Just Women’s Sports is here with your daily World Cup Digest, breaking down all of the biggest storylines from each day of action in Australia and New Zealand.

Today’s top World Cup news: Rose Lavelle available to start for USWNT

Rose Lavelle is cleared to start for the U.S. women’s national team against the Netherlands, USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski said Wednesday. The 28-year-old midfielder is recovering from a knee injury, and she played her first minutes since April in the World Cup opener against Vietnam.

“Rose is fine, and I’m happy she’s available for selection,” Andonovski said.

Whether Lavelle will get the starting nod remains to be seen, but she said Wednesday morning that she feels “pretty good” and “ready for the second match.” She played just 27 minutes against Vietnam, but she generated 0.24 expected assists, the fourth-highest of any USWNT player.

“Every time we play them, it’s a very physical and intense match,” she said of the Netherlands. “They have a lot of different threats, they’re technical, good on set pieces, so I think it’s going to be a tough game, but we’re really excited for it.”

Lavelle brings a history of success against the Netherlands, having scored in the 2019 World Cup final. But she warned Wednesday that this matchup will look “completely different.”

“Both teams are completely different — new players, new coaches — so I think that it’s a fun memory, but we have a new mindset going into this game,” she said. “We know every time we play the Netherlands, it’s going to be a great game. They have a lot of experience on the field.

“I think it’s going to be fun.”

More top World Cup news: Canada battles back against Ireland

Ireland’s Katie McCabe scored her team’s first-ever World Cup goal in thrilling fashion, putting an Olimpico into the net in the fourth minute.

Yet after the rare goal conceded by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, Canada pushed back to take a key 2-1 victory in Group B.

Canada’s first goal came late in the first half, when Julia Grosso – through wet and rainy conditions – put a shot on net that resulted in an own goal from Ireland. Adriana Leon added another goal in the 53rd minute that proved to be the game-winner.

Today’s top highlight: Spain’s Alba Redondo shares moment with her family

After scoring two goals in Spain’s 5-0 win over Zambia, Alba Redondo paused to soak in the moment with her family. It’s giving us all the feels.

Today’s results:

  • Japan 2, Costa Rica 0
  • Spain 5, Zambia 0
  • Canada 2, Ireland 1
  • USWNT vs. Netherlands — 9 p.m. ET

More World Cup news to know:

  • Spain and Japan are advancing to the knockout stage. Both won their second Group C matches in commanding fashion and will feature in the Round of 16 regardless of what happens when they face off in their third and final group-stage match.
  • Caroline Graham Hansen issued an apology to Norway coach Hege Riise for her comments after being dropped to the bench for Tuesday’s scoreless draw against Switzerland. Even in the apology, Graham Hansen still said she “strongly disagreed” with Riise’s decision to leave her out of the starting lineup. “I just want to apologize for my statements after the match. I’m just a human being with a lot of feelings,” she told reporters Tuesday. “Emotions got the better of me.”
  • Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik have joined Sam Kerr on Australia’s injured list for Thursday’s game against Nigeria. Both players sustained mild concussions in separate incidents during training Tuesday, according to Football Australia. Both have recovered but are following return to play protocols. Football Australia’s concussion guidelines from Jan. 2018 state that return to play protocols “provides for a minimum of six days before the player can play a competitive game.”

Katie McCabe led the charge for Arsenal’s offense on Sunday, helping the Gunners to a commanding 3-0 win over Everton.

The Irish captain scored a screamer of a goal in the game’s 32nd minute, volleying the ball from the top of the box to put the Arsenal up 1-0.

Nine minutes later, the Gunners doubled their lead, with Lotte Wubben-Moy getting on the end of an Arsenal corner.

Arsenal’s scoring campaign ended with a banger from Frida Maanum, who rifled the ball into the top corner for a 3-0 lead in the 87th minute.

Sunday’s shutout preserves Arsenal’s perfect Women’s Super League season, keeping the Gunners at the top of the table.

It was a fantastic day for the Arsenal women and Tobin Heath’s debut as they trounced Manchester City 5-0 to go on top of the Women’s Super League.

Arsenal captured the first two goals during a ruthless first-half performance. Man City had plenty of opportunities but was unable to defend against Vivianne Miedema’s opening goal, followed by a finish from Kim Little.

Arsenal grabbed another one when Kate McCabe made a brilliant run infield from the left and rammed home a deflected shot in the 60th minute.

A Man City foul on Little gave Arsenal another chance at the 78th mark. Little lifted the penalty into the top corner of the net, giving Arsenal a 4-0 lead.

Less than 10 minutes later, Tobin Heath made her Arsenal debut, after leaving Manchester United at the end of the 2020 season.

In the last act of the game, Leah Williamson wrapped things up with a header from Caitlin Foord’s corner. Arsenal completed their win with four different players on the scoresheet.

Next up, Arsenal will play Tottenham in the quarter-final on Wednesday, Sept. 29.