The Women’s Italian National Football Team has kicked off their 2023 FIFA World Cup journey with an exciting victory over the Argentines as they triumphed over the latter with a 1-0 victory on Sunday at Eden Park, Auckland.
The match which otherwise was heading towards a goalless draw turned into an Italian party after Cristiana Girelli managed to push a surprise header into the Argentina goal in the 87th minute. The 33-year-old veteran striker, who replaced midfielder Giulia Dragoni in the 83rd minute changed the entire outcome of the game in only four minutes.
Argentina did have a spectacular start when Mariana Larroquette fired in a bicycle kick that nearly went narrowly wide in the second minute. The remained of the first half kept going back and forth, but it was clearly Italy that dominated the play. Goals from Ariana Caruso and Valentina Giacinti were ruled offside in a competitive first half. If those two goals were legit, Italy would have closed the first half with a 2-0 lead.
The Italian defense line and goalkeeping were impeccable throughout the night as Goalkeeper Francesca Durante thwarted several Argentinian attempts, pushing away the most promising effort made by Argentine midfielder Florencia Bonsegundo from a free kick in stoppage time.
After two-first half efforts were ruled out for offside, Girelli’s last-moment header beating goalkeeper Vanina Correa ensured Italy a hard-fought win against Argentina at Eden Park in their opening Women’s World Cup game. The victory has for now allowed Italy to earn three points to join Sweden on top of Group G. The final group games will take place on Wednesday, August 2. Argentina will play Sweden, while Italy finishes the group with a match against South Africa.
