New Zealand vs Canada live: Latest score and updates from Women’s World Cup semi-final

Canada, meanwhile, were outstanding in the first half of their outing against Australia – with Sophie de Goede back to her almost peerless best:

There were, perhaps, a few signs of weakness in New Zealand’s quarter-final win over South Africa, the Springboks Women’s heavy ball retention strategy and unorthodox tactics causing the Black Ferns plenty of problems in the first half. But the second half surge showed just how dangerous the world champions are:

New Zealand tend to get things right for World Cups, the Black Ferns making a habit of peaking for the major tournament they have won six times before. But there is genuine belief in the Canadian ranks that they can end their defence tonight – and with good reason, too…

It’s semi-final weekend at the Women’s World Cup, two cracking contests in store as rivalries reignite on the sport’s biggest stage. It could be a wild weekend in Bristol, and we kick off with defending champions New Zealand taking on a Canadian side that beat the Black Ferns for the first time last year. Both teams have promised to play with pace and leave everything out there – this could be very fun indeed.

Kick off at Ashton Gate is at 7pm BST.