In the first game of the day, Wellington was the venue for a repeat of the 2019 final and the Netherlands succeeded in frustrating the Stars and Stripes. Captain Lindsey Horan cancelled out Jill Roord’s first-half opener as the points were shared in front of just over 27,000 fans.

Blues defender Aniek Nouwen started on the bench for the Netherlands, but entered the fray as a half-time substitute replacing Stefanie van der Gragt in the Dutch back three, helping her side earn a valuable point against the reigning champions.

This result leaves the teams level on four points in Group E with both sides registering one win and one draw from their opening two matches. They are separated by a narrow +2 goal difference with the USA topping the group going into the final fixtures.

Matildas stunned

Co-hosts Australia suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of Nigeria in Group B on Thursday. The Matildas took the lead in first-half stoppage time through Emily van Egmond, but Nigeria levelled almost instantly thanks to Uchenna Kanu and the teams went into the break all square.

Two goals in quick succession during the second half saw the game slip away from Australia. Osinachi Ohale headed Nigeria in front on 65 minutes, before Asisat Oshoala capitalised on a defensive mishap minutes later. Alanna Kennedy pulled a goal back for the Matildas deep into added time, but the Super Falcons held on to claim a famous victory.

This result sees Nigeria move to the top of Group B with four points, level with second-placed Canada, while Australia sit third and trail the top two by a single point ahead of their last group stage game against the Canadians next week.

What’s next?

Australia take on Canada in their last Group B fixture in Melbourne on Monday 31 July, with kick-off for this one at 11am (UK time).

Netherlands are back in action against Vietnam in their final Group E match in Dunedin on Tuesday 1 August, with kick-off scheduled for 8am (UK time)