Argentina Women vs South Africa Women – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
Argentina face South Africa on Friday at the Dunedin Stadium where both teams will be looking to get their first points on the board – having both lost their opening matches.
Argentina were narrowly beaten by Italy, whilst South Africa suffered a defeat to Sweden.
Group G: Argentina vs South Africa (01:00, Dunedin) – ITV
Match Preview
Argentina World Cup campaign
Argentina’s dream of progressing past the group stages for the first time suffered a setback in their World Cup opener.
In a tight first game against Italy, a late 87th-minute goal from Cristiana Girelli handed them a 1-0 defeat.
Despite their history of struggle at the World Cup, Argentina’s recent defensive form has been promising, conceding only two goals in their last seven international games.
With a higher FIFA World Ranking than South Africa by 26 places, Argentina enters Friday’s match as the clear favourites, hoping to secure their first win at the World Cup finals.
South Africa World Cup campaign
South Africa proved they’re no pushovers, giving Sweden a tough fight in a narrow 2-1 defeat on Sunday.
Hildah Magaia scored for South Africa just after halftime, but Fridolina Rolfo equalized in the 65th minute. Despite coming close to earning a point, Amanda Ilestedt’s 90th-minute winner left them empty-handed.
With an impressive performance against the world’s second-highest-ranked team, South Africa now believes they can challenge Argentina and Italy in their remaining group games.
Having lost all four of their previous World Cup finals matches, South Africa aims to secure their first points in Thursday’s game.
Team News
Despite falling to defeat in their opening game, Argentina boss German Portanova could decide to name an unchanged starting XI.
After picking up yellow cards against Italy, Miriam Mayorga, Eliana Stabile, Florencia Bonsegundo and Mariana Larroquette are all one booking away from a one-match suspension.
Goalkeeper Vanina Correa will wear the captain’s armband, and she will be shielded by the central defensive pairing of Mayorga and Aldana Cometti, who will be looking to help their country keep just their second clean sheet at a World Cup finals.
As for their opponents, Magaia was forced off after picking up an injury while bundling home the opening goal against Sweden, but the 28-year-old should be fit to take her place in the starting lineup.
If Magaia is available for Thursday’s contest, South Africa Desiree Ellis could be tempted to name an unchanged side.
Refiloe Jane and Kholosa Biyana are both one yellow card away from being suspended after being cautioned in the defeat to Sweden.
Argentina Women possible starting lineup:
Correa; Braun, Mayorga, Cometti, Stabile; Nunez, Falfan, Benitez, Banini, Bonsegundo; Larroquette
South Africa Women possible starting lineup:
Swart; Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Holweni; Jane, Biyana; Seoposenwe, Motlhalo, Magaia; Kgatlana
WTX Sport predicts Argentina 3-1 South Africa
Both teams will be fighting to get some points on the board, but recent form suggests the game will go Argentina’s way. Despite a loss to Italy, Argentina are in fine form and will likely dominate this match.
