England Lionesses train ahead of Women’s World Cup clash with Nigeria
The Women’s World Cup knockout stages get underway this morning as Spain face Switzerland in the last-16.
It’s been a tournament defined by shocks and surprises so far, after a group stage that saw Germany, Brazil and Canada crash out while Jamaica, South Africa and Morocco advanced to the knockout phase for the first time.
Switzerland will look to keep the upsets coming as they take on Spain in Auckland. The Swiss have been defensively resilient so far and did not concede a single goal as they topped Group A ahead of Norway, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Spain, meanwhile, are looking to respond to their 4-0 defeat against Japan in their final game of Group C. That result increased the pressure on head coach Jorge Vilda, as Spain look to rediscover their early form that made them contenders for the World Cup.
Follow live updates from Switzerland vs Spain in the Women’s World Cup last-16, followed by Japan vs Norway.
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-1 Switzerland
33 mins: Double chance! Bonmati goes close twice in quick succession as the ball drops to the Barcelona star in and around the box. The first effort is blocked and from the corner Bonmati’s strike is palmed wide by Thalmann.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 06:35
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-1 Switzerland
30 mins: Switzerland have struggled to deal with Spain’s counter-press so far but manage to play out from the back as Walti takes charge. There was a chance to switch play to Aigbogun, but Switzerland aren’t quick enough and the move breaks down.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 06:33
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-1 Switzerland
26 mins: After some lovely work from Bonmati to win the ball back in the middle, Teresa Abelleira tries her luck from distance. It goes whistling over the bar.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 06:29
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-1 Switzerland
22 mins: Spain look so dangerous in the final third and are building pressure well. Redondo puts in a dangerous cross from the right that Stierli is forced to hook clear.
At the other end, Switzerland work the ball nicely through to Sow as Bachmann dribbles past a couple of defenders. Sow, who was offisde, flashes the effort past the post.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 06:25
GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 2-1 Switzerland
And there it is! What a response this has been from Spain – and they deservedly retake the lead! Batlle’s inswinging cross goes just over Bonmati but Redondo is alert at the back post. She meets the cross and guides a well placed header into the far corner. Spain retake the lead in three minutes!
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 06:19
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 1-1 Switzerland
14 mins: Well, what a start it’s been, and far from the assured one either Codina or Coll wanted. Barcelona though are creating plenty of chances at the other end. Parades heads over from an inswinging corner before Esther Gonzalez turns well in the box but sees her shot blocked from close range.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 06:17
GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 1-1 Switzerland
DISASTER FOR SPAIN! It’s a horrible own goal from Laia Codina, from about 40 yards out!
Codina, brought in for her first World Cup start today, turns and attempts to play a pass back to the goalkeeper but gets the power and placement all wrong. It goes straight past Coll and into the empty net, handing Switzerland a gift of an equaliser.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 06:13
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 1-0 Switzerland
10 mins: Spain go hunting for the second as Hermoso flicks a near-post header just over the bar…, OH NO WHAT’S HAPPENED HERE!
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 06:12
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain 1-0 Switzerland
Such a sharp turn from Bonmati – just brilliant.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 06:11