Canada vs Australia: Win or go home for co-hosts
A tense clash is on the cards as Canada and Australia prepare to lock horns on matchday three of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For Australia, who are serving as co-hosts along with New Zealand, this is a must-win game following their shock 3-2 loss to Nigeria on matchday one. Despite taking a 1-0 lead, Tony Gustavsson’s team conceded three goals without reply to see the tie turned on its head, making a late second goal a moot point as the Super Falcons roared to a historic victory.
Meanwhile, Canada rebounded from a frustrating scoreless draw against Nigeria on matchday one to defeat debutant side Ireland 2-1. As a result, Bev Priestman’s team sit joint-tied with Nigeria on four points, meaning that they are within touching distance of a round of 16 spot. Of course, they will need to do more than just show up on Monday, as a win for Australia, coupled with at least a point for Nigeria against Ireland, would mean that Canada will be heading on an early flight home.
History to be made on Monday? Christine Sinclair still seeking that key goal
Veteran striker Christine Sinclair, who is actually older than her manager Priestman by a couple of years, is still seeking that elusive goal. The 40-year-old is the second woman to have scored at five different World Cup tournaments after Brazil’s Marta, and is hoping to become the first player – male or female – to score at six World Cups. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened for her just yet, as she missed an opportunity from the spot during the draw with Nigeria and came on as a sub during the win over Ireland.
She will naturally be hoping to start here, as the all-time top goal-scorer in international competitions will know that Marta, who has also scored in five World Cups, could become the first player to achieve this if she finds the back of the net against Jamaica on Wednesday.
Australia to receive a huge boost? Star striker Sam Kerr reportedly set to make first appearance
Meanwhile, Australia will be hopeful about the progress of star striker Sam Kerr, who has unfortunately missed out on the team’s last two games due to an injury. However, the Chelsea player is reportedly nearing a return and could be involved in some capacity in Australia’s must-win game on Monday. The Matildas will need a win to progress; a draw with Canada would mean that they will need Ireland, who have been already eliminated, to beat Nigeria by at least a two goal margin to block the Super Falcons from progressing.
With that highly unlikely to happen, Australia will know that nothing but a win will suffice if they want to avoid what would be an embarrassing early exit. Fellow co-hosts New Zealand have already been dumped out following their frustrating 0-0 draw with Switzerland and a previously sluggish Norway side suddenly finding their shooting boots as they humiliated debutants Philippines 6-0. If the Matildas fail to progress, it would mark the first time at a World Cup that both co-hosts have been eliminated at the group stage. To date, Australia have qualified for at least the round of 16 in their last four World Cups, and will be desperate to not see that run end – especially in front of their own fans.
With Nigeria sitting on top of Group B and the heavy favorites against an already-eliminated Ireland, the onus will be on Canada and Australia to try to get things right in this must-win match. Unfortunately, it looks that only one spot in the round of 16 will be up for grabs. Will Australia, encouraged by the return of their star striker, be able to recover following a shocking defeat? Or will Canada, who battled to all three points against Ireland following a poor result on matchday one, clinch a crucial win and head on to the next round?
