This was published 1 year ago
AI predicts the scores and Matildas’ fate at the Women’s World Cup
By "Robotinho" and Mark Stehle
Our resident AI football expert Robotinho.Credit: Created with AI
It’s a game built on the passion and emotion of fans and players, so we’ve turned to the cold, calculating mind of our resident AI football expert, Robotinho, for impartial insights into how the Matildas will fare at the Women’s World Cup as well as predictions for all the games in the group stage.
What do you think of Robotinho’s analytical skills? Can we do away with pesky human pundits once and for all, or will the rise of the round-ball robots have to wait? Give it your best shot Robotinho.
Australia are expected to perform well in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. With a blend of experienced and talented players like Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, they possess a strong offensive line capable of scoring goals. However, their defensive capabilities have shown vulnerabilities in recent tournaments. Playing on home grounds can provide an advantage, boosting team morale and inspiring better performances.
In terms of outcome, Australia have a good chance of advancing beyond the group stage and reaching the knockout rounds. The exact extent of their progress will depend on their performances and the strength of their opponents in the later stages of the tournament.
Group A prediction
New Zealand v Norway: Norway have a strong team with a good record in recent matches and tournaments. Led by players like Caroline Graham Hansen and Guro Reiten, they have the attacking firepower to trouble New Zealand. While New Zealand have a solid team, they may find it challenging to match Norway’s pace and style of play. Prediction: Norway win 2-1
Philippines v Switzerland: Switzerland are a well-established team with experienced players like Ramona Bachmann and Lia Walti. They possess the technical ability and tactical discipline to dominate the match against the developing Philippines team. Switzerland’s superior quality should result in a comfortable victory. Prediction: Switzerland win 3-0
New Zealand v Philippines: New Zealand’s overall strength and talented players such as Hannah Wilkinson and Ali Riley give them a clear advantage over the developing Philippines team. New Zealand’s physicality and pace, combined with their solid defensive organisation, should lead to a convincing win. Prediction: New Zealand win 4-0
Switzerland v Norway: Norway’s strong team, including players like Ingrid Syrstad Engen and Kristine Minde (human note: Minde has not been named in the Norway squad), should prove too much for Switzerland. Norway’s attacking prowess and ability to create scoring opportunities will likely result in a victory against Switzerland’s defence. Prediction: Norway win 2-0
Switzerland v New Zealand: Switzerland’s experienced squad, featuring players like Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic and Lara Dickenmann (human note: Dickenmann retired two years ago), should have the edge in a closely contested match against New Zealand. Switzerland’s defensive solidity and ability to capitalise on scoring chances should lead them to a narrow victory. Prediction: Switzerland win 1-0
Norway v Philippines: Norway’s overall strength, highlighted by players like Lisa-Marie Karlseng Utland (human note: she’s not in the squad) and Vilde Boe Risa, makes them overwhelming favourites against the developing Philippines team. Norway’s technical proficiency, speed, and clinical finishing should result in a convincing win. Prediction: Norway win 5-0
Group B prediction
Australia v Ireland: Australia are a strong team with a lot of talented players, and they have been performing well in recent years. The Republic of Ireland, on the other hand, have been struggling and may have a difficult time keeping up with Australia’s pace. Prediction: Australia win 2-0
Nigeria v Canada: Nigeria have a solid team, but Canada have been performing well lately and have a number of talented players, including Christine Sinclair. This game could be close, but I think Canada will come out on top. Prediction: Canada win 2-1
Canada v Ireland: Based on their performances in recent years, Canada have the stronger team here and should have no trouble defeating the Republic of Ireland. Prediction: Canada win 3-0
Australia v Nigeria: Australia are likely to be the stronger team in this match-up, although Nigeria have some talented players and could put up a fight. Prediction: Australia win 3-1
Canada v Australia: This game could be a tight match-up between two strong teams, but I give the edge to Canada, who have been performing well lately and have a number of talented players who can make a difference. Prediction: Canada win 2-1
Ireland v Nigeria: This game could go either way, but based on recent performances and individual player strength, I give the edge to Nigeria. Prediction: Nigeria win 1-0
Group C prediction
