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Australia vs England FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Highlights | England advances into the final for the first time ever after defeating Australia 3-1

England defeat Australia 3-1 in their home ground, in front of their home fans and advance into the 2023 World Cup final.

Aug 16, 2023, 11:50 AM8 min read

Australia vs England FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Highlights | England advances into the final for the first time ever after defeating Australia 3-1

Australia vs England was expected to be an amazing match and it didn't disappoint a bit. Both the teams gave it their all but it was the Lionesses who advanced through to the finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time ever. On the other hand, Matilda's amazing World cup run came to an end and no words in the world can make them feel any better now. The match ended 3-1 in favor of a clinical English side.

Read also : Spain vs Sweden FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Highlights | Spain advance into the finals of the Women's World Cup after defeating Sweden 2-1 in dramatic fashion

Match Information

Date : 16 August, 2023

Venue : Accor Stadium, Sydney, Australia

Time : GMT - 8:00 pm and IST - 3:30 pm

Match Officials

Referee: Tori Penso

Assistant Referee 1: Brooke mayo

Assistant Referee 2: Mijensa Rosancha Rensch

4th Official: Tess Olofsson

VAR: Massimiliano Irrati

Assistant VAR 1: Carol Anne Chenard

Assistant VAR 2: Kathryn Nesbitt

Assistant VAR 3: Drew Fischer

Match Report

The first half began with Sam Kerr who wasted no time in reminding England the threat she possess, as she raced through on goal in the seventh minute. Her shot was comfortably saved by Mary Earps, but the goal wouldn't have stand anyway as the offside flag was raised. At the other end, Mackenzie Arnold also continued her fine form in the tournament, who denied Georgia Stanway the chance to take the lead for England.

The two teams continued to create chances as the half went on, but they weren't thatconvincing. There came a time when Ella Toone released Russo inside the area, but Russo' shot hit the aide of the net. On the other hand, an Australia corner found Hayley Raso who was unmarked in front of the back post, but her shot was wide of the target.

Then came the highlight of the first half when Ella Toone put England in front with a brilliant strike from the left side of the box. The move started by Lauren Hemp who pulled it back for the midfielder, and then Toone just hit it into the top corner, giving the Aussie goalkeeper no chance of saving it.

At the start of the second half, Australia was on the front foot, giving England little to no chance to attack or even enjoy some possession. Their best effort came through a Mary Fowler cross which found Caitlin Foord's head near the back post, but the shot was too weak for mary Earps to beat.

But Sam Kerr brought Australia back into the game with a brilliant solo effort. She picked up the ball on the halfway line and took on her Chelsea team-mate Millie Bright and decided to go for goal herself and scored an amazin goal, arguably one of the best in this year's World Cup past.

But The Lionesses reacted well to the setback. Lauren Hemp who probably played the best match of her life took advantage of a defensive error and gave England their lead back. Australia desperately searched for an equaliser as the clock ticked by, but it just wouldn't come.

Sam Kerr had one of the best opportunities to put England in front following a corner but missed the target from close distance. Mary Earps kept England in the game by denying Aussie shots from entering into the net until Alessia Russo gave England a three goal lead.

Lauren Hemp, the best player of the match, assisted Alessia Russo for England's third goal and Russo put England onto to verge of glory with an amazing finish from a tight angle.

When the final whistle blew it was agony and sadness for Australia whereas the Lionesses will play in their first ever World Cup final in the history of their game.

Australia vs England Live Score AUS 1-3 ENG


SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Hayley Raso of Australia applauds the fans after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Kick off at 3:30 pm IST

First half begins!

Australia vs England is underway.

09'I First Chance for England

Georgia Stanway's attemp on goal was saved by the Australian keeper.

10'I Yellow card for Greenwood

Alex Greenwood was shown the first yellow card of the match for a bad challenge.

13'I Attempt by England

Rachel Daly's header from the centre of the box was too high off the target following a cross from the tournament.

17'I Russo misses!

Alessia Russo's right footed shot was wide off the target and failed to give England the lead.

22'I End to end football

Both the teams are trying really hard to find the breakthrough but it just wouldn't come.

