The group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup is almost complete, with just three more quartets needing to wrap up their opening games and discover which nations make the knockouts. On Wednesday it’s the turn of Argentina to try and force their way through to the last 16 as they face Sweden, while Italy play South Africa also needing a result to progress. Later, Brazil must overcome Jamaica to seal progression from Group F after being beaten by France – who are top and face minnows Panama. Meanwhile, Lauren James shone again on Tuesday with two stunning goals as England put in their best performance of the Women’s World Cup so far to sweep aside China 6-1 and march into the last 16 . USA only just managed to sneak through with a draw against Portugal , leading to criticism from former stars . Follow all the latest news and match updates below: World Cup LIVE: Argentina vs Sweden and South Africa vs Italy Lionesses thrash China to secure top spot Argentina must beat Sweden to have chance to progress, while South Africa must beat Italy Later, Brazil have to see off Jamaica to sneak a top-two finish Sarina Wiegman’s brave switch solves England’s Keira Walsh problem at Women’s World Cup 07:46 , Karl Matchett Rip it up and start again: if Keira Walsh’s injury spelled the end of something at the Women’s World Cup, it only did for England’s starting formation. Against China, Sarina Wiegman made her most dramatic change as Lionesses manager yet, switching to a 3-5-2 system to counter the blow of losing their key midfielder. In doing so, Wiegman created something new, unlocking England’s best performance in months. The Lionesses looked like themselves again, and while England’s 6-1 win against China made sure of their progress to the last-16 as Group D winners, as much focus will be on how Wiegman has recalibrated and recharged her side ahead of the knockout stages. After two 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark there was an element of danger coming into the decider, but from the opening moments, the tempo and fluidity of England’s performance erased any doubts. Sarina Wiegman’s brave England switch solves key Women’s World Cup problem Genius Lauren James takes over Women’s World Cup – but England must learn from rivals 07:38 , Karl Matchett Much like Lauren James ‘s divine second goal, this might be dropping beautifully for England . Certainly, Sarina Wiegman suddenly has clarity in a World Cup characterised by uncertainty and unpredictability. James’s very role illustrates that. The young winger’s influence from that wide role was a driving force in this crushing 6-1 win over China that confirmed an expected first place. It is a first place, however, that suddenly looks very different. The path to the semi-finals, at least, is something else that’s so much clearer. It now won’t feature Australia or Canada, and may not have any of France, Brazil or Germany. A thrilling Colombia and dangerous last-16 opponents Nigeria are huge threats, but there is the prospect that such developing teams have had their main highs. Just as importantly, the World Cup’s stand-out performers so far, in Japan, are on the other side of the draw. On that, and the elusive momentum that defines tournaments, England now have none of the sudden doubts that are afflicting other previous favourites in Spain and – above all – the USA.
Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: Lionesses reaction and latest news as Argentina and Brazil fight for last 16
Sourceindependent.co.uk
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