Internationals | Holdt nets important equaliser for Denmark

Olivia Holdt terrific run of form continued on the international stage on Saturday evening as she stepped off the bench to net the equaliser for Denmark in their 1-1 draw with Italy in the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The attacking midfielder was introduced in the 61st minute and just two minutes later, with her nation behind to Martina Piemonte’s first half opener, Oli was on hand to make an instant impact as she brought the scores level in the contest.

With Sofie Svava picking out our number 11 in the centre of the box, the 24-year-old directed a right-footed effort into the back of the net – just her second goal for her nation to date.

A bright spark throughout the season for us so far, Oli has now provided 13 goal contributions (eight goals and five assists) in 24 games for Club and country this term.

That goal earned Denmark a valuable point away from home and sees them pick up four points from their first two qualifying games in Group One of League A, having beaten Serbia 3-1 earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, also in that qualifying group, Amanda Nilden, Hanna Wijk and Matilda Vinberg’s Sweden were held to a goalless draw by Serbia.

Amanda came off the bench late on for her nation, replacing Smilla Holmberg with seven minutes left on the clock, but Hanna and Tilly remained unused substitutes on the afternoon.

There was also success for Eveliina Summanen and Olga Ahtinen in their World Cup qualifiers as Finland enjoyed a 3-1 win over Lativa earlier this afternoon.

Eve started and completed 71 minutes before making way for Vilma Koivisto, while Olga made her return to the starting XI and played the full match at Bolt Arena in Helsinki.

A brace from Ria Oling before Oona Sevenius’ goal, despite Annija Andersone late consolation strike, saw Finland get their first three points in Group Three of League B.

Goalkeeper Lize Kop and the Netherlands earned a 2-1 win at home to the Republic of Ireland to pick up their first victory of the qualifiers.

Our shot stopper started the game for her nation as a brace from Lineth Beerensteyn, despite Katie McCabe netting an equaliser in between her two goals, was enough to secure three points on home soil.

It was a disappointing evening for Signe Gaupset and Julie Blakstad as Norway suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Germany in their Group Four of League A fixture.

Our duo, once again, started and completed the full match for their nation on the night, but three first half goals from Germany gave Norway an uphill task before Jule Brand put the game out of reach just before the hour mark.