FINAL
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup draws to a closed on Sunday night at the Olympic Stadium.
Both Spain and England will be competing to lift the Women’s World Cup trophy for first time, with neither side progressing beyond the Semi-Final stage in the past.
Spain’s journey to the Final has not been without setbacks, they started their campaign on fire, dispatching Costa Rica and Zambia with an aggregate of 8-0, before losing out to Group C winners Japan 4-0!
The Spanish bounced back from that embarrassing defeat in the Round of 16, sending Switzerland packing 5-1, before seeing the Dutch off in extra time in a nail biting quarter-final, then reaching the final via a 89th minute winner against the Swedes.
The Lionesses journey was a little more conventional, they topped their group with three wins over Haiti, Denmark and China, required pens to knockout Nigeria in the Round of 16, before finishing both Colombia and Australia off in regular time to reach the Final.
England snuck past Spain in the quarter-finals on the way to their maiden Euro trophy, sealing the 2-1 win in extra time, despite the Spanish creating twice as many chances.
The Spanish have three players sitting on three goals for the tournament, along with six other goal-scorers!
If both sides play to their potential in the Final, Spain should romp this one in.
THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF
This may not have been the fixture both Sweden and Australia aspired to play, but there is no doubt this will be far from a dead rubber!
The Matilda’s have already progressed further through the World Cup than ever before, but they’ll be desperate to secure the bronze in front of what is set to be a sellout at Suncorp Stadium.
Meanwhile, Sweden is no stranger to this fixture, finishing third in 1991, 2011, and 2019!
The last time this pair met, Australia won convincingly, with Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr all finding the back of the net!
I’m backing the local heroes to get the job done here, coupled with a goal from Captain Kerr.
SEMI-FINALS
Bigger than the Ashes!
The Matildas will take on the Poms infant of a sell-out crowd at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium!
The Tellies made history on Saturday night, defeating the French on Penalties and in doing so becoming the first Australian side to reach a World Cup Semi Final!
They’ll meet a Lioness outfit also looking to make history by reaching the Final for the first time, after going past Colombia 2-1 in their quarter-final.
The Matildas bettered the Poms 2-0 in a friendly earlier this year, with national capital Sam Kerr scoring first before teeing up the final goal for Charlotte Grant.
With 80,000 wild Aussies in their corner and millions more watching on from home, it’s going to take a colossal effort from the Lionesses to contain the Tillies, a task beyond their abilities!
Eden Park plays host to the first semi between Spain and Sweden.
The Swedes enter this fixture off the back of a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Japan, becoming the first side to hold the Blue Samurai to under 1.5 goals.
Meanwhile, Spain needed extra time to see of the Dutch in their quarter, eventually winning 2-1 after creating 17 more chances on goal than their opponents.
Spain has failed to secure a clean sheet in each of their last three fixtures, while the Swedes have conceded just once across their last four, including a 0-0 draw against the US!
I can see Sweden frustrating their European rivals in this one, shutting up shop and pushing for a late win.
I’m backing the Swedes to reach the 2nd World Cup Final, with Spain moving onto the third place playoff.
QUARTER-FINALS
The Matildas and Les Bleues are set to meet for the 2nd time in a month, after the Aussies claimed a 1-0 victory over their quarter-final opponents in their last fixture before the tournament kicked off.
Since then, the French went on to top their group above Jamaica and Brazil, before comfortably seeing off Morocco 4-0 in the Round of 16.
Alternatively, the Matildas topped Group B above Nigeria and Canada despite losing to the African champions, before edging past Denmark 2-0.
The Tillies head into this fixture as the bookies underdog, but with the return of Sam Kerr, combined with 50,000 Aussie fans cheering them on in Brisbane, I can’t see the French standing a chance!
I’m backing the Matildas to get this done in 90.
Competition favourites, England ($3.50) are set to meet surprise package Colombia at Olympic Stadium on Saturday night.
The Lionesses advanced through to the quarter-finals following a nail biting contest against Nigeria, prevailing on penalties after the scores were locked at 0-0 after 120 minutes.
Alternatively, Colombia progressed via a 1-0 victory during regular time against Jamaica.
Impressively, England has kept three clean sheets across their four World Cup fixtures, with the only goal against them coming from the penalty spot.
I’m backing the English girls to continue their defensive dominance here, marching onto the semifinals without conceding.
