Cristiana Girelli’s objective within the 87th minute broke a stalemate and Italy kicked off the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 with a 1-0 victory over Argentina on Monday evening.
Italy put the ball behind the web twice within the opening half, however each occasions have been offside earlier than Girelli’s breakthrough header. Girelli got here into the match in its place within the 83rd minute.
The Italians have by no means dropped a gap match on the World Cup. But this time, they confronted tenacious Argentina, longing for its first-ever win within the match. Going into the World Cup, La Albiceleste have been impressed by their males’s facet and star Lionel Messi, who introduced residence the World Cup trophy from Qatar late final yr.
Italy has had extra success on the massive stage, advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2019 after a 2-0 spherical of 16 victory over China. The Italians have been stopped by the Netherlands, which went on to lose to the United States of America within the closing.
Argentina had a boisterous part of followers — together with a drum corps — on the match at Eden Park. The crowd on the match was introduced at 30,889.
Argentina’s girls returned to the World Cup 4 years in the past in France after a 12-year absence and had a tricky time: after a draw with Japan and a loss to England, the staff performed to a tie with Scotland — however could not gather sufficient factors to advance out of the group.
Arianna Caruso, who performs professionally for Juventus, appeared to attain from distance within the fifteenth minute, however Italy was rapidly dominated offside. The 23-year previous was the youngest lady to succeed in 100 appearances with Juventus.
A midfielder, she was considered one of Italy’s most harmful gamers early within the match. But, she was handed a yellow card within the twenty fifth minute and was subbed off within the 58th minute.
Italy was offside once more on Valentina Giacinti’s tried objective late within the half.
Manuela Giugliano had a possibility for Italy early within the second half, however her shot sailed over the web.
Italy goalkeeper Lara Esponda held Argentina at bay on a harmful free kick within the 73rd.
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Sweden defeated South Africa 2-1 on Sunday to kick off Group G play on the match, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Group G performs all of it is matches in New Zealand. Argentina subsequent faces South Africa on Friday in Dunedin, whereas Italy performs Sweden in Wellington on Saturday.
This story has been printed from a wire company feed with out modifications to the textual content.
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
