We continue our Women's World Cup series at The Short Corner, highlighting the Japanese team's impressive performance, Spain's skillful gameplay, and Canada's determined comeback as Olympic champions. We also have a special feature on the notable Irish player, Katie McCabe.

Japan v Costa Rica (2-0)

In front of 6,992 spectators at the verdant Dunedin stadium, Japan showcased a game of precision against Costa Rica, achieving a swift 2-0 victory. Naomoto and Fujino scored within a brief two-minute window. Costa Rica tried to keep pace, but the Japanese team outstripped them. As a result of this loss, Costa Rica unfortunately will not be progressing in the World Cup.

Spain vs Zambia (5-0)

On a sunny day, Spain made an impressive showing in the Women's World Cup, overpowering Zambia 5-0 to secure an early place in the knockout stages. Zambia, inexperienced in this level of competition, struggled against Spain's well-honed team. Notable performances came from Teresa Abelleira's stunning opener, Jennifer Hermoso's double score on her centenary appearance, and Alba Redondo's brace, which all contributed to Spain's clear victory. Despite Zambia's goalkeeper, Eunice Sakala, making some brave saves, the match was undeniably dominated by the Spanish team.

Canada vs Ireland (2-1)

Despite heavy rain, the Canadian women's soccer team pulled off a hard-fought victory against Ireland. After scoring an early beauty of a goal that curled like a pint of Guinness, Canada turned the tables with a string of successful attacks and a regrettable own-goal from the Irish team. Canada's comeback was marked by Adriana Leon's winning goal, pushing them further in the tournament and dampening Ireland's World Cup hopes.

USWNT vs Netherlands (9PM EST)

As the US and Netherlands face off in the 2023 Women's World Cup, both teams are vying for the top spot in Group E. The stakes are high with both teams wanting to build on past victories and learn from previous mistakes. The U.S. team, riding a 13-win streak, aims to improve their finishing after a shot-heavy match against Vietnam. On the other hand, the Dutch team is motivated to improve on their slim 1-0 victory over Portugal and possibly avenge a past World Cup defeat to the U.S. Watch this exciting match tonight at 9PM EST!

Player Spotlight - Katie McCabe

Katie McCabe, the captain of the Irish national team and Arsenal’s pride, has the rare privilege of leading her country's debut in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Born in Kilnamanagh, and one among a soccer squad of ten siblings, she started her journey playing on boys' teams before being hailed as the lynchpin of Ireland's tournament bid. This versatile left-footed powerhouse, who can strike fear into the hearts of opponents while making a chicken peri-peri seem tame, worked part-time at Nandos, while playing in the Irish league after a devastating leg break shattered her scholarship to Florida State University.

McCabe’s first taste of the English football came when she swapped the green of Raheny United, with whom she had bagged two league titles and three cup victories, for the red of Arsenal. After a Scottish sabbatical, she returned to North London stronger, becoming a critical gear in Arsenal's title-winning machinery. This Dublin-born talent now boasts 119 appearances and 19 goals for Arsenal.

The year 2022/23 season was one for the McCabe’s scrapbook, as she received the Player of the Season award, a place in the Champions League team of the season, and the Conti Cup for Arsenal. This peri-peri loving, goal-scoring, assist-making Irish wonder has accumulated 75 caps for her country, further spicing up her illustrious career. Her 2023 crowning moment came when she was hailed as Arsenal Women's Player of the Season, with her winning goal against Man City being named Goal of the Season - a sizzling top-off to a spicy year.

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