Spain and the Netherlands go head-to-head in Wellington on Friday morning (AEST).
The Spanish bounced back from their embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Japan in the Group Stage, to romp Switzerland 5-1 in the round of 16.
They might find the going a little tougher against the Netherlands, who have conceded just once across their opening four fixtures, outscoring their opponents 11-1.
Spain has won the last three meetings between this pair, holding the Dutch to nil on each occasion.
The last of those three wins was back in 2021, the Dutch have just lost six of their 39 games since (24W,9D).
Japan laid out the blueprint to defeating this super talented Spanish side, absorbing bulk pressure before exploding on the counter.
I think this contest could easily go either way, instead of committing to the H2H market, I’m going to dabble in the goal scorers, backing Jill Roord to score her fifth goal of the tournament and her fourth consecutive start.
Japan and Sweden are set to duke it out at Eden Park on Friday night.
Despite sitting eight places below Sweden (3rd) in the World Rankings, Japan heads into the quarter-final as warm favourites after tearing through both Spain and Norway.
Sweden stunned the footballing world in the Round of 16, knocking out two-time defending champs USA on penalties, though an impressive feat, the result can largely be credited to Swedens keeper Zecira Musovic, who made 12 saves across regular and extra time!
Unlike the States, Japan has been far more clinical in front of goal this tournament, scoring an incredible 14 goals from 31 shots on target.
Though victorious, Sweden’s squad will be feeling the effects of 120+ minute war against the US, a fixture both physically and psychologically draining.
I’m backing Japan to continue their giant killing campaign, securing their place in the semifinal with a result during regular time here.
ROUND OF 16
France and Morocco are set to meet for the first time on the international stage.
Morocco are 67 places adrift of France in the FIFA rankings, and their last two fixtures against top 10 sides have finished in disaster, losing 6-0 to Germany in the group stage, and 4-0 to Canada in a friendly.
Meanwhile France has only lost once across their last 11 games (8W,2D), seeing off the likes of Brazil, Canada, Denmark and Norway across that stretch.
Morocco have already exceeded everyones exceptions, just making the World Cup Finals was a huge leap forward for their nations program, unfortunately I think their dream comes to an abrupt halt against the extremely talented French.
France put 6 past Panama in their final Group fixture, I can see them racking up a similar tally here.
Group H winners Colombia take on Group F runners up Jamaica in a Round 16 match up which not many would’ve predicted pre tournament.
Colombia topped their group after knocking off World #2 Germany and South Korea, before losing their last fixture to Morocco.
Meanwhile, Jamaica stunned the footballing world by holding both France and Brazil to 0-0 draws, while picking up three points against the Groups easy beats Panama.
Alongside Japan, Jamaica was the only other side to not concede during the group stage, with their solitary goal enough to push them into uncharted territory.
I’m predicting a nervy affair between these two minnows, with defence dominating the first 90 minutes of play.
I’m backing Jamaica to stand resolute in regular time, with this game to be decided in extra time or penalties.
Australia vs Denmark, sounds familiar.
The Tily’s put on a clinic against a highly ranked Canadian side last time out, putting four goals past the Northern Americans to secure a place in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Denmark finished 2nd in Group D, easing past Haiti and China, securing six competition points with a modest return of three goals.
The Matildas dismantled Denmark 3-1 at the end of 2022, and have only gone onto further consolidate their form since.
With Sam Kerr’s calf injury behind us, Raso and Fowler in red-hot form, the Danes will be spending most of this contest practising their kickoff routine!
I’m backing the Aussies to get the job done, with Mary Fowler adding to her goal tally.
Is it coming home?
The Lionesses meet Nigeria at Suncorp Stadium on Monday night, as the pair prepare for their first matchup since 1995, a game which England won 3-0.
Aussie fans will be very familiar with Nigeria’s game, after seeing the Matildas go down 3-2 to the African minnows.
Nigeria failed to score across their other two group fixtures, with their defence holding out for two goals draws.
Meanwhile, England has grown into the tournament, seeing both Haiti and Denmark 1-0, before taking China to the cleaners in a 6-1 masterclass.
Lauren James is an early front runner for player of the tournament honours, the Chelsea midfielder has three goals and three assists to her name already and will be looking to add to her tally here.
I’m backing James to strike again on the way to a comprehensive England victory.
Match of the tournament has arrived!
