Image copyright: Getty Images
2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Group G
Argentina v South Africa
Forsyth Barr Stadium
Dunedin, New Zealand
Friday, 28 July 2023
Kick-off is at 02h00
South Africa will attempt to get their
2023 Women's World Cup campaign up and running when they face Argentina for the first time at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Friday, July 28.
Banyana Banyana, who are making only their second appearance at the global showpiece, came close to claiming a historic first point against Sweden before Amanda Ilestedt's late goal completed a 2-1 comeback win.
Desiree Ellis' side took a surprise lead through Hildah Magaia (48') in their Group G opener on Sunday, but they weren't able to hold on as Fridolina Rolfo (65') and Ilestedt (90') hit back for the Blagult.
Image copyright: Getty Images
They need a result against La Albiceleste to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout phase and Ellis is optimistic after seeing her players cope well defensively with Sweden's aerial threat.
"We always knew, physically, they were going to challenge us aerially, but throughout the game we handled that extremely well. I am really proud of the players. We had a game plan and we played accordingly to the game plan," she said after the game.
"I can take a lot of positives from this game, we were good on the ball and really good defensively. We've worked a lot on our defence, we've worked a lot on our set-pieces, and I thought we handled those two areas well.
"We could have protected the ball a bit more on occasions or even spread the ball around more when we had the opportunity. If our transitions and the final ball in the final third, if that was better, we would have been talking about different results now."
Argentina are also seeking their maiden win on the world's biggest stage and they kicked off proceedings with a 1-0 defeat to Italy on Monday.
The South Americans failed to make it out of the group stages on three previous occasions, although their best showing came in 2019 when they held Japan and Scotland to 0-0 and 3-3 draws respectively.
German Portanova's side also fell to a late goal from Cristiana Girelli, who struck the winner for Le Azzurre three minutes from time.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Portanova felt the result was harsh on his players after they matched the Italians and gave them very few chances to score before Girelli struck at the death.
"It was a very even match. At times we controlled it and they did not have many opportunities," he said. "The result was somewhat unfair. A draw would have been the right score."
Mariana Larroquette had La Albiceleste's best chances against Italy, with the Orlando Pride winger sending an acrobatic volley just wide of the right post in the opening minute before failing to make clean contact with the ball at close range when the goalkeeper spilled a free-kick in the 72nd minute. She will be one to keep an eye out for in the clash with Banyana Banyana, having offered the biggest threat against Le Azzurre.
Thembi Kgatlana impressed for South Africa against Sweden and her pace led to the opening goal early in the second half when he she latched onto a long ball down the left channel to force a save out of the goalkeeper, with Magaia mopping up on the rebound. The Racing Louisville forward was also presented with a chance in the closing stages of the first half, but she failed to keep her effort down after being sent through on goal.
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 0
Argentina - 0
South Africa - 0
Draws - 0
Bet on International Football with Betway
Kick off your sports betting journey with our exciting Sports Welcome Offer where you’ll get up to R1,000 as a Free Bet when you make your first deposit.
Ready to take your online gaming experience to the next level?
Don't wait any longer! Join in on the action and experience the excitement of the best Evolution Games.Take a spin on the wheel or join the Crazy Time game show and let the fun begin!
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Start playing on the go and download the Betway App.