Sweden has become the first team in Group G to secure their last 16 spot after thumping Argentina 5-0 in their second match in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The battle for second the second team remains between Italy, who are on three points, as well as South Africa and Argentina who both have a point each.
Only the top two teams from each group qualify into to the next round. Team level on points will be separated by goal difference.
Group G – who needs what to qualify?
Sweden have already qualified and look set to progress as group winners given their superior goal difference (+6) compared to Italy (-4).
Italy will qualify with a victory over South Africa, while a draw would be enough unless Argentina defeat Sweden. Defeat will see them eliminated.
South Africa must win against Italy to have any chance of going through. Tie-breakers will be required if Argentina defeat Sweden.
Argentina must win, but could still be eliminated on four points. Their only direct route to the last 16 is victory over Sweden and a draw between South Africa and Italy. The South American side will be out if Italy win, and second place would go to tie-breaking criteria if South Africa are victorious.
Tie-breakers
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the completion of the group stage, the following criteria, in the order below, shall be applied to determine the ranking:
1 – Superior goal difference
2 – Greater number of goals scored
But it doesn’t stop there…
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the completion of the group stage, the following criteria, in the order below, shall be applied to determine the ranking:
1 – Superior goal difference
2 – Greater number of goals scored
If the above criteria is also level between two or more teams, the following criteria are applied:
3 – Greater number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned 4 – Superior goal difference from the group matches between the teams concerned 5 – Greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned
If the above criteria is also level between two or more teams, the Fair Play criteria are applied:
6 – The team with the highest number of points shall be ranked highest. Only one of the below deductions shall be applied to a player in a single match.
- Yellow card – minus 1 point
- Indirect red card (as a result of two yellow cards) – minus 3 points
- Direct red card – minus 4 points
- Yellow card and a direct red card – minus 5 points
7 – In the unlikely event that all previous criteria are level, lots will be drawn to determine which side advances.
Group G fixtures
Argentina v Sweden – 2 August
South Africa v Italy – 2 August
Peter Gerhardsson’s side notched up their second victory of the tournament after beating the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana 2-1 in the opening match of the competition last Sunday (23 July).
The Sweden/Argentina clash takes place in Hamilton, while South Africa and Italy will do battle in Wellington.
The Swedes booked their ticket, with a match to spare, following a three goal-blitz just before the break – but this came after a slow start where the Italians were calling the shots.
Two early strikes doused off Italy’s firepower – Amanda Ilestedt scoring in the 39th minute, before Fridolina Rolfo added the second and Stina Blackstenius completed the first half rout.
After the break, Ilestedt grabbed her brace in the 50th minute and Rebecka Blomqvist got the fifth and final for Sweden.
Ilestedt has now scored three goals since the start of the competition, making her top goal scorer for the moment.
The win for Sweden is their biggest at a World Cup since 1991, while the defeat is the worst for the Italians in a Women’s World Cup game.
Meanwhile, Sweden and Italy clocked an impressive attendance record of 29.143 at the Wellington Regional Stadium, with the previous record of 24,105 set in May 2021 during an A-League game between Wellington Phoenix and Western United.
CentreCircle.online is at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup courtesy of Sasol, sponsors of Banyana Banyana)
