In Europe, all eyes were on the UEFA Nations League with places at next year’s Olympic Games up for grabs, and it was the same story Down Under as Australia try to reach Paris 2024.

Sjoeke scores again!

Sjoeke Nusken continued her rich vein of form in front of goal as Germany defeated Sophie Ingle’s Wales 5-1 in Sinsheim. Ann-Katrin Berger kept goal for the Germans.

It was 1-1 at the break when Nusken was introduced, and Germany soon retook the lead. They added gloss to the scoreline with three goals in the final 10 minutes, the second of which was a deflected effort by Nusken from near the penalty spot.

It was the midfielder’s third international goal and follows hot on the heels of her hat-trick against Brighton. Ingle completed the 90 minutes in midfield for Wales and captained as usual.

Wales are back on the road on Tuesday when they play Denmark. Germany travel to Iceland the same night.

Swedish success

Zecira Musovic and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd started for Sweden as they edged out Switzerland 1-0 in Gothenburg.

Musovic kept a clean sheet on a quiet night for her, with Sweden dominating the shot count and the possession. Rytting Kaneryd caused the Swiss plenty of problems but it was a former Blue who did the damage, Magda Eriksson scoring the only goal two minutes before half-time.

Sweden host Italy next.

Fran is back

Four Blues were involved as England defeated Belgium 1-0 at the King Power Stadium.

Millie Bright and Niamh Charles started for the Lionesses, with Charles’ fine recent form earning her a berth at left-back.

She was one of England’s most threatening players, regularly driving forward with the ball and overlapping to support Lauren Hemp, who opened the scoring on 13 minutes.

Belgium, who had Chelsea goalkeeper and Brighton loanee Nicky Evrard in goal, posed a serious threat and Bright was required to intervene crucially on a couple of occasions to keep England ahead.

At the other end, Bright had a header deflected just over at the start of the second period. On 65 minutes, Fran Kirby made her return to the international fold after over a year away. The attacker replaced Ella Toone to huge cheers and played off the central striker.

There were no further goals so the victory was England’s. They are behind the Netherlands, who beat Scotland 4-0, on head-to-head record. Hannah Hampton and Jess Carter were unused subs, Serina Wiegman opting for a back four tonight rather than the three she has favoured in 2023.

England and Belgium meet again on Tuesday.

Maren Mjelde skippered Norway who were beaten 2-1 at home by France. Mjelde was unfortunate to put through her own net midway through the first half when a low cross was smacked against her from close range and ricocheted into the net.

Norway equalised on the hour through Marit Lund, but France won it soon after courtesy of a towering Wendie Renard header. Norway are bottom of Group A2 with a single point.

It was also a disappointing evening for Jelena Cankovic as Serbia were beaten in Poland. Cankovic played in Serbia’s midfield three in an open contest. The hosts led 2-0 at the break and despite plenty of Serbian pressure, they could only score once in reply so succumbed to a first loss in the Nations League.

Action Down Under

On Thursday, Sam Kerr scored as Australia began round two of their Olympic qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Iran.

Our striker was introduced off the bench midway through the second half, with the Matildas 1-0 up. She made an impact almost immediately, finishing off a neat move with an assured close-range finish. The goal was extra special for being scored in her home city of Perth.

Kerr had a couple more chances to add to her 65 international goals but the World Cup semi-finalists were happy to settle for a 2-0 success. Australia are next in action away to Philippines on Sunday.