Italy 1-0 Argentina: Cristiana Girelli grabs late winner in Women's World Cup opener for Azzurre - BBC Sport
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Women's World Cup - Group G
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Italy 1-0 Argentina: Cristiana Girelli grabs late winner in Women's World Cup opener for Azzurre

By Neil JohnstonBBC Sport at Eden Park

Last updated on .From the section Women's World Cupcomments156

Striker Cristiana Girelli came off the bench to head an 87th-minute winner in Italy's Women's World Cup opener against Argentina.

It looked as though Italy were going to be frustrated in Auckland by a gritty defensive performance from Argentina before substitute Girelli came good to earn the 1-0 victory.

The experienced Juventus attacker had replaced Giulia Dragoni in the 83rd minute, taking over from the midfielder who at the age of 16 years and 259 days became one of the youngest players in the tournament's history.

"Cristiana is a leader, a captain of this group," said Italy manager Milena Bertolini of the match-winner. "She is always there and we know what she can give.

"We are very happy. We know how important it is to start such a tournament well."

Bertolini had no hesitation in giving a start to youngster Dragoni who only made her debut for the senior side on 1 July, but ultimately it was the 33-year-old Girelli who made the difference.

"Giulia is a talent of Italian football," said Bertolini of the teenager. "She was ready and she did well playing in a big stadium. If they are here, it is because they deserve it."

Come the crunch moment of an often tetchy game, Girelli got on the end of Lisa Boattin's cross and looped the ball over Vanina Correa.

In front of a crowd of 30,889 spectators, Italy had earlier seen goals by Arianna Caruso and Valentina Giacinti ruled out for offside.

Italy also included 18-year-old forward Chiara Beccari from the start. They go to Wellington next to play Sweden, who also have three points in Group G, on Saturday (kick-off 08:30 BST).

Argentina's next match is against South Africa in Dunedin on Friday (01:00 BST).

Youngster Dragoni plays her part

Italy have lost their way since an impressive showing at the 2019 World Cup which included wins over Australia, Jamaica and China.

They disappointed at Euro 2022 and 13 of Bertolini's 23 players at this tournament are appearing on the World Cup stage for the first time.

The Italy boss produced a major surprise before kick-off by naming Dragoni in her starting XI - just three weeks after the youngster made her debut for Le Azzurre aged 16 years and 236 days.

She has been nicknamed 'Little Messi' and played her part in her country's win with some confident touches, with the teenager finishing the match with an 86.4% passing accuracy.

The record for the youngest player to feature at a Women's World Cup belongs to Ifeanyi Chiejine, who was 16 years and 34 days when she played for Nigeria in 1999.

While Dragoni started, forward Girelli, defender Elisa Bartoli and midfielder Valentina Cernoia - who have more than 200 caps between them and are appearing at their second World Cup - had to make do with seats on the bench.

Girelli made her presence felt after climbing off the bench to settle the match and break Argentina's hearts.

La Albiceleste thought they had earned themselves a crucial point and looked crestfallen when Girelli struck, and there was more anguish to come when Florencia Bonsegundo was denied an equaliser in the closing moments by Francesca Durante.

The hunt for a first World Cup win goes on for Argentina, who have lost eight of their 10 games spanning four editions of the tournament.

"The result was somewhat unfair. A draw would have been the right score," said Argentina boss German Portanova.

