Key events
It’s been a year since England won the Euros and it’s bringing back memories of a huge game at Wembley! It may be one of my most favourite memories around football, what’s yours? Let me know via Twitter or email.
The other match in this group kicks off at the same time and so why not have both blogs open so you don’t miss any action! Japan v Spain will see the two nations battling for top spot of the Group and to keep their perfect start to the World Cup going, all the updates:
And here’s our guide on Zambia’s best player: “During Tokyo 2020, Barbra Banda made history by becoming the first woman in Olympic history to score consecutive hat-tricks. Despite the Copper Queens’ underwhelming performance, the Shanghai Shengli forward stood out as one of the most exciting players at the tournament. On her aims going into her debut World Cup, Banda told FAZ media: “We need to go there with full force and the mentality of winning.”” Full piece:
Here’s some information on Costa Rica’s rising star: “Alexandra Pinell, a 20-year-old midfielder, first came to attention while playing in the second division in Costa Rica. She is now expected to become one of the best players at her current club, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, and is the captain of Costa Rica’s Under-20 team. Pinell scored a memorable 40-yard free-kick against Australia in the 2022 Under-20 Women’s World Cup. While shy off the field, she excels on it, displaying speed, game-reading skills and a powerful shot.” Read the full piece:
Zambia have also released their line-up. They make three changes with goalkeeper Musanda back after her suspension following her red card in Zambia’s first match. Chanda and Chitundu also come in for Lungu and Mapepa.
Starting XI: Musonda, Mweemba, Belemu, Tembo, Musesa, S Banda, Katongo, Chanda, B Banda, Kundananji, Chitundu.
Costa Rica’s team news is here! The team make four changes with Guillen, Granados, Elizondo and Sala out for Del Campo, G Villalobos, Rodriguez and Scott.
Starting XI: Solera, Coto, Benavides, Del Campo, Herrera, G Villalobos, Rodriguez, Chinchilla, Alvarado, F Villalobos, Scott
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the final group game day for Group C! We will be focusing on Costa Rica v Zambia and both nations cannot progress to the knock-out stages.
The countries both lost to Spain and Japan and so it is mathematically impossible for them to grab a spot to go through but what is at stake are their first World Cup points of the tournament.
After suffering loses both teams have not tasted any point joy. They have also both not scored a goal at the tournament and they will want to leave the World Cup with something.
Costa Rica are only at their second World Cup, after qualifying for the 2015 tournament, while Zambia are competing at their inaugural World Cup. The team news for their final match will be announced shortly ahead of kick-off in an hour’s time. Stay tuned!