29'I First real opportunity for Australia

Clare Polkinghorne's header from the center of the box couldn't find its way to the target as it was blocked by the defense.

36'I England take the lead!(AUS 0-1 ENG)

Ella Toone's shot from the left side of the pitch found the back of the net and its 1-0 to England.


SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Ella Toone of England celebrates after scoring her team's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

38'I Good response by Australia

Katrina Gorry's right footed shot from outside of the box was saved by Mary Earps quite comfortably.

45'I Another chance for Australia

Mary Fowler's header from the centre of the box was blocked by the English defense.

1 minute of added time announced.

First Half Ended

England lead Australia 1-0 going into the halftime.

Australia vs England Halftime AUS 0-1 ENG

Second half begins!

The second half is underway.

47'I Chance for Australia

Sam Kerr's header from a looping ball got blocked by the English defense.

49'I Another chance for Australia

Caitlin Foord's header was comfortable saved by Mary Earps as it held no power.

52'I Good play by England

England have managed to take the fizz out of Australia's attacks after initial attempts by the Aussies in the opening minutes.

56'I Hemp shoots from long range

Lauren Hemp took a chance and had a shot from distance but it was saved by the Australian goalkeeper and a corner has been awarded to England.

58'I Chance for England

Millie Bright, the captain failed to hit the target from a powerful header following a corner.

61'I Goodplay by Australia

Australia is forcing England to stay in their own half and defend, as they're keep things tight at the top and not allowing England any breathing space.

63'I Australia equalises!(AUS 1-1 ENG)

Sam Kerr scored one of the best goals of the tournament with her right foot and gave Australia the much needed equalizer. It's game on at Sydney.


SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Sam Kerr of Australia celebrates after scoring Australia's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)

66'I Another attempt by Kerr

Sam Kerr hit the target with her head but it was headed straight at Mary Earps.

69'I Chance for Enland

No one could get at the end of a good looking cross by Lucy Bronze and the ball travelled across the face of the goal.

69'I Russo misses for England!

Alessia Russo's header from inside of the box missed the target by a whisker.

71'I England back in front!(AUS 1-2 ENG)

Lauren Hemp took advantage of Australia's defensive error and have taken the lead back.


SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: England's Lauren Hemp scores her side's second goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stephanie Meek - CameraSport via Getty Images)

72'I Substitution for Australia

Cortnee Vine replaces Hayley Raso

76'I Stanway shoots!

Georgia Stanways's shot was wat off the target and it's still 2-1 to England.

78'I Chance for England

Millie Bright's header from a cross following a corner was wide off the target.

80'I Substitution for Australia

Emily Van Egmond replaces Clare Polkinghorne.

82'| Chance for Australia

Sam Kerr was unable to find the target with a sumptuous flick.

84'I Kerr misses from close range

Sam Kerr failed to hit the target from close range following a corner.

87'I Russo scores for England!(AUS 1-3 ENG)

Alessia Russo scored from a beautiful ball by Lauren Hemp and it looks like England are heading into the World Cup finals.

88'I Substitution for England

Chloe Kelly replaces Alessia Russo.

88'I Substitution for Australia

Alex Chidiac replaces Katrina Gorry.

6 minutes of added time announced

90'I Substitution for England

Niamh Charles replaces Ella Toone.

90'+4'I Yellow card for Kelly

Chloe Kelly picked up an yellow card for time wasting.

Match ended.

England defeated Australia in an epic semi final match and advanced into their first ever Women's World Cup final.

Australia vs England 90'I Fulltime AUS 1-3 ENG

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Best 10 Women's Footballers in the World Right Now

Who are the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now making an impact globally? Find out who makes their way to the list with Aitana Bonmati topping the chart.

May 4, 2025, 3:35 PM8 min read

Best 10 Women's Footballers in the World Right Now | sportzpoint.com

Football knows no gender, and the talented women are proving that with their breathtaking gameplay. The world of women's football is setting new standards which has made it difficult to pick the best ones.

Based on the current landscape of the sport, check out the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

10. Lauren James 

Lauren James is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now | sportzpoint.com
Lauren James celebrating her goal in a match against Aston Villa in 2022. Image | Pinterest 
  • National Team: England
  • Club: Chelsea
  • Position: Forward
  • Goals: 65

Lauren James is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Chelsea in the WSL. She has won the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award in 2022-23 for her exceptional skills at a young age.

She previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United and switched to Chelsea in 2021. She has scored a total of 58 goals in 155 appearances across all clubs.

Lauren plays a major role in the England women's team, having 7 international goals in 27 appearances for England.

Read Also | Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee

9. Klara Bühl

Klara Bühl is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now | sportzpoint.com
Klara Bühl adding a goal to their victory of 6-0 against Morocco in FIFA World Cup 2023. Image | Pinterest 
  • National Team: Germany
  • Club: Bayern Munich
  • Position: Forward 
  • Goals: 92

Klara Bühl is a professional german player who plays as left winger or forward. She is 17 year old and is considered as one of the best young wingers in Europe.

She was a part of SC Freiburg for four years before joining FC Bayern Munich in 2020. Klara has scored 65 goals in 230 appearances for clubs, and 27 international goals in 65 appearances for Germany.

Read Also: 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

8. Salma Paralluelo

Salma Paralluelo is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now | sportzpoint.com
Salma Paralluelo after scoring a goal Atlético de Madrid Femenino in 2024. Image | Instagram 
  • National Team: Spain
  • Club: FC Barcelona
  • Position: Forward
  • Goals: 99

The Spanish left winger, Salma Paralluelo, is a born champion, with all three 3 World Cups to her name. She started her career as a sprinter and holds several records in the categories of under 16 and 18.

Salma won the FIFA Women's World Cup with the Spanish senior team in 2023, the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2020, and FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2018. She also won the U-17 UEFA U-17 Women's Championship in 2018.

Salma has scored 85 goals in 125 club appearances and 14 goals in 35 appearances for Spain.

Read Also | Sarina Wiegman dedicates Uefa Women's Coach of the Year award to Spain players

7. Linda Caicedo

Linda Caicedo is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now I sportzpoint.com
Linda Caicedo after scoring a goal against Germany in FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. Image | FIFPro
  • National Team: Colombia
  • Club: Real Madrid 
  • Position: Forward
  • Goals: 46

Linda Caicedo is a Colombian footballer who has reached commendable milestones at a young age of 20. She plays as a forward for Real Madrid, and has been associated with football legends like Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman for commercial ad campaigns.

She played for América Cali and Deportivo Cali before joining Real Madrid, and scored a total of 33 goals in 92 appearances across all of them.

Linda has scored 13 goals to her name in 42 appearances for Colombia.

6. Alessia Russo

Alessia Russo is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now I sportzpoint.com
Alessia Russo after scoring a goal in a Arse's 4-1 WSL win over Chelsea in 2023. Image | Facebook 
  • National Team: England
  • Club: Arsenal
  • Position: Forward
  • Goals: 87

Alessia Russo is a professional footballer who plays for England and the WSL club Arsenal as a forward. She has exceptional records, including being awarded the player of the month and goal of the month for Arsenal.

Alessia is known for her aggressive gameplay and match-winning abilities. She played for other clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United before, and was also the top scorer twice.

Her club goals count to 66 in 138 appearances across all clubs and 21 in 49 appearances for England.

Read Also: Football Facts: Top 10 Players With Most Goal Contributions In A Season Since 2000

5. Khadija Shaw

Khadija Shaw is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now I sportzpoint.com
Khadija Shaw in action for Manchester City in a WSL match against Liverpool. Image | womenfootball.blog
  • National Team: Jamaica
  • Club: Manchester City 
  • Position: Forward
  • Goals: 182

The all-time top scorer, Khadija Shaw, is one of the world's best strikers from Jamaica, who also plays as a forward for Manchester City.

Khadija holds the record for the most hat-tricks in the history of the Women's Super League. She scored 125 goals in her 144 club appearances and 57 goals in 44 appearances for Jamaica!

She was named The Guardian Footballer of the Year in 2018 as a tribute to her legendary contributions in football.

4. Alexia Putellas

alexia putellas is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now I sportzpoint.com
Alexia putellas in action for Spain in a football match. Image | Business Insider 
  • National Team: Spain
  • Club: FC Barcelona 
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Goals: 260

Alexis Putellas is a Spanish midfielder or forward who currently plays for Barcelona. She is the captain of Barcelona and has won all the individual European football awards.

