Dramatic Late Victory for Italy in World Cup Opener Shocks Argentina - Girelli's Header Steals the Show
Italy clinches a thrilling victory in their Women's World Cup opener against Argentina as Cristiana Girelli's 87th-minute header seals a 1-0 win, denying the South Americans a historic triumph
Italy secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Argentina in their Women's World Cup debut at Eden Park, thanks to Cristiana Girelli's well-executed header in the 87th minute. Girelli, a seasoned striker at the age of 33, came on as a substitute for 16-year-old midfielder Giulia Dragoni in the 83rd minute. Within just four minutes, she found the back of the net, defeating goalkeeper Vanina Correa and clinching a hard-fought triumph for Italy.
In a fiercely contested first half, Italy's Ariana Caruso and Valentina Giacinti each saw their goals disallowed for offside, while Argentina came close to taking an early lead when Mariana Larroquette's bicycle kick narrowly missed the target in the second minute. Italy's goalkeeper, Francesca Durante, successfully deflected Argentine midfielder Florencia Bonsegundo's free kick in stoppage time, securing a crucial victory for Italy and placing them alongside Sweden at the summit of Group G.
What's next?
Group G resumes on Friday July 28th with a thrilling match between Argentina and South Africa. The following day, on Saturday July 29th, Sweden will go head-to-head against Italy.The exciting final group stage games will be held on Wednesday August 2nd. Argentina will compete against Sweden, while Italy will conclude the group stage with a match against South Africa.
What is the schedule?
The group stage is currently underway and will continue for the next two weeks, concluding on August 3. The teams that finish at the top and second place in each group will advance to the round of 16, which is set to take place from August 5 to August 8.Following the group stage, the quarter-finals will be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney on August 11 and 12.
The first semi-final is scheduled for August 15th in Auckland. The second semi-final will take place on August 16th at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, which will also be the venue for the final on August 20th. On August 19th, a third-place play-off will be held in Brisbane, one day prior to the final.
