Italian
The women’s national football team draws 0-0 in Denmark despite dominating the match. There is still hope to qualify directly for the World Cup
COPENHAGEN (DENMARK) – Although one national football team is already out of the World Cup, another is still fighting to qualify. The important thing was not to lose in order to secure direct passage to the World Cup, as only the first team qualifies. In Copenhagen, the fourth qualifying round for the World Cup 2027 took place in Group A between Italy and Denmark. The Azzurre mostly controlled the game, created more chances, and always gave the impression they could score. But that did not happen.
Denmark played (ironically) decidedly in an Italian style. With 3 more points in the standings and an away draw, they were closed in defense and ready for counterattacks. An Italy with a lot of play but little concreteness. Paradoxically, a match much more territorially dominated compared to the one in Vicenza a month ago, but with much more fear because a defeat would have sealed the end of hopes for direct qualification.
A strange match ensued, different from the classic game of CT Soncin. Three very offensive players up front but not well supported by the rest of the team due to a strong focus on defense to avoid being too exposed. There are regrets for the crossbar hit by Soffia (one of the best on the field and a surprising choice – rightly so, I would say – instead of Linari) and the moving penalty by Caruso from a corner kick play.
Sweden won 1-0 at home against Serbia and is now 7 points behind Denmark with 8. Italy is at 5 and still has to play at home against the Scandinavians and then in Pisa against the Serbians. Two victories are needed in the last two matches scheduled for June 5 and 9, and hope that Sweden and Denmark draw, and then rely on goal difference. In short, almost a miracle. In case of finishing in second place, there will be playoffs.
But in the meantime, we need to secure at least that second place. Certainly, in the two matches against the Danes, the Azzurre had two excellent opportunities to be at the top of the group. Now, no more mistakes can be made.
These are the words of the coach Soncin at the end of the match:
“This is a result that does not reflect the excellent performance of the girls. We saw only one team on the field, we had almost total dominance, creating a lot and managing the pace of the match. I am happy with the game played, but there is great regret for not being able to unlock it”
The scorecard
DENMARK-ITALY 0-0 (ht 0-0)
DENMARK (3-5-2): Thisgaard; Ballisager, Sorensen, Sandbech; Thogersen, Thomsen (from 63’ Bredgaard), Gejl (from 78’ Vangsgaard), Kuhl (from 46’ Hasbo), Holmgaard; Floe (from 46’ Kramer), Harder. Substitutes: Christensen, Ostergaard, Thrige, Faerge, Sanvig, Holdt, Walter, Svava. Coach: Michelsen
ITALY (3-5-2): Giuliani; Lenzini, Salvai, Soffia; Di Guglielmo, Caruso, Giugliano, Dragoni (from 33’ st Beccari), Oliviero; Cantore (from 38’ st Greggi), Girelli (from 49’ st Cambiaghi). Bench: Baldi, Gilardi, Bergamaschi, Linari, Galli, Schatzer, Bonfantini, Glionna, Piemonte. Coach: Soncin
Referee: Emanuela Rusta (ALB); Assistants: Edjena Kapxhiu (ALB), Mirjeta Salla (ALB); Fourth official: Kejsi Tafili (ALB)
Note: Spectators 12013. Salvai booked (I). Recovery 2’ first half, 3’ second half
The calendar
Calendar, results, and standings of Group 1 (League A)
1st matchday: Denmark-Serbia 3-1, ITALY-Sweden 0-1
Matchday 2: Serbia-Sweden 0-0, ITALY-Denmark 1-1
Matchday 3: Serbia-ITALY 0-6, Sweden-Denmark 1-2
4th matchday: Denmark-ITALY 0-0, Sweden-Serbia 1-0
Ranking: Denmark 8 points, Sweden 7, Italy 5, Serbia 1
5th matchday (June 5): Denmark-Sweden, ITALY-Serbia
6th matchday (June 9): Serbia-Denmark, Sweden-ITALY
Photo Credits: Figc.it
