Switzerland Fightback for 7-3 Victory in the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Switzerland fought back from a 2-1 deficit to thrash Israel 7-3 in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers Play-off Semi-finals first leg.

The return games are to be played on Tuesday 13 October, with the winners of the eventual play-off finals qualifying for Brazil 2027.

However, the lowest-ranked side will still have to contest an inter-confederational playoff.

Kazakhstan 0-8 Republic of Ireland, Belgium 1-0 Poland

Ireland defeated 10-player Kazakhstan with seven different scorers, including a Kyra Carusa brace and a first-half hat-trick of assists from Chloe Mustaki.

Elena Dhont’s goal in first-half added time gave Belgium the win over Poland, after Tessa Wullaert had a spot kick saved. Poland’s Ewa Pajor also had her penalty saved, as Lowiese Seynhaeve maintained the home side’s advantage.

Finland 3-1 Serbia, Belarus 0-2 Italy

Finland have a 3-1 advantage to take to Serbia, with Emma Koivisto, Lotta Lindström, and Sanni Franssi scoring their goals.

Martina Piemonte broke the deadlock for Italy with a header after the hour mark, and Elisa Polli made sure of the win late on.

Albania 0-1 Wales, Romania 0-2 Norway

Wales won in Albania courtesy of an own goal, while Norway scored two without reply in Romania as Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum found the net.

Israel 3-7 Switzerland, Kosovo 1-2 Austria

The Swiss came back from a 2-1 deficit to storm to a 7-3 victory away to Israel. Talia Sommer scored a hat-trick for the hosts, while Geraldine Reuteler and Imam Beney brought Switzerland level at halftime. Riola Xhemaili and Lia Kamber each bagged a brace.

Austria came from behind to take a 2-1 lead in Kosovo, with Nicole Billa scoring an 81st-minute decisive goal after hitting the bar moments earlier.

Turkiye 3-3 Slovenia, Hungary 0-8 Netherlands

Slovenia fought back from 3-1 down to secure a 3-3 draw away to Turkiye, with Nina Kajzba netting her second goal in added time.

Lineth Beerensteyn and Victoria Pelova both claimed trebles as the Dutch ran out big winners over Hungary.

Greece 1-3 England, Slovakia 1-3 Ukraine

Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier, and Alessia Russo put England three goals ahead before Rangers’ Kallisti Brouksair replied for Greece. Ukraine matched that result despite being pegged back after going 1-1 in Slovakia.

Northern Ireland 0-4 Portugal, Croatia 0-4 Iceland

Northern Ireland lost 4-0 at home to Portugal, with both teams having a player sent off in the second half. Telma Encarnação’s early penalty was followed by Jéssica Silva’s goal and a Rebecca Holloway own goal. Catarina Amado was dismissed, but Fátima Pinto scored a fourth for the visitors before Cora Chambers received a straight red card in stoppage time for pulling down a player by her hair.

Iceland scored four without reply in Croatia, with Arna Eiríksdóttir netting a couple, Glódís Viggósdóttir converting a penalty, and Hlín Eiríksdóttir grabbing the other.

Czech Republic 0-2 Scotland, Lithuania 0-5 Sweden

Caroline Weir and Claire Emslie both scored within the space of eight second-half minutes to secure Scotland a 2-0 away win.

Sweden returned home with a 5-0 lead after Felicia Schröder scored a hat-trick, including a penalty, while Stina Blackstenius and Amanda Ilestedt each added a goal.