Argentina has goal at the fourth FIFA Women’s World Cup is crystal clear: a victory. Three losses in 2003 were followed by three more in 2007, and even though they drew twice in France in 2019—against Scotland and Japan—a win eluded them. The Albiceleste had been getting better, but Germán Portanova’s addition has raised the level of their play, and their third-place finish in the Copa América sealed their World Cup qualification.
The team is made up of both younger teammates who are based domestically and are most likely to be ones for the future, as well as more experienced teammates like Estefana Banini (Atlético Madrid), Florencia Bonsegundo (Madrid CFF), Vanina Correa (Rosario Central), and Aldana Cometti (Madrid CFF). The objective is clear: a win, any win. However, given their recent success, supporters may also be excited about the prospect of making it to the knockout round for the first time.
The Manager
In his playing days, Germán Portanova traveled the world, playing for teams in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Spain, and Italy. His first position as a women’s football coach was with Deportivo UAI Urquiza, a team he led to three Copa Libertadores victories and where he won the league three times. In 2021, he gained control of the national team.
“In my football career, this is the most thrilling thing that has ever occurred to me,” he said on his appointment. “The ideal would be to lead the women’s national team. Defending the flag, the heart, and the motherland is what it means to represent your country.”
Star player
Estefana Banini made history in 2021 when she was the first Argentinian woman to be included on Fifa’s Best World XI. The 33-year-old Mendoza-born midfielder is still essential to the national team because to her skill and technique. The Argentina superstar’s second and perhaps final FIFA Women’s World Cup will be this one.
Rising star
Before reaching 14, Lorena Bentez made her debut in Argentina’s top division. Her team lost the game’s points because she was over the legal drinking age in Argentina. She is a fantastic passer now, a midfielder with excellent game sense on the pitch. At the moment, Bentez stands out for her assists and shooting for Palmeiras in Brazil, and she keeps getting better.
Fun Fact
Yamila Rodriguez, a forward, is well-known for both her tattoos and her football skills. On her left thigh, the Palmeiras striker has a sizable image of her favorite player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
State of Football
Although there is yet a long way to go, it is expanding. The first tier became a professional league in March 2019. Teams in the top division must have a minimum of 15 players under contract. However, there are still a lot of things that may be done better, including raising player compensation to prevent them from taking on extra work.
Our Prediction
Due to two years of inactivity, Argentina slipped out of the Fifa rankings in 2017. To get their living circumstances better, the athletes went on strike. Therefore, simply making it to the competition is still a success. But despite previous performances raising expectations of perhaps even making it to the knockout rounds for the first time, the goal now is to earn a first World Cup victory.
