2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup – Spain vs South Africa Prediction & Preview
THE FACTS
When is Spain vs South Africa taking place? Saturday 8th June 2019 – 17:00 (UK)
Where is Spain vs South Africa taking place? Stade Océane, Le Havre
What television channel is Spain vs South Africa on? BBC Red Button
Where can I stream Spain vs South Africa? UK users can stream this match via BBC iPlayer
Where can I get tickets for Spain vs South Africa? https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/organisation/ticketing/
THE TEAM NEWS
SPAIN
- Spain qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in style as they won all eight of their qualifying games but have been drawn in a tough group which could hamper their prospects of progressing in the tournament.
- Even getting out of the group will be a tough task but if they do, a second-placed finish is likely to result in a game against the United States in the last 16 with the USA the team that everybody wants to avoid.
- Having left star player Vero Boquete at home, Spain coach Jorge Vilda has emphasised that his team will not focus on individual talent but top scorer in the Liga Iberdrola last season, Jenni Hermoso, is their stand-out player.
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa are on the rise and will get to showcase their talents in France with their young squad under very little pressure which should allow them to express themselves to build for future tournaments.
- They face a very tough group and look likely to exit in the group stages unless they can pull off some big shocks but playing with no pressure may see them cause some scares along the way.
- Thembi Kgatlana is the star of the South African side after she was named African Woman’s Footballer of the Year in 2018 and the top scorer at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be looking to highlight her talents on the bigger stage.
THE PREDICTION
Spain could be one of the dark horses for the competition but must first navigate a difficult group and will probably need to top the group to avoid an early clash with the USA in the knockout stages. They begin their campaign with a tricky game against South Africa but should have too much for them. South Africa will not expect much from the tournament but with plenty of young talent in their ranks, they will want to go out and enjoy themselves ahead of future tournaments which could make them difficult opponents but the Spanish are likely to outclass them.
