Key events
Argentina lineup
Goalkeeper Vanina Correa (Rosario Central) spent six years out of the sport after giving birth, then came back for her third World Cup in 2019. She’ll turn 40 next month, and she showed against Italy that she’s still a stubborn impediment for any team.
Defense: Aldana Cometti (Madrid CFF) also impressed against Italy. Her fellow center back, Miriam Mayorga (Boca Juniors), is also a doctor. Left back Eliana Stabile (Santos) is a strong set-piece taker. Sophia Braun (Club Leon), who hails from the Pacific Northwest, is on the right.
Midfield: Lorena Benitez (Palmeiras) is the defensive anchor here. On the right is 20-year-old Paulina Gramaglia (Red Bull Bragantino), who’s on loan to Brazil from the Chicago Red Stars. Florencia Bonsegundo (Madrid CFF) is in the middle along with Daiana Falfan (Deportivo UAI Urquiza). Old-school NWSL fans will remember Estefania Banini (Atletico Madrid), a dangerous dribbler who’ll operate on the left.
Forward: Mariana Larroquette (Orlando Pride) is the starter.
Subs: One of the better nicknames at the World Cup, “El Motorcito” (the “little engine”), is bestowed upon Romina Núñez (Deportivo UAI Urquiza), the only midfielder to earn a rating of 7 against Italy in The Guardian’s analysis. She’s on the bench along with 21-year-old Dalila Ippolito (Parma).
Preamble
Will we see a team win a World Cup game for the first time?
Barring a draw, yes. Neither of these teams has found that breakthrough yet. And both teams gave up late goals to lose their openers in this Cup, which means someone needs a win to have a reasonable chance of advancing.
Even if you follow the global game closely, the names in these lineups will likely be unfamiliar. But their first games – and indeed, this Cup as a whole – have shown us that we really can’t rule teams out by how they look on paper.
Beau will be here shortly. In the meantime here’s Anita Asante’s look at what’s becoming a World Cup of the unexpected.