Panama vs France – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Panama vs France on and what time does it start? Panama vs France will take place on Wednesday 2nd August, 2023 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Panama vs France taking place? Panama vs France will take place at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
Where can I get tickets for Panama vs France? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Panama vs France
What channel is Panama vs France on in the UK? Panama vs France will be televised live on ITV4
Where can I stream Panama vs France in the UK? Panama vs France can be streamed on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
PANAMA
- Panama put up a significantly bigger fight against Jamaica than they managed vs Brazil, perhaps understandably so when considering the quality of the Brazilians, but the outcome remained the same, Panama were on the losing side and are rooted to the bottom of Group F
- With one round of fixtures to play, Panama cannot finish inside the top two, but the experience of playing a nation like France in a major tournament is vital and they’ll want to put in another good account of themselves.
FRANCE
- After being held by Jamaica in their opening game, France emerged triumphant against Brazil in a thrilling contest to take control of Group F, winning 2-1 with Wendie Renard heading home the decisive goal with seven minutes to go.
- Despite featuring against Brazil, Renard is nursing a calf problem and could be one of a number of players rested by head coach Herve Renard ahead of the knockout stage with a weakened French side still expected to dominate proceedings against an already eliminated Panama.
THE TEAM NEWS
PANAMA
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Bailey; Castillo, Natis, Pinzon, Baltrip-Reyes; Salazar, Gonzalez; Cedeno, Cox, Tanner; Riley
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
FRANCE
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Peyraud Magnin; Lakrar, Cascarino, De Almeida, Karchaoui; Geyoro, Toletti, Dali; Diani, Becho, Bacha
UNAVAILABLE: Henry (Injured), Katoto (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Renard (Fitness)
THE KEY STATS
- Panama are aiming to pick up their first positive result having lost their opening two matches without scoring a goal.
- Panama are the fifth different Concacaf team that France have faced in the FIFA Women’s World Cup after USA (twice), Canada, Mexico and Jamaica.
- France have made it through to the knockout phase in each of the last three FIFA Women’s World Cup final competitions prior to 2023. The only time they did not qualify from their group was on their debut in 2003.
- France have won five and drawn one of their last six FIFA Women’s World Cup group matches.
- France have won two and drawn one of their previous three FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage matches against Concacaf opposition.
- France have not conceded a goal in their previous three FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage matches against Concacaf opposition.
- With her goal against Brazil, Eugénie Le Sommer has become the first French player to score in three FIFA Women’s World Cup final competitions.
THE PREDICTION
Of course, it represents a risk if Herve Renard is to rotate his starting line-up with their qualification not yet assured, but with the strength-in-depth at his disposal, there is no excuse not for France to boss the vast majority of this game. The quality of personnel within the squad of Les Bleus is understandably superior to that of their opponents in terms of individual ability and as a collective unit, so expect them to create plenty of clear-cut goalscoring opportunities. Any outcome other than a France win by at least two clear goals would be a surprise.
TIP: FRANCE TO WIN WITH -1 HANDICAP