World #1 USA takes on World #3 Sweden at AAMI Park.
After topping Group G with a perfect three win record, the Swedes have been stitched up the reigning Champs in ability to do the same in Group E.
Although, the Stars and Stripes look more vulnerable than ever! Dropping points to both Netherlands and Portugal, while only putting three goals past Vietnam.
Sweden won their last match against the US 3-0, and have looked impeccable through their first three fixtures.
I’m backing the Europeans to take the biggest scalp of the tournament to date.
The Netherlands beat out the US and Portugal, to top a difficult Group E without defeat.
They’ll face a South African side who come in off the back of their first ever WWC Finals victory, getting up 3-2 in injury time against Italy to secure their Round of 16 birth.
All three of South Africa’s group fixtures saw both teams score, and I’m expecting no different here.
The Dutch have proven themselves as real Cup contenders, their nine goals in the group stage was only bettered by Japan.
I’m backing the Dutch to keep their perfect record against South Africa in tact here, winning in a high scoring affair.
Two of the four former World Cup winners are set to go toe-to-toe in Wellington.
Japan topped Group C with a perfect record (3W), scoring 11 goals across their three fixtures, while conceding zero!
While, Norway fought back from a surprise 0-1 defeat to New Zealand in the opening fixture of the World Cup, to qualify 2nd on goal difference, thanks to a 6-0 thumping of the Philippines.
The Nadeshiko has won four of their five matches against Norway, and carry superior form into this match.
I have Japan progressing through to the quarters with the clean sheet record in tact.
Group A winners Switzerland take on Group C runners up in the first Round of 16 fixture.
The Swiss topped their group with just 5 competition points (1W,2D), with the 2-0 victory over the Philippines their only game to feature goals from either side, and are one of three sides (Japan & Jamaica) yet to concede.
Meanwhile, Spain were dealt a reality check against Japan last time out, crashing to a 4-0 defeat, despite holding the ball for 77% of the fixture!
Despite finishing 2nd in their group, Spain claimed more points than Switzerland (2W,1L) and played some on the competitions most attractive football.
I can see Switzerland taking a super conservative approach to this fixture, though I am backing Spain to break through the Swiss defence eventually and moving onto the quarterfinals in a low scoring affair.
GROUP STAGE
Germany take on South Korea at Suncorp Stadium, needing a win to guarantee their progression through Group H.
The two-time champions were stung by a 98th minute winner against Colombia, a loss which will surely jolt the Germans into action.
South Korea has endured a disappointing 2023 campaign to date, failing to score in both their group fixtures, leaving themselves with nothing left to play for.
I’m backing the Germans to send the Koreans packing, with a 4+ goal margin to boot.
Morocco snapped up their first win in seven attempts last time out, bettering South Korea 1-0, while giving themselves a glimmer of hope to progress through to the round 16.
They’ll face a Colombia outfit who are floating on cloud nine, following victory over World #2 side Germany.
A draw will be enough to see Colombia top Group H, but I don’t see the South American side resting on the laurels here.
Morocco has scored just once across their last seven games (1W,2D,4L), and having already exceeded expectations, I don’t expect them to cause Colombia any trouble.
There is everything left to play for in Group F, with just one point separating the top three sides heading into the final fixture.
Brazil are currently sitting third and requiring a win to progress through to the round of 16 at the expense of their opponents Jamaica.
Jamaica and Brazil met each other in the Group Stage of 2019 WWC, on that occasion the South Americans strolled to a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Jamaica has trailed at the half in each of their last 12 defeats, a damning statistic which I am backing to continue here.
It’s do-or-die for Argentina, as they search for their first ever WWC group stage victory.
Unfortunately for them, they are coming up against a Swedish outfit who are hitting their straps, coming in hot from a 5-0 demolition job against Italy.
The Swedes are ranked 3rd in the World for a reason, and despite already securing their spot in the round of 16, I expect them to wipe the floor with Argentina here.
Barring a heavy defeat to China, England are all but through to the Round of 16 off the back of two clean sheet victories against Denmark and Haiti.
Alternatively, China are equal to Denmark on both competition points and goal difference, and will need to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament to progress through to the next phase of fixtures.
The Lionesses have kept three consecutive clean sheets, and have only lost once across their last 34 games (28W,5D)!
I’m backing England to top Group D with a perfect record, while keeping their clean sheet run going.
