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Three more Gunners reach the 2023 World Cup

Katie McCabe celebrates with her Irish teammates

It was a historic evening for Katie McCabe and the Republic of Ireland as they qualified for the Women's World Cup – the first major tournament in their history.

McCabe captained her international side to a tight 1-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park. Courtney Brosnan's heroic save from Caroline Weir's penalty rallied the Irish after an early scare, but it wasn't until the 72nd minute that a long ball found Amber Barrett in space and she slotted home. 

Jen Beattie made a late substitute appearance for the Scots and despite their relentless pressure on the Irish goal, they failed to make a breakthrough and now miss out on a place at the World Cup finals. 

"I can't actually believe it," McCabe said to the BBC after the game. "It doesn't feel real – it's not sunk in yet. I'm just so proud of the girls...we put our bodies on the line, we worked for each other, we ran for each other: that's what this team is all about."

Over in Zurich, Switzerland scored a dramatic winner in extra time to beat Wales and secure their place at next year's World Cup. Skipper Lia Walti played the full 120 minutes and Noelle Maritz provided the assist for Ramona Bachmann's equaliser. 

These playoff results mean that as many as 16 Gunners could be headed to Australia and New Zealand for World Cup action next summer, dependent on team selection. 

Switzerland team celebrate

Caitlin Foord continues to enjoy a superb run of form as she netted two goals in Australia's friendly against Denmark. The Matildas came from behind to win 3-1 after the Danes scored after only 47 seconds. 

Ahead of the game, Australian coach Tony Gustavsson praised the winning combination of Foord and Steph Catley, fostered during their years together at Arsenal: “That’s not our work, that’s the players and Arsenal. It is a privilege for me to bring them in and do the same thing here.

“When you see them play together at Arsenal and the job that Jonas and the club have done with them, it is just about bringing that back here and saying ‘copy and paste’."

Over at Brighton's Amex Stadium, England were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by the Czech Republic. Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman brought on Beth Mead at half-time in an attempt to revitalise the English attack, and though she continued to threaten down that left wing, Mead and England were unable to break the deadlock.

The last time England failed to score was in February during their 0-0 draw with Spain in the Arnold Clark Cup. Ever since she took charge in 2021, Wiegman has yet to lose a game as England manager. 

Both Lina Hurtig and Stina Blackstenius featured in Sweden's frontline as the side put three past France. Frida Maanum came off the subs bench for Norway as they beat the Netherlands 2-0. 

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