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 at the back of the web two times within the opening part, however each occasions had been offside prior to Girelli’s step forward header. Girelli got here into the fit as an alternative within the 83rd minute.
The Italians have by no means dropped a gap fit on the World Cup. But this time, they confronted tenacious Argentina, longing for its first-ever win within the event. Going into the World Cup, La Albiceleste had been impressed by way of their males’s facet and big name Lionel Messi, who introduced house the World Cup trophy from Qatar overdue remaining yr.
Italy has had extra good fortune at the large level, advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2019 after a 2-0 spherical of 16 victory over China. The Italians had been stopped by way of the Netherlands, which went directly to lose to the United States of America within the ultimate.
Argentina had a boisterous phase of enthusiasts — together with a drum corps — on the fit at Eden Park. The crowd on the fit used to be introduced at 30,889.
Argentina’s ladies 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 workforce performed to a tie with Scotland — however could not gather sufficient issues to advance out of the gang.
Arianna Caruso, who performs professionally for Juventus, perceived to rating from distance within the fifteenth minute, however Italy used to be temporarily dominated offside. The 23-year-old used to be the youngest girl to succeed in 100 appearances with Juventus.
A midfielder, she used to be one among Italy’s most deadly avid gamers early within the fit. But, he used to be passed a yellow card within the twenty fifth minute and used to be subbed off within the 58th minute.
Italy used to be offside once more on Valentina Giacinti’s tried objective overdue within the part.
Manuela Giugliano had a chance for Italy early in the second one part, however her shot sailed over the web.
Italy goalkeeper Lara Esponda held Argentina at bay on a perilous unfastened kick within the 73rd.
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Sweden defeated South Africa 2-1 on Sunday to kick off Group G play on the event, co-hosted by way of New Zealand and Australia. Group G performs all of its fits in New Zealand. Argentina subsequent faces South Africa on Friday in Dunedin, whilst Italy performs Sweden in Wellington on Saturday.
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