This is the first dead rubber match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with both teams simply playing for pride as their respective eliminations have already been confirmed. Still, as these two sides prepare to meet in Hamilton, we’d expect a competitive matches both nations look to register their first points of the tournament.
Costa Rica enter this game having failed to score thus far, conceding five goals – including three against Spain as they opened their tournament. That was followed by a comfortable win for the Japanese, leaving any hopes of progress for las Ticas in tatters.
Zambia entered this competition as the lowest ranked team, though there were hopes that they would be able to pull off an upset after recording a shock win against Germany. Those hopes proved to be unfounded though, with the Copper Queens shipping five goals against both Japan and Spain.
Team News
Costa Rican fans can expect to see the return of Gloriana Villalobos after she was dropped to the bench for their last fixture – but that is likely to be the only change in an otherwise identical starting eleven.
Bruce Mwape is expected to name Catherine Musonda as his preferred goalkeeper, with the shot-stopper having missed out on Zambia’s last game after picking up a red card in the opener against Japan.
As the Copper Queens look to net their first goal on the global stage, Zambia may look to present Avell Chitundu with a berth in the front three alongside Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda.
Predicted lineups
Costa Rica: Vega; F. Villalobos, Benavides, Elizondo, Coto; Alvarado, Granados, G. Villalobos, Herrera; Salas, Chinchilla
Zambia: Musonda; Belamu, Musase, Mweemba, Tembo; Wilombe, Lungu, Katongo; Chitundu, Kundananji, B. Banda
Where can I watch?
Kick-off in Hamilton is scheduled for 8:00am on Monday, 31st July 2023. The coverage will begin at 7:30am on ITV4 and ITVx. If you’re unable to watch the match, fear not – we’ll have a detailed match report published within minutes of the final whistle.
