Women’s World Cup: Auckland Awaits Italy and Argentina

Italy vs Argentina

Eden Park in Auckland is the setting for a clash which, if in men’s international football, would be one of giant proportions.

So why not in the Women’s World Cup?

Sure, Sweden are considered the favourites to top Group G as they chase an elusive World Cup title after falling short on the podium in varying international competitions.

But with full respect to South Africa, who step onto the World’s biggest stage as the 2022 Africa Cup of Nation champions, it is Italy and Argentina who should secure the other spot to progress to the knockout stages.

That makes their opening meeting on Monday all the more important.

Talking Points

Le Azzurre may well be going through a period of transition, but they come into the competition on the back of a fine run.

Unbeaten in four, coach Milena Bertolini sprang a few surprises with her squad selection, including leaving out midfielder Aurora Galli, who played a vital role in Italy’s unexpected march to the quarter-finals of the last World Cup, and captain Sara Gama.

The centre-back is a legend of the Italian game, already in the national side’s Hall of Fame and the first female vice-president of the Italian Footballers’ Association.

They will no doubt look to the likes of midfielder Manuela Giugliano and forward Valentina Giacinti, who combined to top the charts for top attacking involvement in Serie A last term, as Bertolini hopes that form can be translated from club to country.

They also have Giulia Dragoni who, aged just 16, was a shock inclusion.

A gifted midfielder who has played only a few Serie A minutes with Inter Milan, she left Italy in the New Year for Barcelona, becoming the first foreign woman to reside at La Masia, the legendary academy. However, despite her tender years, her talent is clear and Dragoni has always been considered destined for success.

There will be expectation as well as pressure because, while Italy had a near-perfect qualification period, the manner of the capitulation in last summer’s European Championships will have raised some concerns as they failed to win any of their three group stage matches and conceded seven goals during their first-round exit.

Like Italy, Argentina will want their say as they return to a fourth World Cup and know this game is very much a golden opportunity to put one foot in the knockout stages.

As they look to capitalize on the enthusiasm generated by their men’s team’s momentous World Cup triumph last year, the women’s team possess a talented and skilled squad, eager to make their mark in the competition.

Historically low scorers in World Cups, the presence of Yamila Rodriguez, who was the top-scorer in the Copa with six goals, could help change the fortunes of the South Americans.

Central midfielders Diana Falfan and Lorena Benitez are also key players in the squad.

You can look at it two ways, really.

In 2017, Argentina dropped out of the FIFA rankings due to two years of inactivity and the players went on strike to improve their conditions.

So perhaps some Women’s World Cup 2023 highlights and just one win would be a success.

After all, three defeats at the 2003 World Cup were followed by three more in 2007, and while in France in 2019 they picked up two draws – against Japan and Scotland – a victory remained elusive.

Yet, on the flip side, such recent progress means players and fans alike can also be enthusiastic about the possibility of qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time.

Will either of these teams threaten the US as the next world champions? Probably not.

But an opening game is key for both nations in what will also be the inaugural competitive encounter between the two teams.

Betting Tip

Italy are clear favourites with the SBOTOP Women’s World Cup betting odds, priced 1X2 @ 1.51, First Half 1X2 @ 2.01, Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.11, and First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.05.

Argentina are out 1X2 @ 4.70, First Half 1X2 @ 4.90, Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.20, and First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.20.

I expect goals and I am looking at Over 2.75 @ 2.07 and 4-6 @ 3.45 more favourably than 0-1 @ 3.25 and 2-3 @ 1.88. While I expect a tightly-contested affair in the first half, the Italians should ultimately take the victory against Argentina.

 

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