Women's World Cup 2023: Mixed fortunes for Arsenal's summer signings in first group stage games
Steph Catley and Amanda Ilestedt were on the scoresheet as Arsenal’s stars took to the field for the first time in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Fifteen of Jonas Eidevall’s squad featured among the teams named during the first round of action in Australia and New Zealand with one of the club's latest recruits making a decisive early impact.
Defender Ilestedt grabbed the winner for Sweden in a 2-1 victory over South Africa, while Australia’s Catley was also among the scorers, but it was a mixed start for the Gunners flying their country’s flag down under.
Arsenal have few England squad members who got off the bench, with just Alessia Russo leading the front line as Lotte Wubben-Moy stayed on the bench
England
England’s 1-0 win over Haiti came at the end of a night of frustration for Sarina Wiegman's side, with Arsenal’s Lionesses among those cursing their luck.
Summer signing Alessia Russo led the line, starting ahead of Rachel Daly and Beth England.
The former Manchester United star was replaced by Daly in the 77th minute and with England still a touch toothless up top, it remains to be seen whether she’ll keep her place against Denmark.
Elsewhere, Lotte Wubben-Moy was an unused sub at Suncorp Stadium with Chelsea pair Jess Carter and Millie Bright favoured at the heart of the defence.
Sweden
Ilestedt was the heroine for Sweden as Arsenal’s first signing of the off-season scored in the 89th minute to break South African hearts.
South Africa took a shock second half lead against a Sweden side which also included the Gunners’ Stina Blackstenius.
The 2003 runners-up equalised through an own-goal before Ilestedt headed home from Kosovare Asllani’s corner. Forward Lina Hurtig took part in the celebrations having entered proceedings
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