Match preview for the opening day of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as co-hosts, New Zealand and Australia get the tournament underway.
New Zealand will kick off the tournament in the opening clash against Norway in Auckland in Group A, whilst Australia begin their campaign in Group B with a meeting against debutants, Republic of Ireland in Sydney.
The Football Ferns also enter this edition looking to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history, whilst Australia are seeking to go deep and potentially reach the last four like they did at Olympics 2020.
Now, here is a preview and prediction for the opening matches of Groups A and B.
Group A – New Zealand vs Norway
Despite coming into this tournament as co-host, New Zealand enter this tournament with just one win in 12 matches across all competitions and certainly could of done with an easier opening game to kick off the tournament.
The Kiwis also only have managed to net three goals in this calendar year alone which is just awful form coming into a fixture like this, so Hannah Wilkinson needs to step up now when it matters most otherwise I can foresee trouble for New Zealand if they don’t win here.
Norway meanwhile will be seeking redemption after their shock Group Stage exit at last summer’s UEFA Women’s Euros, yet they are coming into this tournament in inconsistent form but are capable of scoring goals with players like Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum.
Home fans though do need to seriously be the 12th player and motivate New Zealand because I just can’t see them beating Norway on current form, who certainly should have enough quality to edge past the hosts quite comfortably.
Prediction: New Zealand 0-2 Norway
Result: New Zealand 1-0 Norway
Group B – Australia vs Republic of Ireland
With a strong squad packed with familiar names like Lydia Williams, Steph Catley and Sam Kerr, Australia will certainly be relishing this Group B opener on home turf with all eyes on them as one of the tournament’s favourites.
Tony Gustavsson’s Socceroos also will be boosted morale wise by two excellent wins over England and France in their last two outings, especially given how they executed the counter-attack to perfection against the former back in April in difficult weather conditions.
I however do expect them to be the more dominant team on the front foot here in front of their home crowd such is their attacking quality, complete with a solid defence which should confidently soak up any pressure thrown their way.
Ireland though won’t be easy opposition if Vera Pauw opts for a five-women defence complete with a midfield trio of Katie McCabe, Megan Connolly and Denise O’Sullivan who can turn defence into attack, although McCabe’s fiery temperament will need controlling to perfection if she is to not avoid trouble with referees.
I though just can’t see Ireland getting anything here but nicking a goal could well provide some confidence ahead of their games against Canada and Nigeria, who will be their main competitors for a knockout spot.
Prediction: Australia 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Result: Australia 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Leave a Reply