The defending champs take on WWC debutants Portugal in a winner takes all contest!
The Stars and Stripes would usually have their round of 16 qualification wrapped up at this point, but a 1-1 draw to the Netherlands last time out has left them needing one point to secure their progression.
Meanwhile, Portugal can dare to dream after claiming their first ever World Cup victory, be it against the lowly ranked Vietnam.
The US has won all five previous meetings with Portugal, keeping a clean sheet on each occasion.
The Matildas head to AAMI Park ahead of a must-win contest against Olympic champions Canada.
Australia’s WWC hopes hang by a thread after they were dealt a surprise defeat by a less fancied Nigerian outfit on Friday night.
Fortunately for the Matildas, they will be welcoming back their captain, striker, and spiritual leader Sam Kerr to the fold.
Canada hold a decent record against the Aussie (3W,1D,0L), but they too have endured a form slump, drawing to Nigeria in their opening game before narrowly scraping past Ireland last time out.
I’m backing Kerr to leave a mark on this fixture, ultimately carrying the Aussies through to the round of 16.
Ireland and Nigeria are set to go toe-to-toe in the other Group B fixture.
A win here will likely see Nigeria top the group, while Ireland are playing for nothing but pride at this point.
Ireland punched far beyond their weight just to make the 2023 WWC Finals, there’s nothing left for them to prove at this point, I can see their coach giving the bench a run here as they soak up the atmosphere.
Alternatively, Nigeria are looking to carry momentum into the Round of 16, I can’t see them taking the foot off the gas, there’s only one winner for me here.
After belting Morocco 6-0, Germany turns their sights on Colombia.
The Colombians sprung a 2-0 upset against South Korea in the opening round, but will most likely be on damage control in this fixture.
Alexandra Popp bagged a brace against the Moroccans last time out and I’m backing her to strike again on the way to a German victory.
On the other side of the Group H draw, both losing sides, South Korea and Morocco look to keep their WWC dreams alive.
For the 17th ranked South Korea, those dreams are somewhat attainable, the Asian side had won four straight before dropping points to Colombia and we’ll feel confident on claiming three points against a Moroccan side without a win in their last six (2D,4L).
I’m backing South Korea to ease their way past Morocco here and set up a huge final game against the Germans.
Sweden and Italy meet in the 2nd game of Group G, with a win to either side guaranteeing a round of 16 birth, in fact a draw should be enough to see both sides move on.
Italy enters this fixture in decent nick, going undefeated across their last five starts (4W,1D), keeping three straight clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Sweden have won twice across the same trip (2D,1L), and haven’t strung back-to-back wins together since July 2022!
I can’t see much separating these two nations on the pitch, and with a draw beneficial to both sides I don’t think too many risks will be taken.
France will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 0-0 showing against Jamaica last week when they take on the red-hot Brazilians!
As you would expect, Brazil played a super entertaining style of football against Panama last time out, netting four times against the minnow, with rising star Ary Borges contributing to every strike (3G,1A)!
France are against the ropes here, and I’m backing Ary Borges to last a knockout blow!
The Lionesses and the Red and White take to Sydney Football Stadium, with both looking to take a step towards topping Group D.
England were given a scare last time out, scrapping past Haiti 1-0 thanks to a Georgia Stanway penalty.
Meanwhile, Denmark stole victory in the dying moments of their games against China, scoring with their only attempt on target.
The Lionesses have held the wood over Denmark in recent meetings, winning the pairs’ last two games.
Both sides last four respective fixtures have seen Under 3.5 Total Goals scored, a trend which I can see continuing here.
China and Haiti will both be desperate to keep their Round of 16 dreams alive with a victory here.
Both sides narrowly lost their opening round fixture to more fancied opponents, though only China should feel aggrieved, after creating several real chances against Denmark.
The Steel Roses (14) sit 39 spots above Haiti (53) in the FIFA World Rankings, and possess far more big game experience.
Haiti’s narrow 1-0 defeat to England could have been far worse, with the Lionesses squandering opportunity after opportunity, that result was the only fixture Haiti has been involved in with under 1.5 goals since 2014!
I’m backing China to have no issues seeing off Haiti, with spectators treated to multiple goals.
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
The Matildas can consolidate their spot a top of Group B with a victory over Nigeria in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
Australia fought tooth and nail to secure a 1-0 win over a plucky Irish outfit last time out, and will need to dig just as deep against a Nigerian side who held group favourites Canada to a goals draw.
