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The Scout: Women’s World Cup Matchday 3

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Group E – United States v Vietnam

The United States are the powerhouse of women’s football and go into their opener expecting to make a statement. It’ll be the last hurrah for Megan Rapinoe, while Alex Morgan, Kelley O’Hara, Alyssa Naeher, and Julie Ertz are other senior players who may not see another World Cup. Expect them to attack in waves.

It is Vietnam’s first World Cup at senior level and tournament debuts don’t get any tougher than the reigning champions. Just one squad member, captain Huynh Nhu, plays their club football outside Vietnam. She has 67 goals in 103 caps and poses the biggest threat of causing an upset alongside striker Pham Hai Yen.

United States to win @ $1.01*

Group C – Zambia v Japan

Zambia, ranked 77th in the world, made everyone sit up in their seats with a 3-2 pre-tournament win over Germany. Captain Barbra Banda netted twice in that one and will be the focal point of Zambia’s attack. Real Madrid duo Rachael Kundananji and Grace Chanda should also feature prominently.

Japan have qualified for all nine World Cups and bring plenty of experience to this edition. The spine of the team, which includes Saki Kumagai, Risa Shimizu, Yui Hasegawa, and Mina Tanaka, is strong and they will expect to make it to the knockout stage. While Japan go into the game as firm favourites, proceed with caution.

Japan to win @ $1.29*

Group D – England v Haiti

European Champions England are firm favourites to start their campaign with a win and will be keen to make an impact in the goal difference column. Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead all miss the tournament through injury, but Millie Bright is expected to return alongside Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood. Lauren James will be a key figure in attack.

Haiti come into the tournament having lost four games in a row and will find it very difficult against world class opponents. Roselord Borgella is their most experienced campaigner with 30 caps to her name, while Batcheba Louis and Nerilia Mondesir boast impressed goalscoring records in their 16 appearances each – 23 and 18 goals respectively.

England to win @ $1.02*

Group D – Denmark v China 

Denmark cruised through European qualifying, scoring 40 goals and conceding just 2 in the process. Stine Larsen misses out due to an ACL injury but Pernille Harder is a fantastic forward and will be a handful for any defence. Nicoline Sorensen, Katrine Veje, and Simone Boye Sorensen are among the other key players to keep an eye on.

With more than 50 international goals to her name for China, Wang Shanshan firms as a threat to the Danish defence if she plays as a striker. Seasoned campaigner Zhang Rui will captain the side from midfield, while Wang Shuang is arguably the most skilful player in the squad.

Draw @ $3.60*

Multi

  1. USA v Vietnam – Penalty Kick awarded
  2. Japan Win
  3. England to Score in both halves
  4. Denmark v China – Under 2.5 goals

     @ $ 5.95*

*Odds correct as at 8am, 22st July 2023.

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