World Football

Hear the untold story of how a science teacher from Oslo made a speech that would change the future of women's football.In 1986, Ellen Wille became the first female to speak at a FIFA Congress and in a room full of men demanded women should have a FIFA World Cup and play football at the Olympics. Then FIFA President Joao Havelange and Vice President Sepp Blatter accepted the challenge, although it did take some time.Within two years FIFA staged a Women's Invitational Event, and still not ready to call it a FIFA World Cup in 1991, the Women's FIFA World Championship for Women's Football for the M&M's Cup took place. That's not easy to say!Finally – although it took nine years – in 1995 Sweden hosted the first FIFA Women's World Cup and, significantly for Ellen, it was her home nation Norway who lifted the trophy.Caroline Barker went to Oslo to track down Ellen Wille. She speaks to former president of the Football Association of Norway, Per Ravn Omdal; current President Lise Klaveness; and Norway's 1995 World Cup winners Hege Riise and Linda Meladen.Presented by Caroline BarkerProduced by Sophia Hartley for the BBC World ServicePhoto: Ellen Wille speaking to the BBC World Service (Credit: BBC)

John Bennett presents reaction from outside the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan after a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final between hosts Ivory Coast and Nigeria.John gets perspective from both nations as he's joined by Ivorian football journalist Salia Dramé and Nigerian broadcaster Fisayo Dairo.Friend of the pod George Addo also drops by to give his view on the tournament.

John Bennett is joined by former Cameroon and Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong to look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations final between Ivory Coast and Nigeria in Abidjan.We hear from former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou on his mentoring relationship with one of the Ivorian stars of the tournament, Brighton winger Simon Adingra.We also go behind the scenes in the Nigeria camp with their ex media officer Oluwatoyin Ibitoye who is now following the team as a broadcaster.

In a bonus episode, John Bennett is joined by a legend of Ivory Coast football and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations winner Kolo Toure.The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender shares his Afcon memories, including lifting the trophy in 2015.He also assesses the current squad, and looks ahead to the final against Nigeria.

John Bennett is joined by a host of guests to react to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals in Ivory Coast. Ivorian football journalist Salia Dramé and Afcon broadcaster Patrick Juillard join John to assess the hosts' 1-0 win over DR Congo which sees them through to the final. We are also joined by former South African captain Dean Furman and Nigerian writer Fisayo Dairo after the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana on penalties.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani as they look ahead to the semi-finals at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.We hear how Gaby rates the chances of his nation against the hosts Ivory Coast, while the guys assess how Nigeria may manage without star striker Victor Osimhen should he not be fit to face South Africa.We also catch up with pod regular Sebastien Bassong and get his views on the final four, plus we hear from legendary Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph Antoine-Bell, who gives us his assessment of South Africa's Ronwen Williams following his standout performance in the quarter-finals, saving four penalties against Cape Verde.

Host nation Ivory Coast produced another amazing escape act as Oumar Diakite's 122nd-minute winner sent the 10-man Elephants into the semi-finals at heartbroken Mali's expense. They'll face DR Congo in the last four. South Africa will take on Nigeria after their penalty shoot-out win against Cape Verde. We hear from the South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams who saved four penalties. Get in touch with your views on the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and send us a WhatsApp voice note. Tell us your name and where you are from to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former South Africa captain Dean Furman to assess their 2-1 win on penalties over Cape Verde which saw goalkeeper Ronwen Williams save four spot kicks to see them through to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.We also discuss a dramatic last gasp victory for hosts Ivory Coast who beat Mali 2-1 thanks to a goal in added time at the end of extra time with Patrick Juillard and George Addo.And we look ahead to the semi finals which take place on Wednesday.Get in touch with your views on the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and send us a WhatsApp voice note. Tell us your name and where you are from to +44 800 032 0470.

