Day Five Overview of Fifa Women’s World Cup: Matches Include Italy vs. Argentina, Germany vs. Morocco, and Brazil vs. Panama

World Cup could witness its first player wearing a hijab, Nouhaila Benzina

History may be written on the fifth day of the Fifa Women’s World Cup if Moroccan player Nouhaila Benzina takes the field.

Benzina, a 25-year-old defender, could become the first player to sport a hijab, an Islamic headscarf, at a World Cup. This could happen in their match against the tournament favorites, Germany.

This is the second match of the day, the first one being between Italy and Argentina, who aim to secure their first World Cup victory, earlier in the morning.

Brazil, who have a track record of winning all eight of their World Cup opening games, start their tournament against the first-timers, Panama.

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Italy vs Argentina

Group G | Auckland | 07:00 BST | ITV

Italy aims to improve upon their quarter-final finish in the 2019 World Cup, marking their first appearance in the tournament since 1999. Despite finishing at the bottom of their group with a single point at Euro 2022 in England.

“Both the previous and the current World Cup are crucial as they aid our growth process. Qualifying for two consecutive World Cups is a great step forward for Italy,” shared manager Melina Bertolini.

“Our movement is expanding. It’s a young and somewhat fragile movement.”

The Italian team features 16-year-old Barcelona midfielder Giulia Dragoni.

Argentina, on the other hand, hasn’t yet claimed a victory in a sanctioned Women’s World Cup match, losing all games prior to 2019 and managing to secure two points in 2019, which included a 3-3 draw with Scotland.

Goalkeeper Vanina Correa, 39, has been part of the squad in all four tournaments, including the current one.

Despite a hiatus in play from 2015 to 2017, which led to their loss of FIFA ranking, Argentina has shown remarkable resilience.

Rachel Brown-Finnis’ prediction: I am eagerly looking forward to this match, expecting it to be a close one. My bet is on Italy to have a slight advantage, leaving Argentina still searching for their first World Cup finals victory. 2-1.

Key stat: Argentina hasn’t been able to score in 67% of their Women’s World Cup games (6/9), the highest percentage among teams with more than six games in the competition.

Germany vs Morocco

Group H | Melbourne | 09:30 BST | ITV

Morocco marks its debut as the first Arab team at a Women’s World Cup. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak notes, “We carry a significant responsibility to portray a positive image, and display the strides Moroccan football has made by qualifying.

Benzina, a team-mate of Chebbak, could become the first player to wear a hijab at a senior women’s tournament if she plays, after FIFA authorized the wearing of hijabs in 2014.

Germany’s coach, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, asserts, “All games are close. Women’s football teams have become increasingly competitive.”

Germany’s key players, Marina Hegering and Lena Oberdorf, face uncertainty due to injuries.

Rachel Brown-Finnis’ prediction: I predict a strong win for Germany. Although still reeling from losing last year’s Euro finals, they will harness that energy positively.

They must be keen to claim the World Cup, having been champions in 2003 and 2006. A loss wouldn’t end Morocco’s chances of advancing, but it’s a formidable task to emulate their men’s team, who reached the semi-finals in Qatar last year. 4-0.

Key stat: Germany’s goal difference in World Cup openers stands at 34-3. They scored at least 10 goals in their opening game twice (11-0 vs Argentina in 2007 and 10-0 vs Ivory Coast in 2015).

Brazil vs Panama

Group F | Adelaide | 12:00 BST | ITV

The eight-time Copa America Femenina winners, Brazil, still haven’t clinched a World Cup title, despite coming second in 2007.

Marta, Brazil’s player, could become the first player – of either gender – to score in six World Cups, though her participation in the game is not certain.

Coach Pia Sundhage mentions, “We won’t necessarily choose the two top forwards. We will select forwards who complement each other.”

For Panama, currently 52nd in the world, this is their maiden World Cup.

Panamanian forward Riley Tanner was born and raised in the United States but chose to play for her mother’s home country, Panama. Her team affectionately calls her ‘Frozen’ because of her supposed resemblance to Elsa, a character from the animated film.

Rachel Brown-Finnis’ prediction: Although I don’t often get to see Brazil play, I am excited to watch both these teams. I can’t see this match ending in a goalless draw. 3-1.

Key stat: Brazil’s Marta holds the record for the highest goals scored at the Women’s World Cup, with 17 goals in 20 matches.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fifa Women’s World Cup Preview

More about Fifa Women’s World Cup Preview

• FIFA Women’s World Cup Official Page
• Women’s World Cup Match Schedule
• Player Profiles: FIFA Women’s World Cup
• Historical Stats and Facts: FIFA Women’s World Cup
• Women’s World Cup Team Rankings
• Marta’s Profile: FIFA Women’s World Cup
• FIFA’s Stance on Hijab in Football