World Cup: And then there were goals (weekend recap)

It’s been quite the whirlwind since France bested South Korea in spectacular fashion on Friday and the opening match rather set the tone for the tournament.

Norway were far from their best but still managed to pull off a 3-0 win over Nigeria to keep Group A polarised. In Group B, Germany needed a moment of magic from Giulia Gwinn to see off China whilst Spain very contentiously saw off South Africa to go top of the group. Although fans were left talking about the questionable penalty decisions – as VAR reared its head more than once – it’s of the utmost importance to remember not just Thembi Kgatlana’s superb strike but how composed Bayana Bayana were for large swathes of the tie.

In Group C, red-hot favourites Australia fell to a late defeat to Italy as a Barbara Bonansea brace overturned Sam Kerr’s opening goal – a penalty rebound. The fun was just beginning in the third group however as Brazil came storming out against Jamaica, the South American team that everyone had written off showing that they were here to play – with or without Marta. Cristiane’s hat tick enough to take her to the top of the goalscoring charts and fire Brazil to the top of the group.

Finally, in Group D, England held firm to keep their first half advantage over Scotland and run out 2-1 winners, Claire Emslie’s goal Scotland’s first ever at the tournament, like Kgatlana’s was for fellow debutantes, South Africa.