Join John Bennett in Abidjan as Nigeria and DR Congo reach the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.Nigeria beat Angola 1-0, while DR Congo won 3-1 against Guinea.John is joined by African football expert Maher Mezahi to assess whether Nigeria have enough to go on and win it, while former DR Congo captain and friend of the pod Gabriel Zakuani drops by to celebrate his nations victory.We also hear from one of Ivory Coast's golden generation, the former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue as he looks ahead to their semi versus Mali, while ex South Africa women's captain Amanda Dlamini gives us the inside track on Bafana Bafana as they prepare to face Cape Verde.Send us your WhatsApp voice notes throughout the tournament on +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by Ghanaian broadcaster George Addo after arriving in Abidjan to preview the quarter-final matches at the Africa Cup of Nations in a bonus edition.In an unpredictable tournament, John and George do the unthinkable, and try and predict which way the matches will go. We hear who will progress between Nigeria and Angola and who between Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea will reach the last four. Both games take place on Friday 2 February. Will hosts Ivory Coast be celebrating a final spot or will they be knocked out by Mali? That game is played on Saturday 3 February as well as the match between Cape Verde and South Africa. We want to hear from you, send us your WhatsApp voice notes to +44 0800 032 0870. Tell us your name, where you are from, your question, and we will use a selection during the show.

Mike McCarthy is joined by former South Africa captain Dean Furman and former Cameroon defender Sebastian Bassong to reflect on another big Afcon shock as South Africa eliminate World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in a 2-0 win. Meanwhile Mali see off Burkina Faso 2-1 as the quarter-final line-up is completed. We look ahead to the last eight and ask, who are the favourites now?Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani as they react to a huge match in the last-16 at the Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Ivory Coast beat holders Senegal 5-4 on penalties after the game had finished 1-1 after extra-time.John and Gaby also discuss Cape Verde's 1-0 win over Mauritania which sees them progress to a quarter-final match against Guinea.We also hear from former South Africa captain Dean Furman ahead of their game against Morocco on Tuesday.Get in touch with your WhatsApp voice notes on +44 800 032 0470. Tell us your name and where you are from and we will use a selection in the show.

Nishat Ladha is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani on a famous night for the nation in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.DR Congo beat Egypt 8-7 on penalties after their last-16 match finished 1-1 after extra time. It means Mo Salah's hopes of returning from injury and playing a part for Egypt later in the tournament have ended after an epic set of penalties, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi scoring the winning penalty.We also discuss Guinea's dramatic last gasp 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea.And we look ahead to Monday's matches as the hosts Ivory Coast prepare to face holders Senegal, while two of the surprise packages of the tournament, Cape Verde and Mauritania, face each other for a place in the quarter-finals.Keep sending us your voice notes by WhatsApp to be included in the show. Tell us your name, where you are from and your Afcon question to +44 800 032 0470.

Nishat Ladha is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to reflect on the opening matches of the knock-out stages as Nigeria beat Cameroon 2-nil with two goals from Ademola Lookman while Angola were 3-nil winners against Namibia. Plus a look ahead to Sunday's matches in the last sixteen as Equatorial Guinea face Guinea and the seven-time champions Egypt play DR Congo. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

In a special episode of World Football at Afcon, John Bennett is joined by former Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose who shares his memories of the Super Eagles 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory in South Africa.Ambrose describes the build up to the tournament and takes us inside the dressing room following their memorable quarter-final win over a much fancied Ivory Coast side, including an inspirational message from Didier Drogba.We also hear about the togetherness of the squad which saw them beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.John and a variety of guests are with you every match day throughout the tournament to bring you all of the drama and excitement from Ivory Coast.You can get involved too, send us your Afcon questions via WhatsApp voice note to +44 800 032 0470. Tell us your name and where you're contacting us from and we'll use a selection of your views in the show.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani and former South Africa captain Dean Furman. They discuss Morocco's victory over Zambia, which booked them top spot in Group F, a result that sealed hosts Ivory Coast a place in the last 16 despite sacking manager Jean-Louis Gasset earlier in the day. They also analyse the elimination of 2004 champions Tunisia from the tournament after a 0-0 draw against South Africa and talk about Namibia making it to the knockout stage for the first time in their history. Plus, now we know the full line-up, there's a look-ahead to the last 16.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani to analyse Algeria's shock 1-0 defeat to Mauritania, who had never won a game at Afcon before. It means that the 2019 champions Algeria are out and Mauritania go through. They are joined by former Cameroon Afcon winner Patrick Suffo to discuss his nation's dramatic and late 3-2 win over The Gambia which took them into the last 16. Meanwhile they look ahead to the final group games on Wednesday involving the likes of Morocco, Tunisia, DR Congo and South Africa. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani, plus ex-Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba and 2015 Afcon finalist with Ghana Kwesi Appiah. They discuss Ivory Coast's 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea, which means their hopes of going through to the last 16 are hanging by a thread. They also analyse Ghana's 2-2 draw with Mozambique which means they're all but out of the tournament. Meanwhile there's reaction to Egypt squeezing through after a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde and Nigeria booking a last 16 place with a win over Guinea- Bissau. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

