Colombia vs. Argentina: 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Preview

A Clash of South American Titans

The stage is set for a captivating clash between two South American powerhouses as Colombia takes on Argentina in their opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Both teams boast a rich history in the competition and will be eager to make their mark in Australia and New Zealand.

Colombia: A Rising Star

Colombia enters the tournament as one of the most exciting teams to watch. Led by star forward Catalina Usme, the team has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in recent years, reaching the quarterfinals of the 2015 World Cup and the semifinals of the 2018 Copa América Femenina.

Their attacking prowess is undeniable, with Usme and forward Linda Caicedo forming a formidable partnership. In defense, Colombia is anchored by the experienced goalkeeper Catalina Pérez, who has over 100 caps for her country.

Argentina: A World Cup Mainstay

Argentina, on the other hand, is a World Cup mainstay, having participated in every edition of the tournament since 2003. Despite never progressing beyond the group stage, the team has always posed a threat to its opponents, thanks to its skilled players and passionate support.

Led by captain Estefanía Banini, Argentina has a strong midfield that can control the tempo of the game. In attack, forward Mariana Larroquette is a dangerous goal scorer, while defender Vanesa Santana provides stability at the back.

Head-to-Head Record

Colombia and Argentina have met 10 times in official matches, with Argentina holding a slight edge with five wins. In their most recent encounter at the 2022 Copa América Femenina, Argentina emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.

However, Colombia has shown significant improvement since then and will be confident of upsetting their rivals in their World Cup opener.

Match Details

The match will take place on July 25, 2023, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM local time (4:00 AM EST).