FIFA Women's World Cup 2003 Group D

China retained their place in the finals as hosts even though the finals had been moved to the USA. They had lost in the AFC Women's Championship final to North Korea. Russia were appearing in their second consecutive finals as were Ghana. The Oceania Women's Championship, which now involved five teams boiled down to a competition between Australia and New Zealand with one-sided ancillary matches against the likes of Samoa, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands that often involved scores in double figures.

All the matches in this group were played as double headers.

Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Knock Out Stages

2003 Overview

Australia

Russia

Australia 1 Russia 2

The Home Depot Center, Carson (8,500)
21 September

Although Golebiowski put Australia ahead in the 38th minute, Russia were back on level terms within a minute thanks to an own goal by Diane Alagich. With the final whistle imminent Elena Fomina scored to give Russia three points.

China PR

Ghana

China PR 1 Ghana 0

The Home Depot Center, Carson (10,027)
21 September

China looked lacklustre as they struggled to beat Ghana. Sun Wen scored the only goal of the game in the first half.

Ghana

Russia

Ghana 0 Russia 3

The Home Depot Center, Carson (13,929)
25 September

A second win for Russia made it certain they would be in the next phase.

China PR

Australia

China PR 1 Australia 1

The Home Depot Center, Carson (13,929)
25 September

In the group's second double header China struggled once again to make an impression. The Matildas led at half-time but Bai equalised immediately after the restart.

Ghana

Australia

Ghana 2 Australia 1

PGE Park Portland (19,132)
28 September

Ghana were already eliminated but a win here for Australia would give them a chance of progressing if Russia beat China later that evening. Alberta Sackeys's two quick-fire goals (34', 39') put an end to that. Australia's goal was scored by Heather Garriock in the second half.

China PR

Russia

China PR 1 Russia 0

PGE Park Portland (19,132)
28 September

China squeaked past Russia thanks a single goal scored by Bai Jie in the 16th minute to top the group. Given the result of the day's earlier match, both teams were already through so there was not a great deal at stake here.