Maz Farookhi is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to assess their 1-1 draw against Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.Maz and Gaby discuss Zambia's point against Tanzania, earned through a late Patson Daka header, and assess South Africa's big win over Namibia.There's also a lookahead to the big games on Monday in Group A and Group B, with qualification spots up for grabs for the likes of hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana. Plus reaction to Egypt's key man Mo Salah returning to club side Liverpool for treatment on the injury which is expected to rule him out until the semi-finals.Get involved throughout the tournament - Send us your questions with a WhatsApp voice note. Tell us your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani and former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong. They discuss Algeria's 2-2 draw with Burkina Faso, where a Baghdad Bounedjah's 95th-minute equaliser salvaged a second point for the North African side who haven't won an AFCON match since winning the tournament in 2019.They also analyse a 5-goal thriller between Angola and Mauritania, which Angola won to close in on the last 16 and a 1-1 draw between Tunisia and Mali. Plus they look ahead to Sunday's games. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to assess holders Senegal after their 3-1 victory over Cameroon. Ismaila Sarr scored the first for Senegal and set up the second, with Sadio Mane adding the third goal.Senegal top the group while Cameroon have work to do in order to qualify for the knockout stages.We discuss Cape Verde's qualification for the last 16 following their 3-0 win over Mozambique, and analyse Guinea's 1-0 win over Gambia.Plus, following the update on Mo Salah's fitness, John and Gabriel look at how the Liverpool forward's injury may impact on Egypt's chances in Ivory Coast.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani and 2015 Afcon finalist with Ghana, Kwesi Appiah. They discuss Ghana's 2-2 draw with Egypt, which saw Mohammed Kudus score twice but Mohamed Salah forced off with an injury.They also analyse Nigeria's impressive 1-0 win over the hosts Nigeria and talk about the first Afcon hat-trick since 2008. Plus, there's a preview of Senegal against Cameroon.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett and former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani discuss one of the Afcon favourites Morocco, who started their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over 10-man Tanzania.Gabriel also gives his views on his team's Afcon opener against Zambia which ended 1-1 despite DR Congo dominating. Plus, we preview some great games on day six of the tournament with the help of Nigeria's Alex Iwobi.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to react to an historic win for Namibia over Tunisia.It's Namibia's first ever win at an Africa Cup of Nations - but can Tunisia bounce back from the shock defeat? Plus, we hear what they made of the wins for Burkina Faso and Mali on day four of the tournament. And they look ahead to day five when DR Congo and Morocco start their campaigns. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong and former South Africa captain Dean Furman as they review the action on day three of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.We get their views on a stunning performance by 20-year-old Lamine Camara in Senegal's 3-0 victory over The Gambia. He scored twice, including one of the early favourites for goal of the season.Plus, we hear what they made of a frustrating 1-1 draw for Cameroon against ten-man Guinea, and Algeria's 1-1 draw against underdogs Angola.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong and Ghana international Kwesi Appiah as they review the action on day two of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.We get Kwesi's view on Ghana's performance in their 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde and react to Mo Salah's last-gasp penalty equaliser for Egypt which denied Mozambique a first ever win at the tournament.Plus we hear from Nigeria's Afcon winner Efe Ambrose as the Super Eagles play out a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani and ex South Africa captain Dean Furman as they react to hosts Ivory Coast 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations.The team discuss the performance from the hosts and how they could do in the rest of the tournament, as well as looking forward to match day two, which sees nations including Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana begin their campaigns.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voic enote with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

John Bennett is joined by Ghanaian football journalist George Addo, former Cameroon international Sebastien Bassong and former DR Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani to look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.The team run through who they think will win, who could be the surprise package and what to expect from African football's biggest event.Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you're from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.

