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On Wednesday, August 02nd Banyana Banyana will finally try to win a match at this World Cup as they chase their first-ever qualification for the knockouts. The South African women are bound to be hurting from the heartbreaking defeat vs Sweden in their first game and the even more painful 2-2 draw vs Argentina in their second match. Can they rally and win now to reach the knockouts? Here we give you all Banyana Banyana team news and our predicted lineups too.
The game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 02nd and will be played in Wellington, New Zealand at the Wellington Regional Stadium. The kick-off time is 08:00 am GMT. Now, let’s delve straight and look at all Banyana Banyana team news ahead of the match.
Banyana Banyana lineup today: Who will fill the big void in midfield?
South Africa were very close to their first-ever World Cup win against Argentina but they panicked late on and had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Banyana Banyana led 2-0 as the game entered its final 15 minutes but they panicked and failed to hold on. Still, this was their first-ever point at a World Cup on the 5th time of asking.
Banyana Banyana hold the lead in both games they played so far and the displays had been positive. This should give the South African women plenty of hope and self-belief as they head into the final match knowing if they find a way to beat Italy they will likely be in the knockouts.
Team news
The main Banyana Banyana team news concern the heart of the midfield. The team’s captain and most influential inner midfielder Jane got hurt against Argentina and she is now unlikely to be available. The main option to step into her shoes was Biyana but she picked up 2 yellows in the 2 games so she’s now out suspended.
All this could see the Glasgow City winger Motlhalo start the game in the middle of the park and in a deeper role. As the match progresses, she could be a useful weapon if she finds channels to run into. Kgatlana scored her first World Cup goal vs Argentina so she remains the main Banyana Banyana hope up front.
South Africa Predicted Lineups (4-2-3-1):
Swart – Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Dhlamini – Kgoale, Motlhalo – Cesane, Seoposenwe, Magaia – Kgatlana
Italy predicted lineup: Can the Nerazzurri recover from a mauling?
The Italians suffered a major humiliation in round 2 when they lost 0-5 vs Sweden. Their performance was awful and they never found a way to deal with the crosses of the Scandinavians. Italy’s women also showed a lack of pace and this should worry them as they take on the fast and electric Banyana Banyana players next.
Team news
Coach Bertolini is bound to be thinking about rotation. He will seek a much more composed display from his midfielders as they were completely outplayed vs Sweden and struggled to dominate vs Argentina. With that in mind, the Roma playmaker Giada Greggi is a potential starter now. She’s good on the ball and at Roma, she has been the most prolific chance creator for 2 years.
Another Roma player is winger Giacinti and she could start too. Her pace will be useful both on the offensive and defensive end.
Here is how we think Italy will line up in this opening game.
Italy Predicted Lineups (4-3-3):
Durante – Di Guglielmo, Linari, Salvai, Boattin – Caruso, Giugliano, Greggi – Beccari, Bonansea, Giacinti
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