FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on Optus Sport – It’s day 10 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ in Australia and New Zealand and it’s the football is coming thick and fast.
Yesterday, Argentina fought back from two goals down to draw with South Africa in a thriller before England and China both claimed crucial wins.
FROM MATCHDAY 9:
- Argentina 2 – 2 South Africa
- England 1 – 0 Denmark
- China 1- 0 Haiti
What’s on today:
It’s a massive day of football on Optus Sport with the day including a huge clash in Group F between France and Brazil.
Sweden vs Italy (5.30pm AEST)
It’s a huge clash at the top of Group G as the two favourites to go through, Sweden and Italy, face off against one another knowing the winner is all but certain to go through top.
Italy beat Argentina in their opening game thanks to a late Cristiana Girelli header after came off the bench to score.
She will be pushing for a starting berth against Sweden on Saturday night as fans are set to get another look at Giulia Dragoni, the 16-year-old sensation dubbed ‘Little Messi’.
Like Italy, Sweden’s momentum in Group G has come thanks to an even later goal from Amanda Ilestedt as they came from behind to beat South Africa.
The winner is guaranteed to go through to the next round, something world no.3 Sweden have only failed to do once at the preview eight FIFA Women’s World Cups™.
France vs Brazil (5.30pm AEST)
The second game of the game is another massive game, this time in Group F as group favourites France face perhaps the most exciting team of the first round of games, Brazil.
The Brazilians ran out 4-0 winners over Panama with Ary Borges scoring a hat-trick and setting up another with a stunning backheel assist for what could well end up as the goal of the tournament.
However, France are a far tougher opposition having lost just once in their last nine games as well as four wins from their last four meetings with Brazil.
Les Bleues’ main challenge has been in front of goal as they were unable to break down a stubborn Jamaican defence last time out, despite enjoying 67 per cent possession.
The French are still getting used to life under Herve Renard but they will need to click into gear on Saturday night or face a nervous final game against Panama.
Panama vs Jamaica (10.30pm AEST)
After picking up a hard-fought point against France in their first game, Jamaica know that a win against Panama will put them in an extremely strong position to get out of Group F.
Debutants Panama have now lost their last three matches by a combined scoreline of 16-0 so Jamaica will be confident they can get past their defence – although they will have to do it without their star player.
Manchester City star Khadija Shaw was sent off right at the end of the 0-0 draw with France for a second yellow card and will now miss the game that the Reggae Girlz would have had down as a winnable fixture.
A win against Panama would put them in the top two going into the final game against Brazil next week.
Players to watch
Giulia Dragoni (Italy)
The 16-year-old Barcelona star dubbed ‘Little Messi’ was one of the standout players of the first round of games as Italy ground out a 1-0 win over Argentina.
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Dragoni has a huge career ahead of her but she’s already pulling up trees and will be crucial if Italy are going to upset Sweden and get out of the group.
Ary Borges (Brazil)
After a hat-trick in the first game, there is only one Brazilian who the world’s eyes will be on come their second game with France.
She channelled the Samba style that made the men’s team become so beloved and should she get a couple more goal before the end of the group stage she will be in a strong position to win the Golden Boot.
Deneisha Blackwood (Jamaica)
Along with goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer, Deneisha Blackwood was the standout player for Jamaica in their surprise draw with France.
However, considering Panama’s leaky defence and lack of attacking ability in their last four games, Spencer is likely to have a much quieter game and Blackwood could be given more licence to attack from left back.
Where to watch
Like every game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Sweden vs Italy, France vs Brazil and Panama vs Japan will all be shown live and on demand on Optus Sport.
Live coverage begins from 4.30pm (AEST) on Optus Sport with Sweden vs Italy, with coverage running all the way through until after Panama vs Jamaica.
Media Release – Optus Sport
Link to Optus Sport HERE
TV Central Optus Sport content HERE