The drama, the excitement and the big talking points – every match day. Star guests join the BBC's John Bennett and George Addo for reaction and analysis. We'll take you from the group stage all the way to the final, with everything you need to know from one of the biggest tournaments in the global game. Episodes released from 10th January.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has made an impressive start since joining the London club in the summer, bringing optimism back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with his style of play and a spell at the top of the Premier League table.The former Celtic manager has been successful elsewhere in the football world, particularly in his native Australia and Japan. How did these experiences influence Postecoglou and what legacy has he had on the countries where he's coached before?Sportsworld's Delyth Lloyd is joined by Mani Djazmi as they hear from Postecoglou's former assistant Peter Cklamovski, who is now the head coach at FC Tokyo, and former Australia captain Mark Milligan, who played under Postecoglou for Australia and Melbourne Victory.Photo: Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Credit: Offside via Getty Images)

Spain beat England 1-0 to win their first FIFA World Cup. Mani Djazmi, Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith are joined by former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley to discuss the final and Spain manager Jorge Vilda's role and future. Image: Ivana Andres of Spain lifts the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy following victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Katie Smith, Mani Djazmi and Maz Farookhi take a ferry trip down the Parramatta River from Sydney's Circular Quay to the Olympic Park, where tomorrow either Spain or England will be crowned world champions for the very first time at Stadium Australia. We hear from Women's Champions League-winning coach Lluis Cortes, Women's European Championship winner Jill Scott, Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes and two-time Women's World Cup-winning manager Jill Ellis, as well as England captain Millie Bright and Spanish football journalist Sara Gutierrez, as we build up to Sunday's tournament finale. Image: The World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park on July 20, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Credit: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

In 2021, Afghanistan's women's national players fled Kabul to Australia, following the return to power of the Taliban. No women's team representing Afghanistan has kicked a ball in international football since. We catch up with goalkeeper Fati, who's now living and studying in Melbourne, to find out what life's like in Australia, what she wants from FIFA, and how the Women's World Cup has impacted her. Image: Footballer Fatima Yousufi speaks during the Angel City Equity Summit at Sydney Opera House on August 04, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)

Join Mani Djazmi and Katie Smith at Stadium Australia in Sydney as they reflect on England reaching the Women's World Cup final for the very first time after beating the co-hosts 3-1. We hear from England's match-winner Lauren Hemp, and BBC Sport's Emma Sanders drops by to discuss how Sarina Wiegman has taken the European champions to the brink of becoming world champions. Meanwhile, it's the end of the road for the Matildas. Former Australia international Elissia Carnavas joins us to reflect on their run to the semi-finals and discuss the legacy this tournament could have for the development of women's football in Australia. Image: Players of England celebrate following victory during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 semi-final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Maz Farookhi is in Auckland as Spain reach their first final in only their third World Cup finals appearance thanks to second-half strikes from teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo and captain Olga Carmona. Joining Maz are Spanish radio reporter Sara Gutierrez and Swedish journalist Amanda Zaza to chat about the pulsating semi-final. We also hear from The New Zealand Herald's Michael Burgess about what the tournament has done to football in New Zealand and how the last five weeks will be remembered. As it's the final match in New Zealand, we'll also be hearing about the significance of the Maori performing art, Poi, and why it's been an ever-present at grounds across New Zealand during the competition. Finally, Katie Smith is in Sydney ahead of the second semi-final between co-hosts Australia and the European Champions England. Photo: Jennifer Hermoso of Spain celebrates with her teammates after winning the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi-Final match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park on August 15, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Credit: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Mani Djazmi and Katie Smith are in Sydney and Maz Farookhi is in Auckland for the final week of the Women's World Cup. Ahead of the first semi-final between Spain v Sweden, former Spain captain Verónica Boquete chats to Maz about what makes this Spanish team special despite the players' complex relationship with head coach Jorge Vilda. We also hear from Sweden and Everton defender Nathalie Bjorn on the excitement back home and learning from their past tournament failures, and Australia midfielder Tameka Yallop says they're peaking at the right time as the Matildas face England in the second semi-final. Photo: Spain forward Salma Paralluelo celebrates scoring her team's second goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup quarter-final football match between Spain and the Netherlands at Wellington Stadium. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

Join Maz Farookhi as she travels to Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand's only professional football club to see the impact of the Women's World Cup. The club was founded in 2007 but the women's team was only formed two years ago. Maz chats with Phoenix head coach Paul Temple and Katie Barrott, female development lead at the club about what it's like running the only professional women's team in the country and how the World Cup will change New Zealand's relationship with football. Photo: Maz Farookhi with Paul Temple and Katie Barrott (Copyright: BBC Sport)

