Image copyright: Getty Images
2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Group C
Costa Rica v Zambia
Waikato Stadium
Hamilton, New Zealand
Monday, 31 July 2023
Kick-off is at 09h00
Zambia will look to go out of the
2023 Women's World Cup with a bang when the take on Costa Rica at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Monday, July 31.
This Group C clash is a dead rubber as both teams have already been eliminated from the tournament after losing their opening two matches.
The Copper Queens, who have endured a baptism of fire on their debut at the global showpiece, kicked off their campaign with a heavy 5-0 defeat to Japan on July 22 before losing to Spain by the same margin four days later.
Bruce Mwape's side have shipped the most goals of all the competitors in Australia and New Zealand and will be determined to open their World Cup account against Las Ticas in a bid to finish their campaign on a high.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Mwape admitted the adventure Down Under has been a learning experience for Shepolopolo and hopes for an improved performance against the Central Americans.
"Playing the best teams in the world is not easy. We have learned a lot, especially in the two teams we have played against," he said.
"We have seen how our friends are playing and the tactics they are using. Going forward, we will improve on those tactics."
This is Costa Rica's second appearance on the world's biggest stage and they too will be searching for their first-ever World Cup win after recording two draws and a loss at the 2015 edition in Canada.
Amelia Valverde's side were beaten 3-0 by La Roja in their opening match before a 2-0 reverse to the Nadeshiko sealed their fate, with all five goals coming inside the 30-minute mark.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Las Ticas will be aiming for a better start against Zambia after Valverde acknowledged that lapses in concentration have proved costly.
"We knew it was going to be an extremely tough match against a very qualified opponent [in Japan]," she said. "Two lapses again after the 23rd minute. Four minutes of loss of concentration, and it cost us the match.
"I think mistakes and lapses cost us dearly, as well as not taking advantage of the chances that we may have at certain moments."
Barbra Banda hasn't had the impact that many expected she would at the World Cup and will get one final chance to make history by getting on the scoresheet against Costa Rica. The Shanghai Shengli striker scored three goals in Zambia's final two warm-up matches, but hasn't gotten the service she normally thrives on as opportunities have been hard to come by for the team.
Valverde will be expecting more from her defenders and Mariana Benavides in particular after the back four struggled to cope with Japan and were all at sea as they conceded two quick-fire goals in the space of two first-half minutes. The Saprissa defender has plenty of experience after racking up 85 caps for her country and she'll need to be at her best to keep the likes of Banda quiet.
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 0
Costa Rica - 0
Zambia - 0
Draws - 0
Ready for the Clash of Queens?
Claim the offer and place any qualifying bet of at least K10 on the
Women’s World Cup to earn a ticket to play the predictor for a chance to win a Home Entertainment Kit. The more you bet, the more times you can play the predictor.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow
Betway on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram and
YouTube.
Download the Betway App.