Risa Shimizu

Women's April international action concludes

The women’s April international break concluded across Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, with a handful of Hammers seeing action. 

Starting with the second set of matches in UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying, Emma Snerle helped Denmark to a 4-2 win over Belgium to continue their 100% start in League A Group B. 

Amalie Vangsgaard netted twice, with both goals assisted by Sofie Svava, before she then netted a third for herself before the break. Frederikke Thøgersen then scored a fourth before Belgium hit back twice through Sari Kees and Féli Delacauw. 

However, it was too little too late for the Red Flames, as Snerle and Denmark secured the win. 

Amber Tysiak was an unused substitute for Belgium in the defeat. 

Emma Snerle

Kirsty Smith helped Scotland to their first three points of qualifying, as they narrowly edged out Slovakia 1-0 at Hampden Park. 

In the 61st minute, Erin Cuthbert’s fantastic delivery was met well by Sophie Howard, who headed in the only goal of the game. 

Smith, who won her 50th cap in a 0-0 draw with Serbia on Friday 5 April, started again in the backline alongside Howard, and was replaced by Jamie-Lee Napier just before the hour mark. 

Scotland sit level on points with Serbia, but second on goal difference in League B, Group B 2. 

Japan also lost out on penalties in their third place SheBelieves Cup game. Risa Shimizu and Honoka Hayashi both started the game, with Mina Tanaka scoring 35 minutes into the game. 

Veteran forward Cristiane levelled, which would ultimately take the game to penalties, where Brazil would score all three of their spot kicks and Japan couldn’t find success from 12-yards. 

Arnold versus Australia

Mackenzie Arnold kept a clean sheet for Australia as they beat Mexico 2-0 in a friendly match at Toyota Field, Texas. 

The friendly provided manager Tony Gustavsson with a chance to try different things ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord netted for the Matildas in the win over an attacking Mexico team. 

Shelina Zadorsky was an unused substitute as Canada lost out on penalties in the final of the SheBelieves Cup. 

Both Adriana Leon and Sophia Smith netted twice in normal time, before the USA found more success in the shootout, with Emily Fox netting the winning spot kick. 

Jessie Stapleton was also an unused substitute in Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 defeat to England in Dublin. Jess Ziu was also not involved, with the midfielder returning back to Chadwell Heath after picking up a small injury. 

 

Leicester City