With Sam Kerr still on the Physio table, the Matildas will need to lean on their resolute defensive unit to graft out a result here.
Australia has kept seven clean sheets across their last nine outings, and I’m backing them to secure all three points in the same fashion here.
Top spot in Group E is up for grabs, as both USA and Netherlands look to go three points clear of one another after opening round victories.
Unsurprisingly the US hold a perfect record against the Dutch (5W), winning four of the pairs’ five meetings by two goals, including a 2-0 result in the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final!
The Stars and Stripes are in red-hot form at the minute, winning ten games on the trot, outscoring their opponents 24-2 across the trip!
Although the Netherlands are in good shape themselves, I can’t see them taking anything away from this fixture.
I’ll take the ‘Mericans to take all three points combined with over 2.5 totals goals.
Group B favourites Canada will be looking to bounce back from a poor 0-0 showing against Nigeria last time out when they face the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night.
The Irish were narrowly beaten by co-hosts Australia in their opening fixture, with a well-placed Stephanie Catley penalty enough to get the Matildas over the line.
Despite a shaky start, Canada possess far more quality across the pitch, and a boatload more experience in World Cup fixtures.
I’m backing superstar Christine Sinclair looking to become the first player to score in six World Cups and in turn, guiding Canada to a much needed victory.
Spain look to build on their impressive opening round performance against Costa Rica, creating 43 shots on goals while holding 77% possession.
Alternatively, Zambia were walloped 5-0 by Japan, losing their goal keeper to a later red card in the process.
This Zambian side is no stranger to a blowout, conceding 5+ goals in three of their previous seven internationals.
With absolutely no value to be had on the H2H market, I’m jumping into the goalscoring market, backing Spain’s leading woman and Real Madrid striker, Esther Gonzalez to secure a brace.
Switzerland and Norway meet in the 2nd round of Group A fixtures, with the Norwegians hoping to turn around their poor performance against co-hosts New Zealand.
That defeat to NZ saw Norways winless run extend to five games (2D,3L), with the former champ in danger of crashing out at the Group stage for just the 2nd time.
Meanwhile, Switzerland strolled to a 2-0 victory over the Philippines, a scoreline which flattered the losing side.
Over 2.5 goals has hit in all four previous meetings between this pair, and with Norway chasing all three points, I can see anther open contest materialising here.
The first round of group fixtures come to a close on Tuesday arvo when Colombia and South Korea take to the field at Sydney Football Stadium.
Colombia enters this fixture in scratchy form, winning twice across their last eight fixtures (4D,2L), keeping just two clean sheets across the trip.
Alternatively, South Korea have won four times across the same trip (1D,3L), winning their last three starts, outscoring their opponents 12-3.
South Korea’s last defeat against a side currently ranked outside the top 20 came against New Zealand in November 2021, since then they have won 11 of 12 such fixtures (1D).
I’m more than happy to take the value on offer in the H2H market, backing South Korea seal the win.
Panama’s last two results: 0-5 loss to Japan, 0-7 loss to Spain!
This fixture will be more one-sided than a Russian election!
I have Brazil winning by 5+ goals here.
There will be plenty of value to be found in the goal scorers markets, when lineups are released I suggest jumping on Brazil’s starting strikers to score 2+ goals a piece.
If Brazilian legend Marta grabs a start, I’d back the fan favourite to bag a hat-trick @ $7.50.
Two-time World Cup winners, Germany, begin their 2023 campaign against 72nd ranked Morocco.
Unlike their male compatriots, the Women’s Moroccan squad has largely struggled on the world stage, winless across their last five starts, including a defeat to Jamaica last time out.
Germany hasn’t been all too flashy compared to their lofty standards, losing twice in their last five (2W,1D), though recent victories against Netherlands, USA and France illustrate their powers.
I’m backing the German’s to efficiently dispose of their Moroccan counterparts here.
We’re set for another one-sided affair, with the fifth ranked France lining up against 43rd ranked Jamaica at Sydney Football Stadium.
The French enter this comp with six wins from their last eight (1D,1L), including results against highly ranked sides, Canada, Norway and Denmark.
Alternatively, Jamaica has won twice across their last nine games, recently going down 7-3 to Mexico and 5-2 toEl Salvador in the Central American & Caribbean Games.
