty shootout used to separate the two sides in the first match.

But there were no such problems in the second fixture as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory.

Argentina

Argentina 1-1 Venezuela (6-7 PSO)

Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Cordoba

Thursday, 6 April

Argentina 3-0 Venezuela

Estadio Carlos Augusto Mercado Luna, La Rioja

Sunday, 9 April

Sweden hosted two matches and failed to register a win – going down 1-0 to Denmark. But the Swedes did well by holding 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions Norway to a 3-3 draw in the second game.

Sweden

Sweden 0-1 Denmark

Eleda Stadion, Malmo

Friday, 7 April

Sweden 3-3 Norway

Gamla Ullevi, Gothenborg

Tuesday, 11 April

Italy proved to be strong in a hard-fought 2-1 win over South Americans, Colombia in Rome – this in anticipation of how they will deal with Argentina in their group. Just like the South Africans, the Italians played only one match during this period.

Italy

Italy 2-1 Colombia

Stadio Tre Fontane, Rome

Tuesday, 11 April

World Cup debutants Zambia travelled to Korea and came back empty-handed at the back of two losses – conceding 10 goals in the process.

In the first encounter they were defeated 5-2, and things got worse when they lost 5-0 in the second fixture.

Zambia

Korea Republic 5 – 2 Zambia

Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon

Friday, 7 April

Korea Republic

Korea Republic 5-0 Zambia

Yongin Mireu Stadium, Yongin

Tuesday, 11 April

Also making their debut are Morocco. The North Africans World Cup didn’t endure the best of times in the two away matches they played – falling to Czechia and to Romania.

Morocco

Czechia 2-0 Morocco

Letni Stadion, Chomutov

Thursday, 6 April

Romania 1-0 Morocco

Stadionul Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest

Tuesday, 11 April

Nigeria are making their 9^th consecutive appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup – one of seven nations to do so.

They are the only African country to return positive results during this FIFA International break. The Super Falcons brushed aside World Cup debutants, Haiti and swept past co-hosts New Zealand to show their intentions for the upcoming tournament.

Nigeria

Nigeria 2-1 Haiti

Emirhan Stadium Centre, Side

Friday, 7 April

New Zealand 0-3 Nigeria

Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya

Tuesday, 11 April

It was a good start for new coach Herve Renard in the French national team, thrashing Colombia 5-2 and beating a stubborn Canada 2-1.

He takes over from Corrine Diacre who was sacked last month.

France

France 5-2 Colombia

Stade Gabriel-Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand

Friday, 7 April

France 2-1 Canada

Stade Marie-Marvingt, Le Mans

Tuesday, 11 April

After a promising start by holding Brazil to a 1-all draw in regulation time and winning on penalties in the first ever Finalissima, England’s 30-game unbeaten run under Sarina Wiegman came to an end when they were defeated 2-0 by 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia. The Lionesses last tasted defeat in April 2021 against Canada. At the time, England were led by coach Hege Riise.

England:

England 1-1 Brazil (4-2 PSO)

Wembley Stadium, London

Thursday, 6 April

England 0-2 Australia

Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford

Tuesday, 11 April

The Republic of Ireland were given a taste of what the Women’s World Cup will be like when they lost to reigning world champions, USA in back to back fixtures. The debutants were beaten 2-0 and 1-0.