Alexis is widely appreciated for her style of play and aura. She has previously played for Espanyol and Levante, having a total of 226 goals in 515 appearances across all clubs. 

She scored 34 goals for the Spanish National Team in 130 appearances. Alexis also won Ballon d'Or Féminin for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.

3. Caroline Graham Hansen

Caroline Graham Hansen is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now I sportzpoint.com
Caroline Graham Hansen during a match playing for Barcelona. Image | BBC
  • National Team: Norway 
  • Club: FC Barcelona 
  • Position: Winger
  • Goals: 225

Caroline Graham Hansen is a Norwegian footballer who is one of the best wingers in the world. She plays for Barcelona and has won prestigious awards like Statoil Talent Award of the Year and others.

Hansen has exceptional dribbling and passing skills, which never fail to amaze the fans. She played for other clubs like Stabæk and Wolfsburg and scored 180 goals in all 404 appearances.

Her goals count to 45 in 95 international caps for Norway.

Read Also: Players with the Most Hat-tricks in International football (Male and Female)

2. Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now I sportzpoint.com
Sophia Smith celebrating her goal against Vietnam in World Cup Opener in 2023. Image | The Today Show
  • National Team: USA
  • Club: Portland Thorns
  • Position: Forward 
  • Goals: 74

Sophia Smith is an American footballer who plays as a forward for the team. She plays for the NWSL club Portland Thorns and was named the most valuable player for them, along with the Golden Boot, in 2022.

Sophia scored 3 goals in the Paris Olympics 2024 for the US National Team. She earned her national team cap in 2020 and became the youngest player to debut for the US Women's National Team.

She scored 50 goals in 95 appearances for Portland Thorns FC and 24 goals in 58 appearances for the USA. 

Her contributions in the world of football makes her way to the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

1. Aitana Bonmatí 

Aitana Bonmatí is one of the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now I sportzpoint.com
Aitana Bonmatí celebrates after scoring a goal for Barcelona in the Champions League Final in 2024. Image | Pinterest 
  • National Team: Spain
  • Club: FC Barcelona 
  • Position: Midfielder
  • Goals: 134

Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona. She is one of the greatest of all time in football history. Her elegant style of play is a treat to the eyes. 

The Spanish National team captain won the Ballon d'Or Féminin, Laureus World Sports Award, and Golden Player Woman Award for her incredible 2023 season for Spain and Barcelona. She is the first women's player to win The Best, Ballon d'Or, UEFA Player of the Year and World Cup Golden Ball in the same year

Bonmati was the Player of the tournament in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 as Spain lifted their maiden Women's World Cup title

She scored 104 goals in 289 appearances for Barcelona and 30 international goals for Spain.

Honorary Mention: Mary Earps

Mary Earps is one of the best footballers in the world right now I sportzpoint.com
Mary Earps celebrating a goal save during a match for England. Image | FIFPro

The legendary English goalkeeper, Mary Earps, is a name honorary mention for this list. She plays for PSG and is considered to have the safest pair of hands when it comes to football. Earps' legendary performance in the UEFA Euro 2022 will always be remembered in the history of English football, as they lifted the European Championship. 

Earps played for a total of 11 clubs, including Manchester United and became the first goalkeeper to reach 50 clean sheets in the WSL

Earps received the Golden Glove Award for her record-breaking 14 clean sheets in 2024 for Manchester United. She is a two-time FIFA Best and Golden Glove winner. 

Her iconic contributions deserves a special place in the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

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IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Apr 18, 2025, 3:53 PM2 min read

IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up | sportzpoint.com

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Already assured of the title before kickoff, the Red and Golds showcased their supremacy by defeating every team in the league en route to the championship, with all three goals coming in an explosive first half.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Elshaddai Acheampong

The star of the show was Elshaddai Acheampong, who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After missing earlier chances, including a header from five yards in the 19th minute, the Ghanaian forward made amends with a clinical finish, chipping the goalkeeper after a deft move past defenders following a pass from Anju Tamang.

