QB weekly: 2. - 8. 3. 2026

The week began with the international break and ended with International Women’s Day. It’s the perfect moment to celebrate the women who have helped shape and grow the game — and to look back at what the world of women’s football brought us over the past week.

Milestone Caps for Frida Maanum and Ffion Morgan

The international break often brings personal milestones, and this window was no exception. Among those celebrating landmark appearances were Frida Maanum of Norway and Wales international Ffion Morgan.

For Maanum, the occasion marked her 100th cap for Norway. She made her senior debut in 2017 and has scored 23 goals for the national team since then. Unfortunately, the midfielder will not have fond memories of the match itself, as Norway suffered a heavy 0:4 defeat to Germany. The Nordic side did, however, bounce back with a 1:0 win over Austria on Tuesday, keeping them provisionally in second place in their group.

Ffion Morgan, meanwhile, enjoyed a far more celebratory international break. Playing in League B with Wales, she marked her 50th cap for the national team in the match against Montenegro.

Although she came on in the second half, the occasion was sweetened by a convincing 6:1 victory. Combined with a draw against Czechia, the result has provisionally lifted Wales to the top of their group.

A New Generation Steps Up for Sweden

During the winter, Sweden said goodbye to several experienced internationals, with Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson and Linda Sembrant all bringing their national team careers to an end. Players the team had relied on for many years suddenly left a significant gap. Stina Blackstenius was also absent for the match in Italy due to family reasons.

Head coach Tony Gustavsson therefore turned to a new generation, naming Smilla Holmberg, Bella Andersson, Felicia Schröder and Monica Jusu Bah in the starting line-up. The gamble paid off, as the young side secured Gustavsson’s first victory as Sweden’s head coach.

In particular, tall centre-back Bella Andersson earned widespread praise for her performance. Although the subsequent goalless draw in Serbia was frustrating for the team in yellow and blue, the displays of players who have not even turned 20 yet offer real encouragement for the future.

Nicole Kozlova Suffers ACL Injury

Unfortunately, injuries — including serious ones such as ACL tears — do not spare international fixtures. Ukraine forward and Glasgow City player Nicole Kozlova was stretchered off during Ukraine’s match against England, later confirming fears of a serious knee injury.

Ukraine, newly promoted to League A, lost both of their matches. However, against giants such as England and Spain they delivered impressive performances and managed to score against both sides.

Rest in peace, Amelia Aplin

We end this week on a deeply sad note. On Sunday, Oxford United announced the tragic passing of academy player Amelia Aplin, who was just 15 years old. According to the club’s statement, Aplin collapsed during a match.

We are deeply saddened by the news of the young footballer’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, the club, and everyone who knew and loved her.