Player of the match

DragoniGiulia Dragoni

with an average of 8.08

Italy

  1. Squad number16Player nameDragoni
    Average rating

    8.08

  2. Squad number10Player nameGirelli
    Average rating

    7.98

  3. Squad number14Player nameBeccari
    Average rating

    7.46

  4. Squad number17Player nameBoattin
    Average rating

    7.33

  5. Squad number9Player nameGiacinti
    Average rating

    7.23

  6. Squad number7Player nameCantore
    Average rating

    7.14

  7. Squad number18Player nameCaruso
    Average rating

    7.13

  8. Squad number4Player nameDi Guglielmo
    Average rating

    7.10

  9. Squad number20Player nameGreggi
    Average rating

    7.10

  10. Squad number8Player nameBonansea
    Average rating

    6.97

  11. Squad number6Player nameGiugliano
    Average rating

    6.83

  12. Squad number5Player nameLinari
    Average rating

    6.77

  13. Squad number22Player nameDurante
    Average rating

    6.74

  14. Squad number23Player nameSalvai
    Average rating

    6.61

Argentina

  1. Squad number22Player nameBanini
    Average rating

    5.90

  2. Squad number10Player nameIppĂłlito
    Average rating

    5.40

  3. Squad number9Player nameGramaglia
    Average rating

    5.38

  4. Squad number3Player nameStábile
    Average rating

    5.19

  5. Squad number15Player nameBonsegundo
    Average rating

    5.16

  6. Squad number16Player nameBenĂ­tez
    Average rating

    5.04

  7. Squad number8Player nameFalfán
    Average rating

    4.89

  8. Squad number19Player nameLarroquette
    Average rating

    4.88

  9. Squad number11Player nameRodrĂ­guez
    Average rating

    4.86

  10. Squad number7Player nameNúñez
    Average rating

    4.84

  11. Squad number6Player nameCometti
    Average rating

    4.62

  12. Squad number13Player nameBraun
    Average rating

    4.56

  13. Squad number1Player nameCorrea
    Average rating

    4.46

  14. Squad number14Player nameMayorga
    Average rating

    4.44

Line-ups

Italy

Formation 4-2-3-1

  • 22Durante
  • 4Di Guglielmo
  • 5Linari
  • 23Salvai
  • 17Boattin
  • 6Giugliano
  • 18CarusoBooked at 25minsSubstituted forGreggiat 58'minutes
  • 8BonanseaBooked at 85mins
  • 16DragoniSubstituted forGirelliat 83'minutes
  • 14Beccari
  • 9GiacintiSubstituted forCantoreat 74'minutes

Substitutes

  • 1Giuliani
  • 2Severini
  • 3Orsi
  • 7Cantore
  • 10Girelli
  • 11Glionna
  • 12Baldi
  • 13Bartoli
  • 15Serturini
  • 19Lenzini
  • 20Greggi
  • 21Cernoia

Argentina

Formation 4-2-3-1

  • 1Correa
  • 13Braun
  • 14MayorgaBooked at 68mins
  • 6Cometti
  • 3StábileBooked at 90mins
  • 8FalfánSubstituted forIppĂłlitoat 90+2'minutes
  • 16BenĂ­tez
  • 7NúñezSubstituted forRodrĂ­guezat 77'minutes
  • 22Banini
  • 15BonsegundoBooked at 76mins
  • 19LarroquetteBooked at 12minsSubstituted forGramagliaat 90+2'minutes

Substitutes

  • 2Sachs
  • 4Cruz
  • 5Santana
  • 9Gramaglia
  • 10IppĂłlito
  • 11RodrĂ­guez
  • 12Esponda
  • 17GĂłmez
  • 18Chávez
  • 20Singarella
  • 21Lonigro
  • 23Cháves
Referee:
Melissa Borjas
Attendance:
30,889

Match Stats

Home TeamItalyAway TeamArgentina
Possession
Home53%
Away47%
Shots
Home12
Away5
Shots on Target
Home4
Away1
Corners
Home5
Away2
Fouls
Home20
Away16

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Italy 1, Argentina 0.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Italy 1, Argentina 0.

  3. Post update

    Corner, Italy. Conceded by Vanina Correa.

  4. Post update

    Attempt saved. Lisa Boattin (Italy) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the bottom right corner.

  5. Booking

    Eliana Stábile (Argentina) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

  6. Post update

    Sofia Cantore (Italy) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  7. Post update

    Foul by Eliana Stábile (Argentina).

  8. Post update

    Foul by Sofia Cantore (Italy).

  9. Post update

    EstefanĂ­a Banini (Argentina) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  10. Post update

    Hand ball by Paulina Gramaglia (Argentina).

  11. Post update

    Attempt missed. Sofia Cantore (Italy) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Chiara Beccari following a fast break.

