Women’s World Cup newest rating and updates as knockout levels proceed

KICK-OFF! Underway in Sydney – with a wholesome crowd for what’s a noon begin in Australia. Plenty of vibrant duplicate shirts within the crowd, with the long-lasting organge of the Netherlands and the brilliant yellow of the Banyana Banyana.

We’re nearly able to go in Sydney, after the First Nations welcome deal with.

Netherlands head coach Andries Jonker is assured his aspect can beat anybody on the Women’s World Cup after beating the USA to prime spot in Group E, and avoiding Sweden within the last-16.

“From the very beginning of our preparations, we were quite confident that we can beat every opponent in this tournament,” he stated after the 7-0 win in opposition to Vietnam. “Our strategy won’t change.

“Of course it helps when you qualify first in your group, when the United States is also in your group, and of course it helps when you win 7-0 and score wonderful goals… This team is capable of many things.

“A year ago we saw a lot of teams in Europe who were better than us, but we’ve managed to close the gap. Of course, we have to make it happen and win against these major countries, but it’s clear that we’re a lot closer to victory than a year ago.”

South Africa imagine their Women’s World Cup journey just isn’t executed but, with Desiree Ellis assured that Banyana Banyana can produce one other upset.

“We’ve been underestimated so many times before,” Ellis stated. “I think this group has shown that nothing can stand in their way, this group has shown when the chips are down that they can stand up. We know who we are playing, but they don’t know who they are playing.

“Because this group when the chips are down, they’ve just gotten better and better. And all I can say is that there’s going to be a match tomorrow.

“We are a team that know what our strengths and weaknesses are … we know what we want to do. I think the opponent knows what we want to do and sometimes they can’t stop it.

“We’ve got to bring our ‘A’ game and we’ve got to be at the absolute best, because the Dutch have shown during the tournament that they’re a top side.”

Keira Walsh has returned to full England training ahead of the Women’s World Cup last-16 match against Nigeria on Monday, just days after the Lionesses midfielder was stretchered off against Denmark.

It was confirmed that Walsh had not suffered an ACL injury after she was left on crutches following England’s second match of the World Cup, although the Champions League winner remained with the squad following scans.

Walsh missed England’s 6-1 win over China in the final match of Group C, with Sarina Wiegman changing her formation to a 3-5-2 in the midfielder’s absence, but her quick return to training has boosted hopes that the 26-year-old could play again at the tournament.

Wiegman will give an update as to whether Walsh will be available for selection at her press conference in Brisbane later on Sunday, with England facing Nigeria in the last-16 clash the following day.

Juventus forward Lineth Beerensteyn returns for the Netherlands after missing the 7-0 win against Vietnam, coming in for Katja Snoeijs.

Kholosa Biyana replaces Robyn Moodaly in midfield for South Africa.

Both teams are unchanged elsewhere.

Netherlands: van Domselaar, Spitse, van der Gragt, Janssen, Pelova, Roord, Groenen, van de Donk, Brugts, Beerensteyn, Martens.

Subs: Kop, Baijings, Casparij, Dijkstra, Egurrola, Jansen, Kaptein, Nouwen, Snoeijs, van Dongen, Wilms, Weimar.

South Africa: Swart, Ramalepe, Mbane, Matlou, Dhlamini, Biyana, Gamede, Magaia, Motlhalo, Seoposenwe, Kgatlana.

Subs: Dlamini, Cesane, Holweni, Kgadiete, Kgoale, Magama, Makhubela, Salgado, Shongwe, Moletsane.

Keira Walsh is back in training for the Lionesses today ahead of England’s clash with Nigeria in the last-16!

A huge boost for Sarina Wiegman, who will confirm whether Walsh is fit enough for selection later today at her press conference.

South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis after the historic 3-2 win against Italy:

“The girls are just freaking amazing. I mean I speak through every challenge they faced in the past. We know that no-one gave us a chance today but we knew what we were capable of and they fought like warriors out there.

“I think this is for everyone back home. You know, people getting up in the early hours of the morning who were disappointed when we should have won against Argentina. This is for everyone.”

Hildah Magaia called South Africa’s victory over Italy to reach the last-16 of the Women’s World Cup for the first time as “life-changing.”

Magaia scored South Africa’s second aim after which offered the help for Themba Kgatlana’s winner within the 3-2 win.

“They call me the breadwinner. So without the breadwinner, there’s no bread,” Magaia stated. “I had to provide the bread for the nation.”

“This really means a lot. Especially knowing that we were so close to going home. It is an emotional one.”