Several West Ham United Women’s players were involved in the first round of matches of the April international break.
A mixture of friendly and 2023 FIFA World Cup qualifiers took place on Friday and Saturday – with a total of seven Hammers in action.
Starting on Friday, Emma Snerle played 74 minutes as Denmark cruised to a 2-0 victory over Malta. A quick-fire double from the Danes got them off to the best possible start, with Janni Thomsen and Olivia Holdt scoring on five and seven minutes at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’ Qali.
Snerle, who played alongside Stine Laarsen upfront during the game was replaced with just over 15 minutes to play – as Denmark secured a win that see’s them move six points clear at the top of Group E.
France were also in action in World Cup qualifying, as they beat Wales 2-1 at Parc y Scarlets. Hawa Cissoko was an unused substitute in the victory.
Moving away from competitive action – Tameka Yallop came off the bench to help Australia to claw back victory against near-neighbours New Zealand.
The Matildas dominated the friendly match in Queensland, but found themselves behind after 32 minutes when Anna Green’s effort from out wide somehow found it’s way beyond Lydia Williams in the Australia goal.
And despite having 37 attempts on goal, it looked as though it wouldn’t be the Matildas’ day – that was until the final two minutes of injury time.
Former Hammer, Emily van Egmond scored what looked to be a late equaliser three minutes into second half injury time, but it wouldn’t be the end of the story.
Chelsea’s Sam Kerr raced into the penalty area after a corner wasn’t properly cleared, bravely heading home amongst a sea of players to give the Aussies a 2-1 victory in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Both sides will now look forward to the second friendly match between one another, which takes place on Tuesday 12 April.
Mackenzie Arnold was an unused substitute in the victory over New Zealand.
Heading across the Pacific Ocean, Adriana Leon came off the bench to help Canada clinch a 2-0 win over Nigeria at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The forward, who won gold with Canada at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo was introduced at half-time in the clash against Super Falcons, who are ranked 39th in the latest FIFA world rankings.
Jessie Fleming and Vanessa Giles found the net for the Canadians in the win – with Giles’ goal coming after Leon almost scored a wonderful acrobatic effort that CTochukwu Oluehi had to be at full stretch to deny.
Both teams will do it all again on Tuesday, this time taking on one another at the Starlight Stadium in Langford, British Colombia.
Over in Murcia, Spain – Grace Fisk, Mel Filis and Lucy Parker were all in action for England U23s – as they embarked on the first of two friendly matches with the Netherlands.
It was an entertaining first half of football, with both sides enjoying opportunities and the action end-to-end.
The best chance of the opening period came on 39 minutes when Katie Robinson cut in from the left and saw her right-footed shot tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper.
But neither side would be able to find the goal needed to win the game as it finished 0-0.
Both Fisk and Filis played 90 minutes, whilst Lucy Parker came on at half-time for Brighton’s Maya Le Tissier.
There are plenty more matches to come during the international break – read our all you need to know guide to see what games are coming up!
After the international break, West Ham United Women face Manchester City in a mouth-watering Vitality Women's FA Cup semi-final.
Tickets for the tie on Saturday 16 April are now on sale!
The clash against the Citizens will kick-off at 12.15 BST, and the Irons need your support against a tough opponent!
You can purchase your tickets for what promises to be a thrilling FA Cup tie now!