  12. Post update

    Attempt saved. Florencia Bonsegundo (Argentina) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.

  13. Post update

    Foul by Sofia Cantore (Italy).

  14. Post update

    Florencia Bonsegundo (Argentina) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  15. Substitution

    Substitution, Argentina. Paulina Gramaglia replaces Mariana Larroquette.

  16. Substitution

    Substitution, Argentina. Dalila Ippólito replaces Daiana Falfán.

  17. Post update

    Francesca Durante (Italy) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  18. Post update

    Foul by Aldana Cometti (Argentina).

  19. Post update

    Foul by Cristiana Girelli (Italy).

  20. Post update

    Daiana Falfán (Argentina) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

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156 comments

  • Comment posted by Rob89, at 10:14 24 Jul 2023

    What's been going on with this world cup and why is the quality so poor compared to the Euros?

    Fair play to the small nations, they are setting up and defending well against the bigger teams. But most teams seem completely short of ideas with no quality at all on the ball. I followed most of the Euros but don't think I'll be watching anymore of this drab.

    • Reply posted by Travaller, at 11:11 24 Jul 2023

      Travaller replied:
      FIFA have expanded the number of teams in both the men's and women's world cup competitions and so now include several low-ranked teams. They state that this is to encourage growth of the sport throughout the world, which is fair enough as an aim. It does lead to a lot of one-sided matches in the group stages, unfortunately, although gallant defending has its supporters among NZ spectators.

  • Comment posted by John Littlewood , at 10:16 24 Jul 2023

    I went in with an open mind. I don't always believe the comments I read. Surely they are being too harsh. Actually after watching most of this match I totally agree with the majority of viewers. I respect the effort and occasional glimpses of good technical skills but overall it was really poor. The final shots were weak and the goalkeeping rather suspect. I may start watching in the knockoutd.

    • Reply posted by youcannotbeserious, at 10:22 24 Jul 2023

      youcannotbeserious replied:
      I was only able to watch the first 30 minutes but the quality was streets ahead of what I’ve seen in the other games I’ve watched.

  • Comment posted by General Apathy, at 10:48 24 Jul 2023

    Sad to see but inevitable with time that the pathetic diving and rolling around which has ruined the men’s game now so prevalent in the women’s game. Look at the Italian centre forward who appeared to be shot by a sniper and roll around then get up and chase into the box when Italy had their first goal ruled out. Shame but the evidence is there to see.

    • Reply posted by bushmaster80, at 11:14 24 Jul 2023

      bushmaster80 replied:
      ... and the cynical tactic of stopping the game by feigning a head injury - sometimes when they've just headed the ball (with no other contact.)

      Sigh.

  • Comment posted by D1696017996680, at 12:04 24 Jul 2023

    Italy v Argentina.
    I have never seen the BBC use the words "frustrating" or "frustrated" as much as they have to describe virtually every match so far in this tournament that is supposed to showcase the best players in the world of women's football.
    Yet another very poor match that lacked anything resembling skill and a shedload of fouls borne out of clumsiness due to lack of ability.

  • Comment posted by MuhammedIqbal2212, at 11:05 24 Jul 2023

    Never sad to see Argentina lose

  • Comment posted by bushmaster80, at 10:44 24 Jul 2023

    I think it was a mistake to have 32 teams this early in the, admittedly, early development of the women's game around the globe.

    Only one match so far, has seen both teams get on the scoresheet.

    • Reply posted by G-Dog, at 10:56 24 Jul 2023

      G-Dog replied:
      bushmaster80 10:44
      ~
      It's astonishing isn't it? In previous tornaments we've had criticism about the huge differences in ability reflected by double-figure scores for the winners. Curently, with the odd exception, we're seeing very close scores such as in this Italy v Argentina encounter.
      Do you get the feeling the sport just cannot win with some people?

  • Comment posted by Just_facts, at 12:04 24 Jul 2023

    Worst world cup in living memory surely.

    • Reply posted by Johnny Thunder, at 12:36 24 Jul 2023

      Johnny Thunder replied:
      In YOUR living memory you mean. (Although technically that’s a contradiction in terms)

  • Comment posted by Lord Buckethead, at 10:47 24 Jul 2023

    Looking forward to seeing the Brazilians soon .

