by Jorge Ceron (13/7/23).
Above: Argentina battle against Colombia in the knock-out stages of the Copa América last year. Photo: Inside The Games
Argentine soccer continues to celebrate after the World title won last winter in the men’s world cup, and now the Argentine women’s team will try to continue with the mysticism and magic. The South American side are in a good place, and they will seek to have a historic result in their fourth World Cups.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Vanina Correa (Rosario Central), Lara Esponda (River Plate), Abigail Chaves (Huracán).
Defenders: Adriana Sachs (Santos), Eliana Stabile (Santos), Julieta Cruz (Boca Juniors), Aldana Cometti (Madrid CFF), Sophia Braun (Leon), Miriam Mayorga (Boca), Gabriela Chavez (Estudiantes).
Midfielders: Vanesa Santana (unattached), Romina Nunez (UAI Urquiza), Daiana Falfan (UAI Urquiza), Dalila Ippolito (Parma), Lorena Benítez (Palmeiras), Camila Gomez Ares (Universidad de Concepcion), Estefania Banini (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Paulina Gramaglia (Red Bull Bragantino), Yamila Rodriguez (Palmeiras), Florencia Bonsegundo (Madrid CFF), Mariana Larroquette (Orlando Pride), Chiara Singarella (University of Alabama), Erica Lonigro (Rosario Central).
Head Coach
Germán Portanova. This 49-year-old has a long career in women’s soccer. He is a three-time champion with UAI Urquiza in the Argentine professional league and has led the national team since July 2021. He led his nation to the 2023 World Cup by obtaining third place in the 2022 Copa América.
World Cup Record
Argentina first qualified in 2003, and there was nothing outstanding for them in the tournament hosted in the USA. They suffered three defeats – 6-0 against Japan (Japan’s biggest victory in the World Cup), 3-0 to Canada, and 6-1 defeat against eventual champions Germany. That final match did see the first goal in the World Cup for Argentina, thanks to Yanina Gaitán after 71 minutes.
In their second participation, in China 2007, they fared much worse, suffering a humiliating 11-0 defeat against Germany, followed by two further losses – 1-0 against Japan (the goal coming in the 90th minute), at minute 90, and 6-1 defeat to England.
Last time round in France, Argentina achieved their first point in history, with a 0-0 draw against Japan. A Jodie Taylor goal saw England defeat them 1-0 before their incredible final group game with Scotland. Here, the Albicelestes were 3-0 with 21 minutes remaining. Yet, goals from Milagros Menéndez, an own goal, and then, four minutes into stoppage time, Florencia Bonsegundo equalised to earn the South American side their second point of the tournament.
How they qualified
By finishing third at the Copa América last summer. The Albiceleste finished second in their group, behind Brazil. In their first opportunity to qualify, they lost 1-0 against the hosts Colombia. But they grabbed their second chance, they came from behind with 12 minutes to go to defeat Paraguay 3-1 thanks to two goals from Yamila Rodríguez, and one from Florencia Bonsegundo.
Strengths
Argentina have only had two losses since they got their World Cup ticket. They are a team in every sense of the word, accompanied by good players, and a powerful striker, with Mariana Larroquete, Yamila Rodríguez, and Florencia Bonsegundo, all playing in leagues outside their country.
Development Points
There is still a lack of experience playing against top-level opposition outside of their own continent that will need to be overcome for Argentina to gain a place in the knock-out stages.
Key Player
Estefania Banini, the 32-year-old player with Atletico Madrid. Banini’s last-minute goal in the Spanish Cup Final in June took the game to penalties – which her side would go on to win. She is a fine midfielder, and a player who leads her team. Banini is precise, talented, and full of character. Among her achievements, Banini has a Libertadores Cup, and multiple Chilean league titles to go with her recent Spanish Cup winners’ medal, in addition to previous experience at the World Cup.
Success would be
Qualifying for the second round would be a resounding success, but you have to take it step by step, and success for Argentina in this World Cup would be to get its first victory in the tournament.
Prediction
Argentina will fight, but they won’t get out of the group. I can see them achieving their first win, or gaining two draws and a loss once more. Coming away with a win against South Africa could set up a thrilling last group game.
Group G Fixtures
24th July – Italy, Eden Park, Auckland.
28th July – South Africa, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.
2nd August – Sweden, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton.
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