Wednesday's Women’s World Cup Tips: All to play for as giants eye knockouts

The group stages of the 2023 Women’s World Cup are almost at a close, but with a handful of games left to play there is still plenty left to play for.

The likes of Japan, Spain, Nigeria, the United States, England and, of course, the hosts Australia, have already booked their spot in the Round of 16, but matters are still far from certain in groups F and G.

Only Sweden, in Group G, have their spot in the knockouts confirmed at this point in time, meaning that a number of nations head into their final fixtures knowing that they’re still in the running.

Football expert, Joe Crann, is here to discuss the chances of each of Wednesday’s competitors as they prepare for battle in Australia and New Zealand.

Argentina v Sweden

Kick off: Wednesday 8am

Argentina are very much the underdogs (6.2 to win) in Hamilton as they go up against a Swedish side that have a 100% record so far and need just a point to win the group.

Blågult snuck a win against South Africa in the dying moments in their opening game, but blew Italy away the following week in a 5-0 demolition job. They’ve lost just three of their last 27 games across all competitions, but La Albiceleste will be buoyed by their tournament-saving draw with South Africa. Only two of Argentina’s last nine have finished with both teams scoring.

Prediction: Sweden to win @ 1.6

South Africa v Italy

Kick off: Wednesday 8am

Banyana Banyana have been desperately unlucky in both of their games so far, losing at the death to Sweden and then conceding a late equaliser to Argentina as well. They need to win (5.4) at Wellington Regional Stadium to stand a chance of qualifying for their first ever WWC knockouts, but also need to hope Argentina don’t better their result.

Thembi Kgatlana (4.4 anytime goalscorer) was a real threat in their last game, and could cause problems for an Italian backline that conceded five last time out. The South Africans have scored in 21 of their 15 games since the start of 2022, so both teams to score could be worth a shout.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.92

Jamaica v Brazil

Kick off: Wednesday 11am Wednesday

Brazil’s dominance in the men’s game is yet to transfer over the women’s, and in Marta’s last stand they go into the final game knowing that only a victory (1.24) will guarantee them a spot in the knockouts.

They’re the heavy favourites against a Reggae Girlz side that have already punched above their weight so far - but Jamaica will take heart from the fact that Selecao’s defence has hardly been watertight of later.

Prediction: Brazil win and over 2.5 goals @ 1.87

Panama v France

Kick off: 11am Wednesday

The French are seventh in the list of favourites at the WWC (16.5), and the fact that Panama are at 95 to get a win in Sydney shows just how big the perceived gap is between these two nations.

In Eugenie Le Sommer Les Bleues have a vastly experienced striker with goals in her blood, and she’s certainly one that Panama’s manager, Ignacio Quintana, will have her side keeping close tabs on. A draw will take the French through, while Panama have just pride left to play for.

Prediction: Eugenie Le Sommer anytime goalscorer @ 1.51

Wednesday's Women's World Cup Tips

Argentina v Sweden: Sweden to win @ 1.6
South Africa v Italy: Both teams to score @ 1.92
Jamaica v Brazil: Brazil win and over 2.5 goals @ 1.87
Panama v France: Eugenie Le Sommer anytime goalscorer @ 1.51