Read Also | 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up

Her poacher’s instinct shone again in the 37th minute, tapping in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu at the back post to double the lead. Minutes before halftime, Soumya Guguloth sealed the rout in the 42nd minute, rounding the keeper to score after a perfectly timed through ball.

Read Also | Beatrice Chebet becomes the first woman to run 5km under 14 minutes in Barcelona

Despite the title already in hand, East Bengal displayed remarkable professionalism, dominating possession and stifling Gokulam from the outset. The second half saw Gokulam mount a brief challenge, testing goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with a long-range effort, but the champions held firm. This win marked the only team East Bengal had yet to beat this season, completing a flawless campaign.

The victory underscored East Bengal’s dominance throughout the season, blending skill, composure, and relentless attacking play.

IWL 2024-25: Gokulam Kerala finished as runners-up | sportzpoint.com

For Gokulam, the defeat highlighted their struggle against the league’s top side, as East Bengal celebrated a perfect end to their triumphant IWL 2024-25 journey.

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Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee

USWNT defender Naomi Girma was presented at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea Women roped her in after completing a world-record deal for a female footballer.

Jan 27, 2025, 11:07 AM3 min read

Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Chelsea)

USWNT Defender Naomi Girma has joined Chelsea Women for a world-record transfer fee for a female footballer. The Women's Super League leaders paid €1 million to San Diego Wave FC to secure the services of the 24-year-old defender.

Girma was officially presented on the pitch by the Women’s Super League champions before Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Arsenal Women at Stamford Bridge.

Girma signs for Chelsea for a world-record fee

Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | Getty Images)

The world record for the highest transfer fees paid for a female footballer was held by Bay FC, who paid €685,000 for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.

Chelsea has broken the transfer world record and also surpassed the British transfer signing record as well, previously held by Mayra Ramirez, who signed for Chelsea for a €384,000 transfer fee.

Girma has also become the first-ever €1M signing in women's football.

Chelsea Women gaffer Sonia Bompastor has made her first January 2025 signing with Girma as she will enter the team roster after Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan suffered an ACL tear injury in November 2024.

Naomi Girma played an integral part in USWNT's Olympic Gold-winning campaign in Paris last year and was also named the US Soccer’s female player of the year in 2023. She was also named the NWSL Defender of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

However, Girma has signed a huge 4-year deal until 2029 as Chelsea head of women’s football Paul Green affirmed his confidence in this signing.

Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.

Girma also expressed her excitement about joining the Blues as she stated to BBC Sport:

I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real,

There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here - the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players.

It's a top environment to learn and grow in. Right now, that's what I'm looking to do.

Record transfers in women's football

Player Position Signed for Transfer fee
Naomi Girma CB Chelsea Women €1M
Racheal Kundananji FW Bay FC €685K
Barbra Banda FW Orlando Pride €581K
Mayra Ramirez FW Chelsea Women €426K
Keira Walsh MF Barcelona Femeni €400K

 

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East Bengal begins IWL 2025 Journey with dominant over Kickstart FC

East Bengal made a strong statement in their Indian Women's League opener, defeating Kickstart FC with a solid performance. The team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, set down the foundation for a promising campaign.

Jan 10, 2025, 5:27 PM2 min read

East Bengal begins IWL 2025 Journey with dominant over Kickstart FC | sportzpoint.com
Image | East Bengal FC

East Bengal commenced their Indian Women's League (IWL) 2024-25 season with a commendable 2- 0 victory over Kickstart FC at the historic East Bengal Ground on 10th January 2025. Two brilliant goals scored by Sandhya Ranganathan and Resty Nanzary are enough to take three points for the Red and Gold brigade.

East Bengal begins IWL 2025 Journey with dominant over Kickstart FC | sportzpoint.com

The home side's first goal materialized by another regular starter for India Soumya Guguloth played a crucial role in that goal. She delivered a ball from the right for Sulanjana Raul, whose header struck the crossbar. The rebound was found by Sandhya Ranganathan, who netted it with a beautiful header.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Maintaining their momentum, East Bengal doubled their lead early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Ugandan recruit Resty Nanzari, made a beautiful run from the left side of the pitch and showcased her skill by delivering a precise low shot into the near post, and securing a goal. That was enough to start a season with a commendable victory for the home side.

