After making it to the quarter-finals in the last three iterations of the tournament, the Matildas kick off their seventh World Cup campaign against Italy. Headlined by Sam Kerr’s knack for finding the back of the net, the Australians boast what should be enough athleticism and offensive firepower to carry them through the opening game. They will be met by captain and centerback Sara Gama, who will rely on years of experience to hold the Aussies at bay.
Italy is making its first appearance since 1999, and will try to build on a fantastic qualifying campaign that saw La Squadra Azzurra win seven of eight games.