Argentina W vs South Africa W prediction: WORLD: World Cup Women betting tips on match 2023-07-27 00:00.
This Group G fixture between Argentina and South Africa could be a classic six-pointer, as any losing side here would find themselves eliminated from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) with a game to spare, if the group’s following game (Sweden v Italy) was to end level. On matchday one, Argentina held out against the respected Italy until the 87th minute before falling to a defeat that puts their hopes of their maiden group stage progression, at the fourth attempt since debuting in 2003, in real jeopardy.
As such, a victory – their very first in the WWC after ten failed attempts (D2, L8) – over Group G’s lowest FIFA-ranked side South Africa is an absolute must, considering that La Albiceleste finish this phase against the group’s highest ranked side, Sweden. Whilst all teams want to start well, one recent trend underlines the potential importance of scoring first, with each of Argentina’s last eight games won or lost inside 90 minutes seeing the winner keep a clean sheet.
South Africa defied that trend for the worst after they led Sweden at the hour mark in their own group stage opener, only to see a late collapse – completed by 90’ goal – ensure they left Wellington empty-handed. As a consequence, they still risk emulating the likes of Argentina’s WWC squads of the 2000s by taking zero points from their first two WWC appearances.
To avoid that unwanted distinction by means of a vital victory, South Africa must beat an opposition currently ranked inside FIFA’s top-30, a feat the Banyana Banyana last managed in March 2015! Adding to the difficulty, their winless all-time record from five prior clashes with CONMEBOL-region opposition (D2, L3) also provides a cause for concern.
Players to watch: Shortly after turning 30, Argentina’s Florencia Bonsegundo will hope that her second competitive match as a thirty-something goes better than her first, which saw her booked on matchday one, but she did encouragingly average one assist per game across her four prior matches. Also in the spotlight will be South African Hildah Magaia, who netted against Sweden for her fourth goal in five games.
Hot stat: None of Argentina’s five prior goals at the WWC finals have arrived before the 60th minute.