Women's World Cup Friday predictions: Spain and Canada to start with wins
Recommended bets:
- Canada to win and both teams to score vs Nigeria
- Philippines +2 goals on spread vs Switzerland
- Spain to win 4-0 v Costa Rica
The opening day of the 2023 Women's World Cup did not disappoint as co-hosts New Zealand opened with a surprise win over Norway and there are three more matches to look forward to in the tournament on Friday.
First up is the second match in Group B between Canada and Nigeria before Group A continues with the Philippines versus Switzerland.
The day's action concludes with European hopefuls Spain up against minnows Costa Rica in the first game of Group C.
Nigeria vs Canada (Friday, 3.30am)
While Nigeria have appeared in every Women's World Cup, Canada have only missed the inaugural tournament in 1991, so both of these nations have decent international pedigree behind them.
But it is Canada who come out on top in the world rankings by 33 places and they are expected to win this contest in Melbourne.
Canada have suffered three defeats in their last four matches but those fixtures were against big teams in Brazil, USA, France and Japan, whereas Nigeria will be easier opponents to navigate.
The African nation do, however, have an attacking danger in Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala and the best way to approach this game could be to back a Canada win and both teams to score.
Phillipines vs Switzerland (Friday, 6am)
As one of eight teams making their tournament debut at this year's Women's World Cup, the Philippines will likely be dismissed by many in Group A but they could put up a fight in their opening contest against Switzerland.
The Philippines qualified for the Women's World Cup thanks to their run to the semi-finals of the Women's Asia Cup and they have won five of their last six matches heading into this game.
Those wins were not against the strongest of opponents but Switzerland have not exactly been dazzling either.
The Swiss scored in the 121st minute of their play-off with Wales back in October to qualify for the Women's World Cup and have not won a match since then, losing to Iceland and drawing with Poland, China, Zambia and Morocco.
Spain vs Costa Rica (Friday, 8.30am)
Spain's build-up to this year's Women's World Cup has not exactly been smooth given 15 players declared themselves as unavailable for selection following a fallout with manager Jorge Vilda last September.
But a few players have since returned to the team, while star talent Alexia Putellas has recovered from an injury which kept her out of Euro 2022 and La Roja should be comfortable enough in their opener.
Costa Rica head into this match having lost eight of their last 11 matches and, although it is tricky to squeeze value out of the game, a 4-0 win to Spain could be worth chancing at a decent price.
