Argentina have a clear objective ahead of their trip to Australia and New Zealand for their latest FIFA Women’s World Cup™ adventure: reaching the round of 16 of the competition for the very first time. On their fourth appearance at the showpiece event, coach German Portanova has a varied, gritty and forward-thinking squad at his disposal – though a difficult group awaits them.

Driving Las Guerreras on their Australia & New Zealand 2023 quest is the desire to write a new page in their country’s football history. Despite Argentina’s lengthy and successful footballing pedigree, on their three previous Women’s World Cup participations, the senior side have never made it out of the group phase or indeed won a match.

With a head coach who has been able to stamp his mark on a squad with plenty of potential – featuring a blend of talented youngsters and vastly experienced established performers – La Albiceleste are nevertheless set to face three formidable opponents just in the group phase.

Italy will be their first obstacle Down Under, followed by a strong South Africa side, who were crowned continental champions in 2022. Last comes what will likely be a decisive clash with Sweden, genuine global powers and third-place finishers at France 2019.

That said, it is important to remember that Argentina’s impressive Copa América performance meant they qualified for the Women’s World Cup fairly comfortably. After coming second behind Brazil in the preliminary phase, coach Portanova’s side reached the semi-finals, where they were edged out 1-0 by host nation Colombia. Quickly picking themselves up, the Argentinians then overcame Paraguay 3-1 in the play-off for third place.

Boasting the safe hands of Vanina Correa between the sticks, the defensive solidity provided by a settled backline, the intensity of a hard-running midfield and no shortage of finishing ability up front, Las Guerreras will feel they can prove they are among the world’s 16 best teams.

24 July Argentina-Italy (18:00 local time, Eden Park)

28 July Argentina-South Africa (12:00 local time, Dunedin Stadium)

2 August Argentina-Sweden (19:00 local time, Waikato Stadium)

Tickets for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™

Divisions had begun to appear among the members of the senior national squad, eliminated at the first hurdle at France 2019, as well as a clear distancing between part of the coaching staff and some of the bigger-name players.

In the context of this situation, and with the aim of qualifying for Australia & New Zealand 2023 looming large, in July 2021 Portanova was appointed the new Argentina boss. Endowed with charisma and leadership skills aplenty, the strategist quickly earned his charges’ trust thanks to his clear ideas, ambitious goal-setting and a non-negotiable style of play, based around playing on the front foot.

Coming into the role buoyed by three Argentinian titles (2014, 2017/18 and 2018/19) at the helm of UAI Urquiza, Portanova showed pragmatism, defined a playing style and mended bridges in order to bring back Estefania Banini, a key figure in the national set-up.

The new man in the hotseat also managed to convince his squad of their ability to go toe-to-toe with any opponents, a mindset that helped Argentina secure a coveted passage to the upcoming Women’s World Cup on Oceania soil. Once there, escaping the clutches of a difficult group will be their first major challenge.

Currently shining in the colours of Atletico de Madrid and returning to Albiceleste duty after a lengthy absence, Banini reintegrated into the squad shortly before the Copa América and played a crucial part in securing World Cup qualification.

Over and above supplying three assists, Banini was able to bring her authority and experience to bear when the team needed it most. Now 32 and having asserted this will be her final World Cup, Banini underlined she has lost none of her relevance and proved that, despite their solid base, Las Guerreras cannot afford to leave out cogs vital to the smooth running of the Argentinian machine.

The Mendoza-born star slotted seamlessly into Portanova’s tactical plan, which put the emphasis on technical football and leans on the quality, talent and inventiveness of players like Banini. Selected in the FIFA FIFPRO Women's World XI for 2021, the gifted creator provides both a significant supply line for Argentina’s forwards and the finishing ability to strike fear into opposing defences. La Albiceleste will need her at the peak of her powers once they get underway in Group G.

Hailing from the province of Misiones, Rodriguez is endowed with many of the qualities that make Argentinian football unique. Comfortable with the ball at her feet, the crafty forward is even more intelligent in her movements out of possession – standing out for her creativity and incredible nose for goal.

A fervent supporter of Boca Juniors, for whom she starred and helped reach the final of last year’s Copa Libertadores, Rodriguez also shone for Argentina at the Copa América in 2022 – netting a tournament-leading six goals. What is more, she grabbed the equaliser 12 minutes from the end of the decisive clash with Paraguay (final result 3-1) which clinched qualification for Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Keen to continue her footballing development, she was snapped up by Brazilian outfit Palmeiras at the start of this season. And she could not barely have got off to a better beginning, weighing in with two goals and two assists on her debut in a 9-0 thrashing of Real Ariquemes.

Argentina are heading into their fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup. On their first appearance at USA 2003, they fell at the initial hurdle following defeats to Japan, Canada and eventual champions Germany.

Four years later at China 2007 they once again faced Germany, losing 11-0 in a punishing opening encounter. Subsequent defeats to Japan and England meant another swift and empty-handed return home.

Following a 12-year gap, Argentina returned to the global showpiece at France 2019 and produced a considerably improved showing. Having held 2011 world champions Japan to a goalless draw, they lost 1-0 to England and drew a topsy-turvy encounter with Scotland 3-3, having been three goals down, to come close to securing a historic first appearance in the knockout stages.

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