The last match on Thursday will be a pseudo-elimination game between South Africa and China. Both countries lost their opener, and a loss for either team will virtually eliminate them from contention to advance to the knockout rounds. That would be a crushing blow for China, as the Steel Roses have made it to at least the Quarterfinals in every World Cup they have entered. South Africa does not have the same pedigree as this is the country’s first World Cup appearance, but they would be thrilled with any result in this match.
Don't miss this Women’s World Cup match from the Parc des Princes in Paris, France at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 13, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
South Africa +647
China -217
Draw +314
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Odds Analysis
Both of these teams can feel hard done by not earning a result in their first match.
The Steel Roses were the better team for long stretches in their opener against Germany. China controlled the run of play in the first half, and they had some great chances to take the lead early on against Germany. Yang Li hit the post on one opportunity, but she could never capitalize despite being played into space on multiple occasions.
It will be interesting to see if China’s mentality from their first match carries over to this one. The Steel Roses committed 19 fouls and picked up four yellow cards against Germany, and they were incredibly aggressive throughout the game.
South Africa were considered unlikely to get a point in their World Cup debut, but Banyana Banyana nearly pulled off the improbable. They held firm in the back line for most of the match, stymying Spain from scoring in the final third. South Africa opened the scoring with a Thembi Kgatlana goal in the 25th minute, but problems arose in the second half.
Two mistakes proved costly for Banyana Banyana. Captain Janine van Wyk was whistled for a handball in the penalty area, allowing Spain to tie the match, and then Nothando Vilakazi picked up her second yellow for a foul in the box a short time later. Spain converted that penalty too, and South Africa eventually fell 3-1.
China Player to Watch
All but one player on China plays for a domestic club professionally. Wang Shuang is the lone exception, and its no surprise that she is the best player on the team. Shuang was fantastic in her first season with Paris Saint-Germain, netting seven goals and notching eight assists in 18 games. She was a major part of why China was able to open up Germany on the counter, and she will be expected to create goals here.
South Africa Player to Watch
Kgatlana was named the best player in Africa in 2018, and she is the key to this team. She was able to catch Spain’s goalkeeper out of position for the opening goal on Saturday, and she has plenty of experience going against the best China has to offer. Kgatlana and teammate Linda Motlhalo both play for Beijing Phoenix, and they will look to one-up their professional contemporaries.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The Steel Roses are too strong in the back for South Africa to have much success on the attack. Banyana Banyana don’t have many great options in the final third, and the defense will eventually crack. I believe the first half will finish without a goal, but as the match goes on China will impose their will until they break through.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Odds: China 2, South Africa 0
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