Africa’s run at the Women’s World Cup has been nothing short of extraordinary at the end of the group phase on Thursday as debutants Morocco joined Nigeria and South Africa in the last 16.

Erick Callejas may be just 10 years old – and a lot shorter than the other participants on the soccer pitch – but he has no qualms enforcing the rules as one of the few referees his age.

Debutants Morocco stunned Colombia 1-0 in their final group match in Perth to reach the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup at the first attempt along with their opponents.

Twice former winners Germany were sent crashing out in the opening phase of the Women’s World Cup for the first time after being held to a shock 1-1 draw by South Korea in their final Group H match on Thursday.

A double header has been confirmed in Lautoka in the round 15 of the Digicel Fiji Premier League.

With a week between the Leagues Cup group stage and knockout stage,  Lionel Messi answered in one fell swoop, scoring another two goals in a 3-1 win over Orlando City SC to see Inter Miami advance to the Round of 16.

This weekend’s Digicel Premier League clash between Lautoka and Rewa is expected to be a thriller.

Fiji Football Women’s team captain Sofi Diyalowai and star player Cema Nasau are currently in a three-week trial with the US National Women’s Soccer League club, Orlando Pride.

Jamaica goalkeeper Becky Spencer said she hoped the nation’s soccer federation would reward the team properly after the Reggae Girlz broke through to the knockout phase for the first time in just their second World Cup.

Arsenal are warming up into the 2023/24 season in style after being crowned the Emirates Cup champions.

Kadidiatou Diani netted a hat-trick, including two penalties, to lead France to a frenzied 6-3 victory over debutants Panama on Wednesday and into the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup.

A courageous Jamaica held Brazil to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday to reach the knockout phase for the first time in only their second Women’s World Cup while condemning the South Americans to their earliest exit since 1995.