Argentina’s women’s team eyes a historic World Cup run
DT Germán Portanova named a 23-player squad for the upcoming World Cup, citing the inclusion of Vanina Correa, Abigaíl Cháves, and Lara Esponda in the goalkeeping rotation. Rosario Central finds itself at the heart of the action as the team aims for a fourth maximum in the tournament timeline.
With three prior World Cup appearances, Argentina hopes to reach the knockout stage for the first time in its history. In a tough group drawn for the Australia and New Zealand edition, Albiceleste will face Sweden, Italy, and South Africa, a demanding slate that tests every facet of preparation and resilience.
In the run up to the global event, Portanova revealed the 23 players who will defend the Albiceleste shirt on the world stage. Historically, Argentina has endured a challenging World Cup record between 2003 and 2019, suffering seven losses and two draws while scoring a modest tally of five goals and conceding 37. The coach is keen on refining the squad and sharpening the attacking and defensive balance as the tournament approaches.
Where will the matches be played?
Argentina faced a setback when goalkeeper Laurina Oliveros was ruled out at the last moment. The Argentine Football Association issued a statement explaining the injury and the decision not to include her in the preselection for this event. The medical team confirmed that Oliveros sustained a fracture to the fifth metacarpal in her left hand, prompting the change in plans. The squad has expressed wishes for a speedy recovery and a strong showing in future commitments.
Who are the keepers of the Albiceleste?
The goalkeepers for Argentina are Vanina Correa, Abigaíl Cháves, and Lara Esponda. Correa, 39, brings extensive World Cup experience and has been a steadying presence for Rosario Central across multiple editions. Her memorable performance against England in a recent draft where she saved a penalty and kept a clean sheet in the opening match against Japan stands as a highlight in her long career. Cháves and Esponda are newer faces in the senior setup, offering depth and fresh momentum for the national team.
The background of the three handlers:
Vanina Correa
- Current club: Rosario Central
- Date and place of birth: 14-08-1983 in Villa Gobernador Gálvez, Santa Fe
- Debut with the national team: 04/09/2003 in Argentina 3 – Paraguay 0 (South America 2003, Salta). World Cup player in 2003, 2007, and 2019. Olympian in 2008. South American champion in 2006. Silver medalist at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima.
Abigaíl Cháves
- Current club: Hurricane
- Date and place of birth: 11-07-1997 in Buenos Aires
- Debut with the National Team: has not yet appeared in an official match with the Senior National Team.
Lara Esponda
- Current club: River
- Date and place of birth: 08-11-2005 in Buenos Aires
- Debut with the National Team: has not yet appeared in an official match with the Senior National Team.
It’s worth noting that the Albiceleste will open their campaign on July 24 against the Azzurre in Auckland. On the 27th, they will take on the Africans in Dunedin, and they will close the group stage against the Nordic squad in Hamilton.
In this tournament, Canada and the United States will be watching closely as Argentina looks to translate regional experience into success on the world stage. The group results and individual performances will influence both teams’ travel plans, prep routines, and potential routes through the knockout rounds.
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