Thursday’s Women’s World Cup Tips: Expect goals in an enticing morning schedule

Argentina, South Africa, England, Denmark, China and Haiti are in action on Thursday morning as the Women’s World Cup group stage continues in Australia and New Zealand.

Argentina v South Africa 

Kick-off: 1am Thursday

This is a hugely important game for both teams after defeats on matchday one. Argentina went down 1-0 to Italy in their Group G opener, while South Africa were beaten 2-1 by Sweden thanks to a last-gasp winner from Amanda Ilestedt in the 90th minute. 

There were plenty of positives for South Africa to take from their match. Many expected a straightforward Swedish success, but the favourites actually fell behind and had to dig deep to pick up all three points. 

Argentina also lost late on after a dogged display against Italy. A win here would keep them in contention for a place in the knockout phase and I fancy them to get it. Argentina have more proven quality in their squad than South Africa, which could make the difference. 

Prediction: Argentina to win @ 2.08 

England v Denmark 

Kick-off: 9.30am Thursday 

England did not cover themselves in glory in their first game in Australia, as Sarina Wiegman’s women laboured to a 1-0 victory over Haiti. The reigning European champions required a Georgia Stanway penalty to get past the Central Americans, and Wiegman will want to see plenty more from her players here.

It is worth bearing in mind, though, that the winners of international tournaments often take a while to get going. Argentina’s men lost to Saudi Arabia in their first match at World Cup 2022, while England only beat Austria 1-0 en route to Euro 2022 glory on home soil.

Denmark are a decent side and their victory over China last time out has given themselves some breathing space. Attacks may well come out on top when the Danes face England on Friday.

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.18 

China v Haiti

Kick-off: 12pm Thursday 

Haiti were excellent against England and could easily have picked up a positive result on another day. But the cruel nature of tournament football means that anything other than a win here would leave them vulnerable to an early elimination.

China will have been disappointed to lose to a last-gasp goal against Denmark. They have flown under the radar a little in the build-up to this World Cup, but China are former champions and currently sit 14th in the FIFA Rankings.

Shui Qingxia’s side have greater tournament experience and that could ultimately be a factor in determining the outcome of this game. But Haiti caused England one or two problems with their quick breaks forward, so goals at both ends is a distinct possibility here.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 2.16

Thursday’s Women’s World Cup Tips

Argentina v South Africa: Argentina to win @ 2.08
England v Denmark: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.18
China v Haiti: Both teams to score @ 2.16