2023-08-02 21:47:18
Sweden entered the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as the big favorites in Group G – and lived up to that role with two wins. The other three teams, Italy, South Africa and Argentina, still want to take second place on the last day of the preliminary round today (08/02/2023).
It was a statement to secure a place in the discussion about who should be among the title contenders at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Sweden defeated Italy 5-0 in the second group game, perhaps their strongest opponent in group G of the preliminary round. The 2022 European Championship semi-finalists flexed their muscles after the rather meager 2-1 win against South Africa and underpinned their ambitions.
Even before the tournament, Sweden was one of the extended favorites. Since mid-March 2020, there had only been two defeats in 27 games. One in preparation for the World Cup against Denmark (0:1), but the 0:4 against England in the semifinals of the European Championship last year was much worse. Accordingly, the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is also an opportunity for rehabilitation. The Swedes want to show that they belong to the very best.
Jonker: Avoiding Sweden as opponents in the round of 16
Andries Jonker, coach of the Dutch national team, had made it clear even before his own 7-0 win against Vietnam that he would not like to meet the Scandinavians in the round of 16. “We’re not afraid of anyone, but you have to remember that if you can avoid a opponent like Sweden, you have to do that,” said Jonker. “We would prefer to play the number two in this group.” And that’s likely to happen after the Netherlands have won their group.
The big question before the preliminary round final is who that will be. Sweden put the Italians under enormous pressure with the big defeat. If they are also defeated by South Africa in the group final today (08/02/2023, 9 a.m. CEST, live on Erste and on sportschau.de), the southern Europeans are eliminated. Then the decision would be between South Africa and Argentina, who meet Sweden at the same time (in the live stream on sportschau.de).
Italian optimism despite the Sweden gossip
The favorites are actually only active spectators in this three-way battle for second place. Sweden is certainly further, even almost certain group winners. In addition to three points, Italy would also have to catch up ten goals. So there will be plenty of opportunity for Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson to give back-row players playing time on the pitch. Nevertheless, Italy must hope that Sweden, in whatever formation, is strong enough to score against Argentina – because then “Die Blauen” would also move into the round of 16 with a draw.
“I’m convinced that we can still go our own way with our game and the qualities we have,” said national coach Milena Bertolini after the bitter defeat against Sweden. “Now we have to win the last game against South Africa. But we knew that everything would be decided on the last day. We can do it.”
South Africa coach Ellis: Get the win we deserve
With South Africa, the last hurdle is definitely a dangerous one. The African champions are only number 54 in the world rankings and have only scored one point in their first two games – but you need to take a closer look at them. “Banyana Banyana” only conceded against Sweden in the final stages to make it 1:2 and against Argentina (2:2) the team lost a 2:0 lead. So it could have been four points.
“We showed we can do it. Now it’s time to advance, make history and get the win we deserved in this tournament,” said South Africa coach Desiree Ellis. “Enthusiasm and energy are at a high level, the team shows that they are ready for it.”
But even if they win, South Africa will depend on what happens in the parallel game. Should Argentina win higher against a Swede who might be playing with the handbrake on, the South Americans would be in the knockout stage.
South Africa vs Italy game facts
– Play against each other: none
– FIFA World Ranking: South Africa 54th / Italy 16th
– Best World Cup placement: South Africa – preliminary round 2019 / Italy – quarter-finals 1991 and 2019
– Fun fact: South Africa has played five games in its World Cup history (two appearances) and has already taken a 1-0 lead three times. The problem: There hasn’t been a single win yet.
Argentina v Sweden game facts
– Matches against each other: 1 (1 win for Sweden)
– FIFA World Ranking: Argentina 28th / Sweden 3rd
– Best World Cup placement: Argentina – preliminary round 2003, 2007 and 2019 / Sweden – Vice World Champion 2003
– Fun Fact: 15 years ago at the Olympic Games 2008 both nations met for the only time so far. There are still three players in the current World Cup squad who were there back then: Vanina Corea, Gabriela Chavez (both Argentina) and Caroline Seger (Sweden).
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