Friday’s Women’s World Cup Tips: Back Switzerland to lay down a marker

The opening group stage matches in the 2023 Women’s World Cup continue on Friday morning and football expert Greg Lea has pinpointed his best bets. 

Nigeria v Canada

Kick-off: 3.30am Friday

Canada won gold at the Olympics two years ago and they are now looking to prove that victory was not a flash in the pan. Their preparations for the World Cup have been less than ideal, with key players Janine Beckie, Jade Rose and Desiree Scott missing due to injury. 

Canada’s squad is nevertheless packed full of experience: Sophie Schmidt and Christine Sinclair alone have almost 550 caps between them.

Nigeria have not had as many injuries to deal with as Canada, but their players and coaching staff have been distracted in the build-up by a dispute with the country’s Football Federation over unpaid wages. 

They are potentially dangerous opponents if they can put that issue to one side, especially with Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala up front. 

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.91

Philippines v Switzerland 

Kick-off: 6am Friday

Every non-Pot One team was hoping to be drawn in a group with New Zealand, and Switzerland were one of the lucky ones. That is not to dismiss the co-hosts chances, but they are certainly not as daunting opposition as the likes of France, England or the USA.

Switzerland have been presented with a golden opportunity to make an early statement of intent against the Philippines, one of eight debutants at the World Cup this time around. The Filipinas have not been an easy team to beat in Asia, but this is a huge step up.

It is hard to look past a reasonably comfortable opening game for the Swiss, who should come out on top without too much difficulty. Back them to win both halves at a shade of odds-on. 

Prediction: Switzerland to win both halves @ 1.98 

Spain v Costa Rica

Kick-off: 8.30am Friday 

Spain boast one of the most talented squads at the entire tournament and are among the contenders to lift the trophy (6.4 to go all the way). Only the USA and England are listed at a shorter price in the outright market.

Narrowly beaten by the Lionesses in the quarter-finals of last summer’s European Championship, Spain were without 15 first-team players during that tournament due to a fallout between them and head coach Jorge Vilda. Mariona Caldentey, Ona Batlle and Aitana Bonmati are all back in the fold now - and their country is better off for it. 

This will probably be a case of damage limitation for Costa Rica, who will struggle to make it through to the knockout phase. They did not win a match on their last World Cup appearance back in 2015 and this game will be particularly tough for the Central Americans, who could find themselves behind early on.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals in the first half @ 2.46 

Friday’s Women’s World Cup Tips

Nigeria v Canada: Both teams to score @ 1.91
Philippines v Switzerland: Switzerland to win both halves @ 1.98
Spain v Costa Rica: Over 2.5 goals in the first half @ 2.46