World Cup 2023 LIVE: Today’s results and latest news

The Netherlands kicked off their Group E season with a 1-0 win over Women’s World Cup debutants Portugal at Dunedin Stadium thanks to a first-half goal from Stefanie Van der Gragt which was assessed by a VAR.

A year ago, the Dutch defeated Portugal 3-2 in the group stage of the European Championship, but this time the Iberians were no match for the team in their trademark orange and only had a shot on target in the 82nd minute.

The Dutch women scored in the 13th minute from a corner when Van der Gragt rose over the defense at the far post and headed the ball in, but the flag was flown for offside when the linesman felt Jill Roord was interfering with the keeper.

However, the game interference decision was overturned by a VAR check by the referee after she watched a replay on the monitor and the goal stood, sparking the Dutch side’s second celebration.

“We celebrated the goal and then saw the assistant referee, so we had to wait for the final decision,” Van der Gragt told reporters after being named player of the match. “It’s always difficult to celebrate a second time, but it was good. I’m really happy that we won, that was the most important thing today.”

The Netherlands are level with group leaders USA on three points but lie second on goal difference ahead of Thursday’s Titanic clash – a repeat of the 2019 final in which the Americans won their fourth World Cup.

“We’re not afraid of America, we respect them, we’re not afraid,” said Netherlands coach Andries Jonker, adding that her focus since June has been on the opening game against Portugal.

“That was the most important game and now it’s time to focus on USA.”

France’s hopes of a successful start to the Women’s World Cup were dashed by a hard-working Jamaican side in Sunday’s opening Group F match at Sydney Football Stadium.

The French, semi-finalists at last year’s European Championship, were unable to get their fluid passing game going as the Jamaicans pressed and pressed them to claim their first World Cup point after three defeats in their 2019 debut.

Striker Kadidiatou Diani almost scored the winner for France in the 90th minute, but her powerful header hit the bar and then the post before rebounding to the delight of the Jamaicans in front of nearly 40,000 spectators.

Fifth-placed France meet Brazil in what was set to decide Group F in Brisbane on Saturday, while Jamaica meet Panama in Perth later that day without striker Khadija Shaw, who was sacked in added time.

It’s sensed that celebrations will continue late into the night in Sydney after Jamaica secured a brilliant draw against France.

FULL TIME! Brilliant, simply brilliant from Jamaica. They take their first ever point at a Women’s World Cup! And it’s totally deserved

They’re holding out with 10 women to beat France – they’ve done their best, with Khadija Shaw (despite her late dismissal) and Drew Spence leading the way. Their pressing limited the LEs Bleues and they even created a few chances for themselves.

There is now a chance for the Reggae Girlz to reach the knockout rounds of this World Cup, although Shaw’s impending ban is a blow.

90+2 mins: RED CARD! Oh no! This is a nightmare for Jamaica! Their captain, talisman and superstar Khadija Shaw was sent off for a second bookable offence.

She was brilliant in that game – literally leading from the front with her tireless pressing as the sole centre-forward. But she’s already booked and unnecessarily pouncing on Wendie Renard. She maintains her innocence but it’s a clear foul and the referee has no choice but to give her a second yellow card.

The Man City star will not only miss the final minutes of this game, but also the next group game against Panama. That could be vital.

89 minutes: CROSSRANGE! The width of the bar shows how close France came to breaking Jamaica’s heart in the final moments.

Kadidiatou Diani’s shot goes over the Jamaica keeper but bounces off the bar. Unbelievable! But the Reggae Girlz survive. In six minutes stoppage time

85 minutes: With five minutes left, Jamaica wins a corner and Blackwood puts a dangerous ball into the mixer. However, Shaw’s shot from the turn goes over the bar.

A draw would be a great result for Jamaica, ranked 43rd in the world and France 5th, but a win would be seismic

70 minutes: In the last 20 minutes in Sydney. France are close to breaking the deadlock as Aston Villa star Kenza Dali saves a beautiful cross but Kadidiatou Diani heads wide.

Les Bleues are on top now, but Jamaica can still hold their own

HALFTIME! Jamaica will be very pleased with that first-half performance. To be honest they outplayed France and it wouldn’t be unfair if they were up front.

Their pressing was brilliant, pressing France and pushing them back. Bunny Shaw, Drew Spence and Atlanta Primus were the leaders of the Reggae Girlz. Can they break through in the second half or will Herve Renard make the necessary adjustments for Les Bleues?

42 mins: CLOSE! Khadija “Bunny” Shaw makes a mighty run-up (think Roberto Carlos) and fires in a free-kick from about 30 yards out. France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin desperately dives to the left, but the Exocet just misses the post. Great effort.