    • Reply posted by bushmaster80, at 11:14 24 Jul 2023

      bushmaster80 replied:
      Fingers crossed!

  • Comment posted by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Park, at 12:44 24 Jul 2023

    I have watched a few of the women`s games, and quality of most teams has been low, then you get slated by others on here for not giving it a chance.
    If you have to argue with people to get them to watch, something is wrong.

    The more developed teams are okay, but those playing catch up park the bus.
    Mens games can be boring as well, but the lack of quality in these matches is very obvious.

    • Reply posted by D1701027286809, at 15:07 24 Jul 2023

      D1701027286809 replied:
      Fair point

  • Comment posted by Rosnovski, at 11:00 24 Jul 2023

    My wife and I have watched most matches. Disappointing so far. Waiting for this tournament to come to life.

  • Comment posted by Rosnovski, at 13:18 24 Jul 2023

    My wife, a keen footballer herself has now given up watching. I will persist a little longer but it's been very poor so far.

    • Reply posted by Just_facts, at 14:41 24 Jul 2023

      Just_facts replied:
      The standard is so bad that even our resident female sport expert DS has contemplated leaving the sofa. Rumours of the front door actually opening have been wide of the mark however.

  • Comment posted by pompey dave, at 11:30 24 Jul 2023

    A fairly even game worth watching .There isn't a comparison with the men's game but the women are entertaining . It's reminiscent of how World cups used to be with many teams playing in their countries traditional style , sadly more have had it coached out of them , and there is less cheating . I think the Itaians just about shaded it overall so the right result .

    • Reply posted by SuperDuper, at 15:16 24 Jul 2023

      SuperDuper replied:
      You didn’t see the Italian rolling around from a stadium sniper? Sorry, but the “sportsmanship” issues are just as bad.

      It’s early days for professional women’s football at a high level, but good to see it start. I just hope the bad habits learned from men’s game doesn’t get worse.

      Also 32 teams is far too many. Gulfs in talent should be this big and shaded out during WC qualifiers.

  • Comment posted by DrScoob, at 10:55 24 Jul 2023

    Equality of input clearly does not relate to equality of output.
    For me, I would like to see smaller pitches, smaller ball, smaller goals and a shorter match length. This may bring some much needed quality to proceedings.

  • Comment posted by big nolte, at 10:28 24 Jul 2023

    Sadly another non event .For anyone who didn't see it you only need to read the match report , blink and you're finished . Well done dragoni though đź‘Ť

  • Comment posted by D1690365454433, at 11:33 24 Jul 2023

    It’s wonderful to see everyone making an effort. Tremendously well done to all concerned. As with all sports, the advertisers and market place will determine commercial success or failure. People play football for the love of the sport, so regardless of anything, I look forward to seeing the football fields up and down the country being utilised by new generations, whether televised or not.

  • Comment posted by Jumbo Newark , at 10:39 24 Jul 2023

    Lived up to pre match hype. The Argies are a hard side to beat. Great super sub goal. The Italians need to be careful with their offside traps, it could come back to haunt them

  • Comment posted by Paisley Pieters, at 11:12 24 Jul 2023

    european teams all sit proudly on top of groups barr one ,can you name this nation.

    • Reply posted by Paisley Pieters, at 11:14 24 Jul 2023

      Paisley Pieters replied:
      joint top still counts

  • Comment posted by Stevo, at 12:45 24 Jul 2023

    Ok, I get it. But that was probably the most watchable game of the tournament. Especially the the first half that I watched. Both teams made a reasonable effort at going for it.

  • Comment posted by D1701027286809, at 15:06 24 Jul 2023

    Italy definitely a dark horse in this tournament and were unlucky not to score more against Argentina

  • Comment posted by The Spider, at 10:15 24 Jul 2023

    Schillaci without the skill…only joking ladies, Italy deserved to win.

As It Stood

A

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Switzerland11002023
2New Zealand11001013
3Norway100101-10
4Philippines100102-20

B

Team