Tuesday's Women's World Cup Tips July 25

Not many gave New Zealand a chance when they kickstarted the 2023 Women’s World Cup against Norway, but Hannah Wilkinson’s goal sent her nation into euphoria and set the tone for an exciting competition.

Since then there has been shocks aplenty. Nigeria held Canada, Haiti pushed England all the way, South Africa very nearly got something against Sweden, and Jamaica grabbed a huge point against France. Despite the perceived gulf, there are nations still upsetting the odds down in Oceania.

Tuesday sees Group A return to action, and the Football Ferns have a huge chance to progress out of the group stages of the WWC for the first time in their history. Football expert Joe Crann talks through the start of the second round of fixtures.

Colombia v South Korea

Kick-off: 3am Tuesday

This is a tight game to call between two nations that will feel they have a real chance of making it into the knockout stages. FIFA World Rankings suggest Korea Republic have the upper hand - they are eight FIFA places ahead of Colombia - and therefore slight favouritism is warranted.

The South Americans haven’t had the best of preparations for the tournament having won just twice in 2023. However, they have scored in each of their last 14 matches stretching back to September and also picked up a silver medal at last year’s Copa América Femenina.

The Tigers of Asia, meanwhile, scored 12 in their three pre-WWC friendlies, and head into the game with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Lee Geum-Min in fine form. Both sides have struggled for clean sheets in recent months, so both teams to score might be the way to play.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 2.2

New Zealand v Philippines

Kick-off: 6.30am Tuesday

Unlike their first game, the hosts are favourites for this tie (1.38) against the tournament debutants Philippines (11.5). Jitka Klimková’s side know that a victory could send them through if Norway drop points against Switzerland.

These two teams met back in September when the Ferns recorded a 2-1 win in California. The Filipinas have had a very mixed bag of results since then, with seven wins, seven losses and two draws from 16 games.

Melbourne City's Wilkinson has five goals in her last seven games for club and country and, after her strike in the first match, she’s priced at 2.42 to score anytime in Wellington. Nevertheless, New Zealand to win and over 1.5 goals is my idea of a good bet.

Prediction: New Zealand to win and Over 1.5 goals @ 1.66

Switzerland v Norway

Kick-off: 9am Tuesday

The Swiss are in a similar position to fellow Group A side New Zealand - they know they could be into the Round of 16 by the end of Tuesday and a win will be enough as long as the Philippines don’t win. Meanwhile, Norway's tournament relies on them getting a result at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

Despite their opening day defeat, the Norwegians are still favourites (2.2) to win this game. In Ada Hegerberg (2.52 anytime) and Caroline Graham Hansen (3.35), they have two of the tournaments best attacking outlets. Surely it's only a matter of time before one of them gets on the scoresheet?

The traders believe this will be a tight affair (1.67 on under 2.5 goals), but I expect Norway to step things up with the pressure cranked up a notch.

Prediction: Norway to win @ 2.2