Spain v South Africa: Women's World Cup 2019 – live!

Just before kick-off here is some news coming out of Fifa …

This is South Africa’s first World Cup, so it’s a big moment for the country. The South African public is certainly behind them …

Could Spain be the dark horses in France? Check out our writers’ predictions …

A video guide to the tournament, just for you …

It’s a lovely day in Le Havre, that’s for sure. The sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky. The only risk would be it getting too warm for a high tempo match.

South Arica get warm in Le Havre …

There are plenty of Barcelona players in the Spain squad – 10 to be precise – with only two playing abroad. One of those is Celia Jiménez, a 23-year-old defender, who is also an aeronautical engineer. She has studied in America and is currently playing for Seattle reign.

Women’s football is big in Spain, with both Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao hosting domestic sellouts at their respective stadiums this seasons and there is plenty of chance for it to grow. When I lived in Bilbao everyone supported Athletic and plenty of the girls in my class played for local teams. Here is Suzanne Wrack on women’s football in Spain …

There’s plenty to learn about the history of women’s football.

Spain: Sandra Paños, Torrejón, Paredes, Mapi León, Corredera, Losada, Torrecilla, Putellas, Amanda, Caldentey, Jenni Hermoso

South Africa: Dlamini, Ramalepe, Vilakazi, Matlou, Van Wyk, Biyana, Jane, Motlhalo, Mthandi, Fulutudilu, Kgatlana.

Conveniently, we also have a guide to the South African team …

The Spain team have already been for a wander on the pitch …

If you don’t know your Amandas from your Jennis, here’s our guide to the Spain team:

The tournament starts in Le Havre for Spain and South Africa today. It’s not the most glamorous of places, let’s be honest, but it could be the perfect setting for these two to getting going at the World Cup.

Spain are certainly the favourites coming into this and could go a long way in the tournament if things go their way. There is plenty of quality in the Spanish side, including Jenni Hermoso who was top scorer in the Spanish league last season and will be aiming to show what she can do on the international stage against South Africa’s questionable defence.

South Africa do possess Africa’s player of the year, Thembi Kgatlana, who will be looking to lead their attacking side to a surprise victory. Both sides will be up for it but it;s certainly Spain’s game to lose according to the bookies.