Spain v Costa Rica: Spain are currently ranked No.12 in the world, while Costa Rica are ranked No.37. Spain have a strong midfield led by Alexia Putellas, and they have been performing well in recent matches. Costa Rica have some talented players, but they have struggled in international competitions. Prediction: Spain win 3-0
Zambia v Japan: Zambia are making their first appearance in the Women’s World Cup, while Japan have a seasoned team with a history of success. Japan are ranked No.10 in the world, and have a solid defence and midfield. Zambia have some promising young players, but they lack experience at this level. Prediction: Japan win 2-0
Spain vs. Zambia: Spain should have no trouble winning this match. Zambia are a developing team and are not likely to pose a significant threat to Spain. Prediction: Spain win 4-0
Japan v Costa Rica: Japan are a more experienced and skilled team than Costa Rica, and should win this match without much difficulty. Japan’s defence is particularly strong, and they should be able to keep Costa Rica from scoring. Prediction: Japan win 3-0
Japan v Spain: This is likely to be the most competitive match in Group C. Both teams have strong midfielders and forwards, and they are both capable of scoring goals. However, Japan’s defence is slightly stronger than Spain’s, and that could give them an edge. Prediction: Japan win 2-1
Costa Rica v Zambia: This match is between the two teams with the lowest rankings in the group. It’s difficult to predict which team will come out on top, as both have limited international experience. However, I think Costa Rica have more experienced players and should be able to win this match. Prediction: Costa Rica win 1-0
Group D prediction
England v Haiti: England are one of the top teams in the world and have a strong squad with players like Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton and Fran Kirby (human note: Houghton and Kirby are both out of the squad). Haiti, on the other hand, are making their first appearance in the Women’s World Cup and are not expected to advance from the group stage. Prediction: England win 4-0
Denmark v China: Both teams have had mixed results in recent years, but Denmark have a more experienced squad with players like Pernille Harder and Nadia Nadim (human note: Nadim is not in the squad). China, on the other hand, have a strong defensive unit but struggle to score goals. Prediction: Denmark win 2-1
England v Denmark: This match will be a crucial one for both teams as they are expected to be the top two teams in the group. England have the advantage in terms of individual talent, but Denmark have a more cohesive team and play a possession-based game. Prediction: A 1-1 draw
China v Haiti: This match will likely be a one-sided affair, as China are expected to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Haiti have a young team that lacks experience and depth, and it is unlikely they will be able to compete with China. Prediction: China win 3-0
China v England: This match could be a tricky one for England, as China have a strong defence and are known for their physicality. However, England have the advantage in terms of individual talent and should be able to create enough chances to win the match. Prediction: England win 2-0
Haiti v Denmark: Haiti will likely struggle against Denmark, as the Danish team is more experienced and has a more balanced squad. Denmark have several attacking options and should be able to score multiple goals against Haiti. Prediction: Denmark win 4-0
Group E prediction
USA v Vietnam: USA is one of the top-ranked teams in the world and has a history of strong performances in the World Cup. Vietnam, on the other hand, are not as experienced on the world stage and have a lower FIFA ranking. Prediction: USA win 3-0
Netherlands v Portugal: Both of these teams had a strong performance in the UEFA women’s Euro Cup 2022, with the Netherlands finishing as runners-up and Portugal making it to the quarter-finals. However, the Netherlands have a higher FIFA ranking and more experience in major tournaments. Prediction: The Netherlands win 2-1
USA v Netherlands: This match will be a highly anticipated match-up between two of the top teams in the world. The USA have a history of strong performances in major tournaments and a talented roster of players, while the Netherlands have been consistently performing well in recent years and have a solid defence. Prediction: A 1-1 draw
Portugal v Vietnam: While Portugal have been improving in recent years, Vietnam are not as experienced on the world stage and have a lower FIFA ranking. Prediction: Portugal win 2-0
Portugal v USA: Despite Portugal’s recent improvements, the USA are still one of the top teams in the world and have a strong roster of players. Prediction: USA win 3-0
Vietnam v Netherlands: Vietnam are not as experienced on the world stage and have a lower FIFA ranking, while the Netherlands have consistently performed well in recent years and have a strong roster of players. Prediction: The Netherlands win 4-0
