IMAN BENEY DOES ACL DAY AFTER BEING NAMED IN SWISS WORLD CUP SQUAD

It has been a roller coaster of emotions for Swiss starlet Iman Beney. The 16-year-old midfielder, who plays her club football at BSC Young Boys in her home country, made her national team debut in the 3-3 draw against Zambia on Saturday. The following day she was officially named in Inka Grings 23-player squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. 

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Beney was injured by a tackle in the final training session ahead of Switzerland’s final pre-tournament friendly against Morocco.

The Swiss FA released a statement initially saying the midfielder, who was set to turn 17 during the tournament, was sent to hospital for precautionary checks, before later confirming that she had torn her ACL.

It is a devastating blow for the midfielder who was touted to be a sensation by the national team manager when the squad was announced.

Switzerland's tournament begins when the side face the Philippines at Dunedin Stadium in New Zealand on July 21.

MARTA SPEAKS ON RECORD-BREAKING SIXTH WWC APPEARANCE

Marta will absolutely be putting the team first for Brazil when the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand later this month.

Despite reports to the contrary, the Brazilian superstar has completely dismissed reports that she has sought assurances of her playing time with Brazil coach Pia Sundhage in the lead-up to the massive tournament.

"I haven't talked to Pia, because I've never spoken with any coach about starting. Today I have the notion that I am not the Marta of 20 years ago. But the greatest happiness is seeing that, regardless of whether I'm on the pitch or not, we have players who will represent our country well", Marta told the FIFA website.

When the Brazil squad was officially announced Sundhage reduced to confirm whether or not Marta will be a part of the starting XI. “Marta is the queen, she is an icon. She will play the role I will give her and I am sure she will do well”, the Brazilian national team coach said.

Brazil kick off its Group F campaign against Panama at Hindmarsh Stadium as the team ascend to the top of the podium at the Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.

Edge of the Crowd partners with Her Game Too for the Women's World Cup, uniting our passion for diversity and inclusivity in sports. Together, we aim to dismantle barriers, tackle sexism, and amplify women's voices in the sporting realm. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the beautiful game, free of gender constraints. The love for the game knows no gender; let's make every game, Her Game Too. Head to @HerGameToo on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to learn more.

SPAIN DEFEAT DENMARK IN FIFAWWC WARM-UP MATCH

Spain defeated Denmark 2-0 in a clash between two national teams inside the top 15 of FIFA’s World Rankings this morning.

The blockbuster clash, played at Gladsaxe Stadium in Demark, was disappointing for the home side as the side were dominated by Spain, who could have easily won the match more comfortably. Goals from Barcelona full-back Ona Battle and fellow Barca teammate, winger Salma Paralluelo secured a deserved victory for Jorge Vilda’s side.

Goalscorer Ona Battle told media post-match, “a good test against a great team”.

Spain kick off its 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign against Costa Rica in Wellington, while Denmark begin its tournament against China in Perth.

MATILDAS GET MINTED

To mark two weeks until the beginning of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off, Football Australia has announced a partnership with the Royal Australian Mint that will see Matildas-themed coins released exclusively from Woolworths stores across Australia.

When you pay in cash at your local Woolies, four $1 coins will be available at random, with a new $2 coin also released each week over the next three weeks.

“The Royal Australian Mint has a history of beautifully capturing quintessentially Australian stories and sporting moments.  With the long history of the CommBank Matildas and the upcoming historic moment, it seemed only fitting that we would partner together to immortalise a piece of Australian history", said Football Australia CEO James Johnson.

Finally, several squads have been announced ahead of the July 9 FIFA deadline for team's final 23-strong squads. Check out our comprehensive analysis of the Matildas' final squad here and be sure to come back to Edge of the Crowd on July 9, when we will have every 23-player squad for you.

To get the full experience of Edge of the Crowd's 70-Day Countdown to the FIFA Women's World Cup this July, don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Also don't forget to listen to the Australian World Cup Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. New episode out now!