msion accomplished for the team coached by Milena Bertolini in the first game of the Women’s Soccer World Cup. In the match played at Eden Park in Auckland, the Italians defeated Argentina 1-0.
The decisive goal came in the 87th minute and bears the signature of Christian Girelli (recently replaced by the very young Dragoni, 16 years old): a goal from a cross from the left by Lisa Boattinhis teammate at Juventus.
Women’s World Cup, Italy wins with a goal from Cristiana Girelli
Cristiana Girelli spoke to Rai microphones immediately after the victory over Argentina. «An immense joy, I was waiting for this moment and I dedicate it to all of us because the celebrations show how much we care about this competition. We have suffered many criticisms, even unfair ones, but it was essential to start with the three points and the right foot in a very tough group. It wasn’t a great game, but we managed to bring it home.”
Cristiana Girelli celebrates the goal that decided the first match at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
The next challenge against Sweden
Even four years ago, the debut victory had come in the final minutes. The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand thus see Italy momentarily first in group G level with Sweden, who beat South Africa 2-1 on Sunday.
But if this challenge appeared balanced, against opponents objectively within reach, the difficulty coefficient will rise a lot in the second match against Sweden. Appointment at 9.30 on Saturday at the Sky Stadium in Wellington.
Who is Cristiana Girelli
First of all Cristiana Girelli, in the national team since 2012, is the first blue to score in two different editions of the World Cup: she had scored a hat-trick in 2019. The first Italy player capable of scoring in two different editions of the World Cup, with this goal she equaled Carolina Morace as Italy’s top scorer at the Women’s World Cup with four goals overall.
Born in Gavardo (in the province of Brescia) on 23 April 1990, she is one of the symbolic faces of today’s women’s movement. He won the Scudetto nine times (three with Bardolino Verona, two with Brescia, four with Juventus) and the Coppa Italia eight times. Twice Serie A top scorer (16 goals in 2019-20 and 22 in 2020-21) he has been with Juventus since 2018.
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