The Spain of Alexia Putellas and the Canadian Olympic champion begin… The matches scheduled for Friday

A month of football on the oceanic continent began on Thursday. In the aftermath of New Zealand’s surprise and historic victory over Norway (1-0), the 2023 World Cup continues on Friday 21 July with three new games. On the green rectangle there will be Canada of the reigning Olympic champions, Spain of the stars Alexia Putellas and Jennifer Hermoso, and the Philippines, who are playing their first World Cup.

4h30: Nigeria-Canada (M6)

Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium is home to the reigning Olympic champions. Canadians partner Nigeria for their entry into the World Cup. Inserted in the difficult group B, with Australia and Ireland, they have no margin for error against an ambitious Nigerian team. “When the Nigeria team plays well, they play really well. I think we have to stay calm and confident in our strength”warned Bev Priestman, Canada’s coach.

A major nation on the African continent, Nigeria intends to disrupt Canadian plans. THE Super Falcons11 times African champions, they only finished fourth in the last edition, in 2022, but they have a first-choice offensive weapon in their ranks: FC Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala. “When you have Oshoala in your team, you have a chance against anyone”assured coach Randy Waldrum.

7:00: Philippines-Switzerland (M6)

In Group A, the Philippines will play their first match in the World Cup. At Dunedin Stadium, in front of an ambitious Swiss formation, the philippines it will not have the favor of the predictions. “It’s a very high quality formation. We know they will be very strong”explained Sarina Bolden, author of the victorious shot on goal that sent the Philippines to the World Cup, during the last Asian Cup.

For their part, Switzerland will not want to miss their entry into the competition, before facing Norway, already in grave danger after the defeat against hosts New Zealand. Nati, who reached the last 16 in 2015 in their only World Cup appearance (0-1 loss to Canada), hope to do the same this year.

9:30: Spain-Costa Rica (France 2)

The Wellington Regional Stadium hosts Spain’s first match, against Costa Rica. Eliminated by the United States four years ago in the round of 16, the Spaniards intend to take their revenge and finally confirm the expectations placed on them in a major international competition. For this La Roja can count on its star, Alexia Putellas, double winner of the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best female player in the world.

In Group C, where Spain are the big favourites, Costa Rica will be looking to create a stir. THE ticas they have never won in the World Cup, but can draw on the experience of the 2015 World Cup, where they managed to compete with the Spanish (1-1) during the group stage.