During the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Italy defeated Argentina 1-0.
Italy secured a 1-0 victory against Argentina in a thrilling Group G match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park. The game seemed destined to end in a draw until the experienced substitute, Cristiana Girelli, came to the rescue. Just four minutes after coming onto the field, she scored a crucial header to seal the win.
Girelli’s goal also made her the first player from Italy to score in two editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the 2019 finals against Jamaica, she had previously scored a hat-trick.
The match started at a high tempo, with Argentina posing a threat early on through an acrobatic effort from Mariana Lorroquette, narrowly missing the target. Italians thought they had taken the lead when Arianna Caruso found the net from the edge of the penalty area, but it was disallowed due to an offside call against Valentina Giacinti, whose finish had been precise.
Both teams had their chances during the game, but neither could gain the upper hand. However, Girelli’s timely entry and headed goal from a Lisa Boattin cross ultimately secured the victory for Italy.
Despite a late surge from Argentina, they couldn’t find the equalizer, and it was Milena Bertolini’s team who claimed all three points.