Italy v Brazil
Tuesday 18th June 2000hrs
Football – International – Women’s World Cup
Pick Brazil
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 29/20 (odds taken 20.00 GMT, Monday 17th June)
Italy are already assured of qualification to the knockout phase but Brazil still require a result to join them as Group C comes to a close on Tuesday.
Women’s World Cup Betting at Unibet
Italy Preview – Will the Italians find the point that secures them top spot in Group C?
Italy have been excellent so far in the World Cup and are already assured of their place in the knockout stage. Milena Bertolini took charge of the team following a disappointing performance in the European Championships back in 2017. Bertolini has enjoyed a very productive time of it in charge, though, winning seven of their eight qualifying games. Since confirming qualification, Italy have continued that good form in games preparing for finals. A defeat on penalties in the final of the Cyprus Cup was followed by two wins and a draw in their three friendly games this year. Confidence was high coming into the competition and they have taken full advantage of that. An excellent 2-1 win over a strong Australia team in the opening game set the tone. The Italians then confirmed their place in the knockout phase with a thumping 5-0 win against Jamaica last Friday.
They sit top of the group with maximum points and will play in the knockout phase for the first time since the inaugural World Cup in 1991. Considering this is only the third time Italy have reached the finals it’s been a major success thus far. Regardless of what happens tomorrow the Italians can look ahead to one of their biggest games in their history.
Brazil – Can Brazil recover from agonising defeat to Australia?
Brazil were looking good for the next round having taken a 2-0 lead against Australia in their second group game. A 3-0 win against Jamaica in their first game at the 2019 World Cup was routine enough to get things going. Goals from Marta and Cristiante – their star duo – had them on easy street against the Aussies only to mightily collapse. The Brazilians ended up losing 3-2 with the winning goal coming courtesy of a calamitous own goal. It’s been symptomatic of their recent fortunes where wins have been hard to come by. The 2007 finalists have fallen behind the elite nations in the past few years and results show this. The win over Jamaica was their first victory in 10 games. In their defence the majority of their matches have been against the top teams. Brazil would still be expecting to make it out the group stage, though,
Marta and Cristiante are extremely important to the fortunes of this Brazilian team. The two strikers have combined for over 200 goals. Whilst they are both over the age of 30, they are the main source of inspiration foe this squad. Both will have big roles to play if as expected they play from the start on Tuesday in a game Brazil need a result form.
Key-Facts – Italy v Brazil
- Italy have won both their group games and can look forward to a game in the knockout phase
- Brazil let slip a 2-0 lead in their last game against Australia and now need a result to see them qualify
- Although Italy are in good form this represents a step down in class for Brazil who have been competing against the best
Italy v Brazil Betting Advice
The Italians are yet to beat Brazil but the luxury they have this time is they don’t need to. It’s likely that Bertolini will freshen things up with qualification already assured. That will give some valuable playing time to some of the squad who have yet to take the field in the World Cup. There will be no such option for Brazil who have to get a result in this. Despite sitting in second spot on goal difference Australia are expected to run up a score against Jamaica. It’s likely a draw would be enough to see Brazil qualify as one of the best third placed teams.
This is a really difficult game to weigh up, but credit must go to Italy. They have surpassed most people’s expectations so far and have deservedly progressed. Brazil will have to rely on all their experience to do similar, but they are capable. Whilst there have been a lot of defeats recently, they have been against the top teams. With Italy resting players it should allow Brazil to use that experience and get the win that would guarantee them a place in the next round.