East Bengal begins IWL 2025 Journey with dominant over Kickstart FC | sportzpoint.com

Kickstart FC, originating from Bengaluru, attempted to penetrate East Bengal's defence but struggled to create promising opportunities in the attacking third. The host's defence was rock solid and effectively neutralized a clean sheet to start their IWL campaign on a positive note.

Read Also | Indumathi, Shilky, Shreya among the winners of IWL 2023-24 awards

The victory provided East Bengal with a solid foundation for positive progress in the IWL season, they were rock solid in defence and also offensively great. Conversely, Kickstart FC will aim to enhance their strategies in the upcoming matches to rebound from the initial setback. 

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Debutant Lhingdeikim shines for India with four goals: India beat Maldives by 11-1

Debutant Lhingdeikim's four goals along with Simran Gurung's brace helped the Indian Women's Football team thrash Maldives by 11-1 in their FIFA Friendly match in Bangalore.

Jan 2, 2025, 2:50 PM3 min read

Debutant Lhingdeikim shines for India with four goals: India beat Maldives by 11-1 | sportzpoint.com
Image | AIFF Media

Debutant Lhingdeikim's four goals along with Simran Gurung's brace helped the Indian Women's Football team thrash Maldives by 11-1 in their FIFA Friendly match in Bangalore. Kajol Dsouza, Pooja, Sibani Devi, and Khumukcham Bhumika Devi were the other scorers for Blue Tigeress. 

After beating Bangladesh by 14-0 in their final match of 2024, the Indian Women's Football team started the 2025 on a great note with an emphatic win over the visitors, Maldives. 

India head coach Joakim Alexandersson made many changes to the team that played against Bangladesh which handed two debutants a chance in the starting XI. Lhingdeikim, who scored four goals (twice in both halves) and Shibani Devi, who last year featured for East Bengal FC in the Indian Women's League were among the changes Alexandersson.

Read Also | Indian Women's Football team crush Maldives 14-0 in FIFA Friendly

Ribansi Jamu, Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi, Juhi Singh, Monisha Singha, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi and Simran Gurung were the players who made their debut off the bench. 

Read Also | Exclusive: Here's how Football giving hope to "Mini-Brazil of India"

Maldives looked good in the early minutes which forced Linthoingambi Devi to make some saves but once the Indian team resolved the issue and found their pace, they were tough to resist.

Debutant Lhingdeikim shines for India with four goals: India beat Maldives by 11-1 | sportzpoint.com
Image | AIFF Media

Lhingdeikim started the onslaught for India with an early goal in the 12th minute before providing an assist for Kajol Dsouza to extend the lead three minutes later. She found the net again in the next minute after receiving a perfect ball from Sibani. In the 17th minute, Sangita Basfore's header was deflected into the goal by Maldives captain Hawwa Haneefa. 

However, right before the halfway mark, Maldives scored their only goal of the match as Mariyam Rifa found the net after a defensive error from the Indian team. 

But, India struck again before half-time with Pooja and Shibani scoring one each. At half-time, India were leading by 6-1 and it looked like we would have the scoreline just like the last match. 

Debutant Lhingdeikim shines for India with four goals: India beat Maldives by 11-1 | sportzpoint.com
Image | AIFF Media

Lhingdeikim started the second half by scoring from a beautiful assist by Pooja in the 56th minute. A minute later she scored her fourth goal of the match by flicking a ball with his right foot for a neat finish. This time, Kajol was the assist provider for her. 

Simran Gurung, who came off the bench at halftime, scored two goals in the 62nd and 68th minutes. A red card for Maeesha Abdul Hannan did not help the Maldives as well as the defender made a deliberate handball inside the penalty box. Bhumika Devi converted the penalty in the 71st minute to complete the riot. 

Scorecard | India vs Maldives | FIFA Friendlies (Women's)

Maldives 1 (Mariyam Rifa 27’)

India 11 (Lhingdeikim 12’, 16’, 56’, 59’, Kajol Dsouza 15’, Hawwa Haneefa 17’ o.g., Pooja 41’, Sibani Devi 45+1’, Simran Gurung 62’, 68’, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi 71’ p)

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