Day two of the Women’s World Cup was once again full of excitement, historic moments and of course, plenty of goals.

 

GERMANY V CHINA

Debutante Giulia Gwinn’s strike gave Germany a great start to their World Cup campaign, with the Germans defeating China 1-0 in Rennes.

China came out to play, and they caught Germany napping in the 14th minute, almost taking the lead with a shot that went just wide of the post. Moments before the break, Yang Li’s strike hit the woodwork after some beautiful, flowing football.

In the 66th minute, it was Germany who broke the deadlock through 19-year-old Gwinn, with a wonder strike from outside the penalty area.

Germany 1 (Gwinn 66′)

China 0

 

SPAIN V SOUTH AFRICA

Spain began their World Cup with a come-from-behind 3-1 win against South Africa in Le Havre.

The Spanish started strongly against South Africa as Maria Leon’s free-kick flew over the crossbar, skimming across the net.

South Africa then made history in the 25th minute, scoring their first ever World Cup goal through Thembi Kgatlana, with a stunned Spain left in her tracks.

Banyana Banyana maintained their lead up until the 70th minute, but Spain were able to square up the scoring through Jennifer Hermoso’s spot-kick. Following VAR drama, the Spanish were awarded another penalty, and there was no mistake from the spot as Hermoso slotted her second goal to make it 2-1.

Spain rounded out the match with a classy and composed move as Lucia Garcia secured a 3-1 victory.

Spain 3 (Hermoso 70′, 83′, Garcia 89′)

South Africa 1 (Kgatlana 25′)

 

NORWAY V NIGERIA

Norway combined a dominant first half performance with a professional and solid second half, to start off their campaign with a 3-0 win over Nigeria in Reims.

It was end-to-end football in the opening ten minutes, but no real chances were created. in the 17th minute, Nigeria were caught off-guard following a cheeky short corner produced by the Norwegians.

The Nigerians remained statuesque in the box as they waited for a textbook corner, but it was an intelligent and remarkable way to sneak into the area as the goal was finished off by Guro Reiten, assisted by an unlucky deflection from a Nigerian defender.

Lisa-Marie Karlseng Utland made it 2-0 in the 34th minute with a superior strike into the roof of the net. Shortly afterwards, Nigeria conceded an own goal to give Norway a three goal lead at half-time.

It was a much slower paced second period with not many chances, and the Norwegians were able to comfortably close out the match.

Norway 3 (Reiten 17′, Utland 34′, Ohale 37′ (OG)

Nigeria 0

 

 

 

 

Cassandra Treppiedi
Cassandra Treppiedi
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