FIFA Women’s World Cup Preview – Groups A & B, Monday 17th June 2019

Both Groups A and B will be decided this Monday, as the Women’s World Cup starts to build to the knockout round at the weekend.

China vs Spain, 5pm on BBCi
Likely battling for the runners-up spot in Group B, Spain will be looking to lock-out China. The former had a bit of a panic in their opening game against South Africa, requiring 2 penalties in the final 20 minutes, and a 3rd goal just before the final whistle, to see off Desiree Ellis’ side. A narrow loss to Germany in Valenciennes then left the Spaniards heading to Le Harve requiring a draw to reach the last-16 for the first time.

China – who were actually the inaugural hosts of the tournament back in 1991, and were runners-up in 1999 – are also on 3 points, as a 1-0 victory over South Africa came compensated for a 1-0 defeat against Germany. Though a draw would see China progress, it would be via 3rd place, creating a potential tricky fixture against the winners of either Group C or D (likely Italy or England). La Roja are fancied to come out on top, with Spreadex offering a Spain/China Goal Supremacy spread of 0.55-0.75, alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.05-2.25.

South Africa vs Germany, 5pm on BBCi
Leading Group B thanks to some typical German efficiency, all Die Nationalelf have to do is avoid defeat against the points-less South Africa if they are to maintain 1st place. More important, then, will be that Germany put in the kind of performance that goes beyond grinding out a 1-0 win. Luckily it looks like they’ll do just that, with Spreadex offering a Germany/South Africa Goal Supremacy spread of 2.8-3, with a Total Goals spread of 3.6-3.8.

Nigeria vs France, 8pm on BBC Four
As for Group A, France will have the top spot pinned down if they can take at least a point off Nigeria. A confident tournament-opener against South Korea, one that saw the hosts put 4 past South Korea, was followed by a 2-1 win against Norway where France scored all 3 goals (Wendie Renard bundled it into her own net early in the 2nd half).

Nigeria, meanwhile, suffered a 3-0 slump against Norway in their first fixture, before getting themselves back into the group with a 2-0 win against South Korea. A draw would be enough for the Super Falcons; even a loss could see they reach the next round. They may have to settle for that latter outcome, with Spreadex having a France/Nigeria Goal Supremacy spread of 2.3-2.5.

South Korea vs Norway, 8pm on BBCi
Like Nigeria, a single point would put Norway into the last-16, a feat that isn’t hard to picture given they are taking on South Korea. Not only are the South Koreans yet to pick up a point, they are yet to score a goal, while conceding 6 in just 2 games. The Grasshoppers should be able to leap into the knockouts, then, at a Norway/South Korea Goal Supremacy spread of 1.15-1.35, alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.95-3.15.