Mani Djazmi is in Brisbane, as co-hosts Australia reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup for the very first time after beating France 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout after it finished goalless after 120 minutes. Mani speaks to ecstatic Australia fans outside the Brisbane Stadium, as Matildas mania sweeps across the country. We hear from a passionate Australia manager Tony Gustavsson after leading his history-making team into the last four, while France manager Herve Renard reflects on his side's dramatic exit from the tournament. An emotional Samantha Lewis from ABC News stops by to try and sum up what this achievement means for Australian women's football. Elsewhere, Katie Smith is in Sydney speaking to more delirious Aussie fans following their historic win. Australia will face England in the semi-finals at Stadium Australia on Wednesday after coming from a goal down to beat Colombia. Katie reflects on a good night's work for Sarina Wiegman's side with former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley. Image: (L-R) Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley of Australia celebrate the team's victory through the penalty shootout following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Australia and France at Brisbane Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Join Maz Farookhi in Wellington as Spain reach their first ever World Cup semi-final following a 2-1 victory over 2019 runners up Netherlands. A goal from Barcelona's Salma Paralluelo in the 111th minute was enough for Jorge Vilda's side to progress to the last four. Maz spoke to Laia Cervello from The Athletic about the achievement and what it means for women's football in the country. We'll also hear from Dutch journalist Jeroen van Barneveld about what went wrong for the Netherlands. Spain will meet Sweden for a place in the final after they beat Japan 2-1 in Auckland. Meanwhile, Mani Djazmi is in Brisbane ahead of co-hosts Australia's quarter-final against France. Mani speaks to France manager Herve Renard about the challenge of facing a partisan Aussie crowd, while Australia manager Tony Gustavsson and defender Ellie Carpenter give us some insight into their preparations ahead of such a big game. Katie Smith is in Sydney as European Champions England get ready to face Colombia. Image: Salma Paralluelo of Spain celebrates after scoring her sides first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Spain and Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Mani Djazmi, Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith are back together to preview the four quarter-finals. Maz joins from Wellington to tell us about a quite extraordinary Netherlands press conference involving manager Andries Jonker and forward Lineth Beerensteyn ahead of their game against Spain. Beerensteyn doesn't hold back in her criticism of the USA. Katie is in Sydney to talk about her chat with England midfielder Lucy Staniforth, and Mani speaks to the woman who is credited with coming up with the Matildas name for the Australia women's football team. She tells us the tale, which involved a mechanical kangaroo and a famous royal. Image: Captain Sam Kerr of Australia speaks to her teammates in the huddle after her team's 2-0 victory and advance to the quarter-final following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Australia and Denmark at Stadium Australia on August 07, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)

Katie Smith is in Melbourne where Colombia have made history, booking their spot in the last eight for the first time beating Jamaica 1-0. Katie catches up with Colombian journalist Valentina Pena to talk about the battle of the underdogs - how does the team's mentality change when they are not the lower ranked side trying to defy expectation? Plus, she gets immersed in the Colombian after party as thousands of fans celebrate outside the stadium. And after touching down in Brisbane, Mani Djazmi is joined by French football journalist Lisa Leroux and Moroccan football journalist Amine El Amri to reflect on France's 4-0 thrashing of Morocco in Adelaide, as the French set up a mouth-watering quarter final clash with co-hosts Australia on Saturday. Photo: Catalina Usme of Colombia celebrates after scoring her team's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica. (Credit: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

There are huge celebrations in Sydney where Australia comfortably made it through to the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Denmark. Mani Djazmi spoke to jubilant Matildas fans and the ABC's Samantha Lewis to discuss the goals, increased expectations and the return of captain Sam Kerr for her first appearance at her home World Cup since being injured. Plus, England survived a scare to beat Nigeria on penalties after it remarkably finished goalless after 90 minutes. Who will they face in the quarter-finals? In Melbourne, Katie Smith has been to the Jamaica camp to speak to manager Lorne Donaldson and player Deneisha Blackwood ahead of their last-16 tie against Colombia. Photo: Hayley Raso and Emily Van Egmond of Australia celebrate with team-mates after beating Denmark during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Australia and Runner Up Group D at Stadium Australia on August 7, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)