2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Sweden vs South Africa Preview
Written by Albert Echatah
Sweden and South Africa will begin their respective 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) campaign when they face off at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Sunday.
The Swedes will try to test the resolve of the reigning African champions. This is going to be a difficult game against a tough Bayana Bayana side. The European’s are the heavy favorites to win this match.
Sweden
The Swedes booked their spot at the World Cup as Group A winners in the qualifiers, having amassed 22 points from eight matches. Peter Gerhardsson’s side have recorded one win across their last 4 matches (two draws and one loss) suggests that could be a tricky match.
Sweden are the odds on favorites to top the group and will be aiming to surpass their third-placed finish at the last FIFA women’s world cup.
Form
This year, Sweden have a 1-2-1 record against other World Cup nations (seven goals scored, five goals conceded). Sweden are coming into this match on the back of a thrilling 3-3 draw in a friendly against Norway.
Player To Watch
Sweden’s talismanic veteran, Kosovare Asllani plays her football in Italy for AC Milan WFC, Asllani is arguably the most experienced, pacy and technically gifted Swedish women footballer.
Read Also – 7 Most Beautiful Women’s Football Players at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
South Africa
South Africa qualified as African champions after winning their first title on the continent at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Unlike Sweden, South Africa are the #54-ranked nation, South Africa are the significant underdog in this tie, Banyana Banyana are also the lowest ranked country in their group.
That notwithstanding, the African champions are a formidable side, they’re also physical and highly technical. South Africa boast of quality midfielders like Refiloe Jane, Noxolo Cesane, Sibulele Holweni and Linda Motlhalo.
Form
In contrast, South Africa are coming into this match on the back of a comfortable 2-0 win they recorded against Costa Rica in their final pre-tournament friendly game. Banyana Banyana won with goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia in either half.
Players to watch
Thembi Kgatlana is the player to watch for the Banyana Banyana. The 27-year-old has scored 22 goals in 63 matches for South Africa. Kgatlana is undoubtedly South Africa’s lynchpin in attack.
Head-To-Head
This will be the fifth meeting between the two sides. The European giants have won 3 matches in 4 against Banyana Banyana. South Africa on the other hand have only managed to get a draw in 4 matches against Sweden.
Hot Stat
Sweden have kept a first-half clean sheet in seven of their last 8 games. Sweden are winless in 3 their last 3 matches, Sweden have also conceded 4 goals in their last 2 matches. South Africa on the other hand have not scored before halftime in 7 of their last 10 games.
Possible Lineup
Sweden: Falk; Bjorn, Sembrant, Eriksson, Andersson; Bennison, Asllani, Angeldahl; Jakobsson, Rolfo, Blackstenius
South Africa: Dlamini; Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Dhlamini; Cesane, Jane, Biyana, Molthalo; Magaia, Seoposenwe
Verdict
This is going to be the first Group G match, both teams will be hoping to pick up a vital win. Expect a 2-0 win for Sweden.
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