How refreshing has the Women’s been? Skill, flair, technical ability and penalties galore have made for some hugely entertaining football during the first round of group matches in Australia and New Zealand.
The officials have been largely spot on as well.
The early morning kick-offs have led to early dog walks along the beach before settling down with a pot of tea and a bacon and bubble butty to savour the action.
Our centre of attention shifts to Norway as they bid to salvage some of their wounded pride when they face Switzerland in their second Group A fixture.
The Scandinavians were on the wrong end of an opening-day shock against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.
They were the overwhelming favourites but suffered a devastating defeat when Hannah Wilkinson swept in the only goal of the game, rounding off a flowing move down the right which started with a pass from the goalkeeper.
It could have been worse as the co-hosts missed a late penalty before celebrating their first victory in 16 attempts at and the disjointed Norwegians face the challenge of regrouping and overpowering a Switzerland side many pundits fancy to go deep into the tournament.
If Norway are to bounce back they will have to rely on their attack led by Lyon striker and former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg.
She has bags of experience as well as an eye for goal after winning six Champions League trophies and is 9/5 with William Hill to score at any time.
But Switzerland, comfortable 2-0 winners against Philippines, look the value at 14/5 with bet365.
Ramona Bachman, who struck from the penalty spot in that victory, can send them into Group A overdrive at 8/1 with Betway by opening the scoring. She’s also 7/2 with William Hill to score at any time while Switzerland are 7/1 with bet365 to win with both teams scoring.
Early birds should get on Betway’s 4/1 for Wilkinson to break the deadlock when New Zealand face Philippines and she’s 6/4 to score at any time – her goal in the opener was her fifth in seven matches for the Football Ferns, making her the obvious choice.
None of the eight nations making their Women’s World Cup debut have scored so far and the hosts are 15/2 with SpreadEx and BoyleSports to win 3-0.
• Christopher Eubanks, who reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, is 6/1 with Betfred to win the ATP Tour tournament in Atlanta.
• Did you have a laugh and celebrate with schnapps, a cackle and Alexandra Popp when she opened the scoring for Germany against Morocco? Our 14/1 ante-post bet to be leading scorer at the Women’s World Cup cashed by scoring the first goal in the 6-0 rout at 7/2 and at any time at 10/11.Â