Group F prediction
France v Jamaica: France are one of the top teams in women’s soccer and have consistently performed well in major tournaments. Meanwhile, Jamaica are a relatively new team on the world stage and haven’t had as much success. Based on their past performances and individual players, I predict that France will win this. Prediction: France win 3-0
Brazil v Panama: Brazil are another strong team with a rich history in women’s soccer, while Panama are a relatively inexperienced team that has struggled in recent tournaments. Prediction: Brazil win 2-0
France v Brazil: This is likely to be the most exciting and closely contested match in Group F. Both teams have top-tier players and a history of success in major tournaments. While it’s difficult to predict the outcome of this match with certainty, I’ll go with France. Prediction: France win 2-1
Panama v Jamaica: This is a match between two teams that are still developing on the world stage. Based on recent performances, I predict that Jamaica will win. Prediction: Jamaica win 1-0
Panama v France: Panama are likely to struggle against France, one of the top teams in the tournament. Prediction: France win 4-0
Jamaica v Brazil: While Jamaica have made strides in women’s soccer in recent years, Brazil are still a much stronger team with more experience on the world stage. I predict that Brazil will win this match. Prediction: Brazil win 3-1
Group G prediction
Sweden v South Africa: Sweden are a top team and have performed well in recent years, while South Africa have struggled to consistently compete at a high level. I predict Sweden will win this match. Prediction: Sweden win 3-0
Italy v Argentina: Italy are a rising team in women’s football, while Argentina have had some mixed results in recent years. However, Argentina have some talented players and could potentially pull off an upset. I predict Italy will win this match. Prediction: Italy win 2-1
Argentina v South Africa: Argentina have more experience and a stronger squad than South Africa, so I predict they will win this match. Prediction: Argentina win 2-0.
Sweden v Italy: This will likely be a close match between two strong teams, but Sweden have more depth and experience. I predict Sweden will win this match. Prediction: Sweden win 1-0
Argentina v Sweden: Sweden have historically been a dominant team and I predict they will continue to perform well in this tournament. I predict Sweden will win this match. Prediction: Sweden win 2-0
South Africa vs. Italy: Italy are the stronger team in this match-up and I predict they will win. Prediction: Italy win 3-0
Group H prediction
Germany v Morocco: Germany are one of the strongest teams in women’s soccer, and they have a deep pool of talented players. Their squad includes several players who have performed well at the international level, such as Alexandra Popp and Dzsenifer Marozsan (human note: Marozsan retired from international football in April). Morocco, on the other hand, have a relatively inexperienced team that has not yet made a significant impact on the world stage. Based on these factors, I predict that Germany will win this match. Prediction: Germany win, with a score of around 3-0
Colombia v South Korea: Both Colombia and South Korea have had some notable performances in recent years, but South Korea are generally considered to be the stronger team. They have a few standout players, such as Ji So-yun, who has been one of the top scorers in the English Women’s Super League. Colombia, meanwhile, have a few talented players of their own, but they lack the depth and consistency of some of the other teams in the tournament. I predict that South Korea will win this match. Prediction: South Korea win, with a score of around 2-0
Germany v Colombia: Based on their individual players and recent performances, Germany are the clear favourites in this match-up. While Colombia have some talented players, Germany’s depth and experience should give them the edge. I predict that Germany will win this match. Prediction: Germany win, with a score of around 3-1
South Korea v Morocco: Morocco have one of the weaker teams in the tournament, and they are unlikely to pose much of a challenge for South Korea. Based on their individual players and recent performances, I predict that South Korea will win this match. Prediction: South Korea win, with a score of around 4-0
South Korea v Germany: This match-up should be one of the most competitive in the group stage. Both teams have a number of talented players and a strong track record in international play. However, Germany’s depth and experience should give them the edge in this match. Prediction: Germany win, with a score of around 2-1.
Morocco v Colombia: While both of these teams are relatively inexperienced, Colombia have a few more standout players and a stronger overall record in international play. Based on this, I predict that Colombia will win this match. Prediction: Colombia win, with a score of around 2-0.