Day Four of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup sees Groups G and F commence whilst 2019 runners-up, Netherlands finally begin their campaign.
In the stand-out match of the day, Netherlands face Portugal in an all-European clash in Group E which could go a long way towards deciding who advances to the Round of 16.
Group G meanwhile gets underway as Sweden meet South Africa in an early test for one of the title contenders, whilst Group F commences with a tasty clash as France face a tricky test against Jamaica.
Group G – Sweden vs South Africa
Having recorded top-three finishes at 2019 Women’s World Cup and 2020 Olympics, Sweden enter this tournament as a strong favourite yet their defence has been leaky with only three clean sheets in the last 12 months since UEFA Women’s Euros.
Their attacking quality however is a complete contrast with 18 goals in their last nine matches and with Stina Blackstenius having been in strong form for Arsenal once out of the shadow of Vivianne Miedema due to the latter’s injury, she certainly will be a name to watch out amongst the Swedes this tournament.
South Africa though brought a carnival atmosphere to their games in France four years ago and almost caused a shock against Spain, yet ultimately lost all three group games in that tournament but that experience will benefit them here in a game which should suit their counter-attacking style.
I however can’t see them springing much of a shock if Sweden turn up with their best attacking feet because the gulf in quality could be too much.
Prediction: South Africa 0-2 Sweden
Group E – Portugal vs Netherlands
With USA pretty must destined to take one of the two knockout qualification spots in Group E, this match is realistically an early decider over the second spot for both Portugal and Netherlands, with their overall fate likely resting on how well they play against Vietnam and possibly nicking a shock result against USA.
Portugal are tournament debutants and this is a tough group on bow but this Portuguese team are no pushovers as England discovered in their warm-up friendly, with a rock-solid defence which can be difficult to break down whilst their unity has often been a key part of their play with goal threats across the pitch.
Netherlands meanwhile are a much-evolved team from the side which finished runners-up in 2019 and now under management of Andries Jonker, who hasn’t really given much away in terms of playing style coming into the tournament but has reinstalled a strong sense of squad unity and belief into this squad.
Jonker also has tended to rotate his squad to give key players a rest but he can’t afford to really do that at a World Cup, so his starting line-up here is going to be quite key in terms of his approach towards the tournament – especially without Miedema available.
This Dutch team though are a prolific goalscoring team with just two blanks in their last 10 matches which might well hand them the edge, although Portugal should give as good as they get if their meeting at the Euros is anything to go by.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Netherlands
Group F – France vs Jamaica
Having sacked Corinne Diacre in early March and brought in Herve Renard, I am surprised at France being considered favourites because they’re in a transitional period with just four games under Renard.
Three wins in four matches under Renard however is a positive upturn in fortune but those results were in friendlies, whereas this is France’s first competitive match under Renard which will be a huge test but the squad can take heart from their attacking quality which is a match for many teams as we saw at Women’s Euros.
Jamaica though will be looking for a huge improvement upon their debut campaign in 2019 as they come here with experience, whilst boasting a top striker in Khadija Shaw but have won just two of eight matches this year alone so need a result here to give them hope of qualifying for the knockout stages.
France’s quality however should ultimately be enough to put them in an early strong position heading into their blockbuster clash against Brazil, which could be decisive as to who finishes top of Group F.
Prediction: France 3-1 Jamaica
