Zac Electrifly

Japan vs Costa Rica

Japan played Costa Rica. It was a Group C match. Japan scored the games first goal in the 25′ minute. The goal was scored by #25 Hikaru Naomoto. She ran into the box with the ball. She shot the ball and it went in. She had plenty of time and space to shoot and score. Japan scored again in the 27′ minute. #15 Aoba Fujino scored this goal. She beat the Costa Rica player to the ball. She got around that same player. She took a shot from close to the baseline that went in. The score was 2-0 Japan after the first half. Costa Rica got a yellow card in the 85′ minute. The final score was 2-0 Japan.

Costa Rica were outmatched in this one. Japan really out worked them on their two goals. Costa Rica couldn’t find the back of the net. No matter what the result is of their next match Costa Rica won’t be advance past the group stage. Costa Rica has also not scored a goal yet in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Japan will be advancing after this result.

Spain vs Zambia

Spain played Zambia. This was another Group C match. This match was completely dominated by Spain. They scored in the 9′ minute. They scored again in the 13′ minute. They had a 2-0 lead at halftime. They scored again in the 69′ minute. They scored again in the 70′ minute. They scored their fifth and final goal in the 85′ minute. Spain won 5-0. The goals were scored by Teresa Abelleira, Jennifer Hermoso, and Alba Redondo.

This is the second game in a row where Zambia was dominated. They have not scored a single goal in this tournament. They have allowed ten goals in two games. Zambia isn’t even playing competitively so far in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. This result was kind of expected. Spain is one of the top teams in the tournament. It would have been a surprise if they did not win by three or more goals. With this result Zambia will not be moving on from the group stage. Spain will also be moving on after this win.

Canada vs Republic of Ireland

Canada played the Republic of Ireland. It was a Group B match. the Republic of Ireland got on the board early with a goal from #11 Katie McCabe in the 4′ minute. The goal was scored from a corner kick. Goals scored directly from a corner kick are called olimpico’s. his was the first one ever in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Canada received a yellow card in the 36′ minute. Canada tied the game in the 45+5 minute with an own goal from the Republic of Ireland. The ball was sent into the box and one of the Republic of Ireland players directed into her own net. She was trying to clear the ball but hit the ball wrong. The score was tied at 1-1 after the first half. Canada took the lead in the 53′ minute. #19 Adriana Leon scored the goal. The ball was passed to her as she was heading towards the box. She got in between two defenders and was able to shoot the ball as the goal was coming toward her. Canada would get a yellow card in the 61′ minute. The Republic of Ireland got a yellow cad in the 90+8′ minute. The final score was 2-1 Canada.

This was the only competitive match of the last three. This was also only the second game so far in the FIFA women’s World Cup 2023 where both teams have scored. It was a good match. It’s a tough result for Ireland but Canada stuck with it and won. The Republic of Ireland won’t advance past the group stage now.

Canada lead Group B. Spain lead Group C. Japan, and Spain are advancing to the Round of 16. Costa Rica, Zambia, and the Republic of Ireland have been eliminated in the group stage.

The United states are playing the Netherlands. Check out my preview of that game. Portugal is playing Vietnam. I think Portugal will win that game pretty easy. That game could be another blowout. Portugal has an 85% chance of winning that game. Australia is playing Nigeria. That should be another good game.