Canada and Australia will be shockingly heading home from the FIFA Women’s World Cup after their knockout stage decider. Both of these top-ranked nations have experienced setbacks at various points. Hence it is almost probable that one of them will be removed earlier than expected. Canada presently has four points and is in the qualifying round. A draw would be sufficient to advance them.
Overview
Australia likely needs a win to advance after their devastating 3-2 loss to Nigeria in the second round of group play. A draw between these two teams and a loss for Nigeria to the Republic of Ireland, which would take the tie for second place between Australia and Nigeria to tiebreakers, would be necessary for both teams to advance. Even then, a lot of factors could work together against the co-hosts to have them fired.
Sam Kerr missed the first two games of the campaign due to a last-minute injury sustained in practice. She will be the focus of attention in the host nation. Tony Gustavsson, the head coach, has stated that she would be evaluated before the start of the game. They delayed information about her injuries until just before the lineup announcement for the first game.
Although neither side has shown particularly impressive through the first two games of the group stage, Canada has faced difficulty head-on and emerged victorious. Canada managed to get four points despite injuries to Janine Beckie and Jessie Fleming and occasionally failing the eye test. Yet for some reason, the Australians are clear favorites in this match, which doesn’t make much sense. The North American team has relied on its elite defense, giving up just one goal in two games, which was a stunning score by Katie McCabe that was nominated for Goal of the Tournament. The defense has otherwise been solid, limiting Nigeria to one shot on goal and denying Ireland other clear-cut chances.
Player to Watch
Sam Kerr starting this match is unlikely. Even if she does, it’s likely that she won’t be at full strength. This will make it harder for the Aussies to exploit Canada. Both teams will be driven to avoid conceding in the first 45 minutes so that the outcome may be decided in the second half. The under would be a fair wager here with maybe 45 minutes having passed with limited opportunities.
Australia will play as though they need to win in order to move on. They are aware that it would take a very unique and unlikely series of circumstances for them to advance with a draw. But that doesn’t necessarily imply they’ll start driving aggressively. Instead, the Australians will be aware that the second half will provide the exhausted fans a surge of energy, and all they need to do to stay in the game is play through it for the hosts to take control.
However, that can work against them. Although this Canadian team is far from being outstanding in front of goal, they do know how to attack quickly. According to the FIFA match report following their victory over Ireland, one way Jayde Riviere kept up with Katie McCabe was by sheer speed. She reached a top speed of 29.1 km/hr, which isn’t too much off the game high. But this place might be a feast for Canada’s counterattack. The match featured an absurd 324 “high-speed runs” and 69 “sprints” from midfielder Jessie Fleming. She greatly outran everyone else on the field and hit benchmarks of 19 and 23 km/h. Denise O’Sullivan of Ireland came in second with 246 high-speed runs.
Sport Sermon Canada vs Australia FIFA Women’s World Cup Prediction
Canada 1 – 0 Australia
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