I’m backing the French to blow Jamaica out of the park here.
We’re set for a thrilling encounter as the Netherlands and Portugal go to war in Dunedin.
Both sides will likely be fighting it out for 2nd place in Group E, with competition favourites USA likely to take the top spot.
The Dutch enter this fixture in strong form, winning seven of their last ten starts (3L), while their record against Portugal is spotless, racking up three wins from three meetings.
Similarly, Portugal have claimed seven wins across the same trip (2D,1L), though only one of those victories came during their last four appearances.
All three of the meeting between this pair have seen 5+ goals scored and I’m backing the Dutch to get the job done in another high scoring affair.
Much like the previous game, their is almost no value to be had in the H2H market here, with the Lionesses paying a lousy $1.01!
England are one of the favourites to take out the competition, after winning both the European Championship and La Finalissima.
Meanwhile, Haiti becomes another beneficiary of the expanded competition, making their WWC debut here.
Haiti can be proud just to be here, but it’s All or Nothing for the Lionesses, who will be chomping at the bit to get their campaign off to a flier.
I have the Enlist winning comfortably here.
Betting on the USA in the head to head market has been suspended, such is their overwhelming favouritism here!
The US have won nine straight games leading into this competition and are bidding to become the first side to win three consecutive World Cups!
They’ll face a Vietnamese team who are making their debut on the World stage, a debut which is couples with little to no expectations.
Vietnam has lost their past for games, most recently going down to Spain 9-0.
There will be no mercy rule executed in this game as the US Women plan to rewrite the records book, starting with Alex Morgan bettering her 5-goal haul in the opening fixture of 2019 against Thailand.
We could see the first real blowout of the tournament when Spain take on Costa Rica in Wellington.
The Spaniards have lost just once across their last 14 fixtures (12W,1D), outscoring their opponents 5-24! Their only loss coming against the Matildas in a 3-2 thriller.
Alternatively, Costa Rica have claim one victory across their last 11 games, which came against Haiti.
Spain’s last 10 wins have all been accompanied by a clean sheet.
I’m backing the Group C favourites to claim a 5+ goal victory here, plenty of value to be had by adding in a few anytime goal-scorers into a SGM when the lineups are dropped.
The Bookies have given the Philippines no hope in this fixture, pricing the Asian Cup semi-finalist as $17 underdogs!
Though after looking deeper into the form it’s hard to understand why, with Switzerland’s last victory coming back win October 2022.
The Swiss have failed to win across their last seven fixtures (5D,2L), with goals coming at a premium across the trip.
Although this represents a step up in class for the Philippines, I believe the minnows will take the game to their more fancied European opponents, and quite possibly snag a historic victory!
Lets just give them a two goal head start.
Nigeria and Canada take to the field in the other Group B opening fixture.
The North Americans are favourite to top the group, though their recent may be cause for concern, losing four of their last five internationals.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has won three on the trot following a run of seven straight losses, with 21 year old, Gift Monday popping up for three goals across her last five starts.
Form aside, it’s hard to see Canada dropping points here, however, I think Nigeria will find their way onto the scoresheet in what should be an exciting affair.
The Matildas launch their World Cup campaign against the Republic of Ireland in-front of a sold-out Sydney Football Stadium.
The Green and Gold are looking to build on their outstanding pre-tournament form, which has seen them win nine of their last ten fixtures, four of which have come against top ten ranked opponents in England, France, Spain and Sweden.
Alternatively, Ireland has only won once across their last five games, failing to score in four said fixtures.
Caitlin Foord is a player to watch for the Matildas, the pacy forward enjoyed career best numbers at Arsenal this season, contributing 12 goals and 9 assists, while snagging a couple across Australia’s last five.
I’m backing the Matildas to hold Ireland to nil, with a Foord strike helping the home side to all three points.
The opening fixture of the 2023 Women’s World Cup gets underway on Thursday afternoon (AEST), when co-hosts New Zealand take on 1995 tournament winners Norway!
The Football Ferns have endured a horrible run-in to this tournament, winning just once across their last 12 starts (2D,9L), only bettering the lowly ranked Vietnam.
Led by 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, the Grasshoppers shouldn’t have too much trouble seeing off the Kiwis for the third straight time here.
I’m backing Ada Hegerberg to get her name on the score sheet on the way to Norway securing the first win of the tournament.