Women’s World Cup: Who Will Get Out of the Group B Logjam?

Canada vs Australia

Canada and Australia came into the 2023 Women’s World Cup as the favourites to come out of Group B, but following their recent Women’s World Cup 2023 results, now it feels like only one of them could advance to the knockout phase.

After their 1-0 opening victory against the Republic of Ireland, Australia were momentarily on top of the group. However, following their shock 3-2 loss to Nigeria, they now find themselves in third place.

Canada, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by Nigeria in the first game before beating the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday to occupy the second spot in Group B.

With Nigeria favoured to defeat the Republic of Ireland, this game between Canada and Australia is essentially a win-or-go-home scenario for both sides.

Talking Points

Who will lead up front for Canada?

Christine Sinclair’s resume speaks for itself. The Portland Thorns forward is the most accomplished player on Canada’s roster, as she leads the nation in appearances (325) and goals scored (190). But more importantly, she is still capable of performing at a high level despite her advancing age.

So when Bev Priestman didn’t include Sinclair in the starting XI against the Republic of Ireland, her first game on the bench in a Women’s World Cup match for the first time in her 23-year international career, Canada supporters were obviously bewildered.

Priestman made the questionable decision maybe because she wanted to mix things up following their goalless draw against Nigeria, where Sinclair missed a crucial penalty that could’ve made her the first male or female player to score in six World Cups, and it worked.

The Republic of Ireland jumped out to a 1-0 lead courtesy of Katie McCabe’s goal after four minutes, but Canada made a rousing comeback in the second half to steal the win.

Sinclair came off the bench at halftime to help complete the turnaround, and it was Adriana Leon who hit the dagger when she made it 2-1 for the Canucks following Megan Connolly’s own goal eight minutes earlier.

That was the 29^th international goal for Leon, and the Manchester United star is likely tasked with leading the line once again alongside Jordyn Huitema, Evelyne Viens, and Jessie Fleming, while we wouldn’t be surprised if Sinclair came off the bench once more.

Kerr and co. available for Australia

Sam Kerr has declared herself fit to play against Canada on Monday. The Matildas captain has yet to play a single game in the 2023 Women’s World Cup due to a calf injury she sustained during warm-ups 10 days ago on the eve of their opener against the Republic of Ireland.

Any team with Sam Kerr on its side is going to have a strong attack because she brings a lot of goals to the table. After all, she’s the only player to win the Golden Boot in three different countries (Australia, USA, and England) and the first to break the 20-goal barrier in consecutive seasons while playing for Chelsea.

There’s more good news for the Matildas, as Mary Fowler and Aivi Luik are both available on Monday. Fowler and Luik didn’t play against Nigeria due to concussion.

History

Canada and Australia will meet in the Women’s World Cup for the first time since their 2-2 draw in the 2007 group stage. Since then, the Canucks have won their last three matches against the Matildas, including their most recent encounter at a major tournament, a 2-0 win in the 2016 Olympics group stage.

Canada, so far, are undefeated against Asian Football Confederation (AFC) representatives in five previous Women’s World Cup matches (W3, D2).

The Canucks are aiming to qualify for the knockout stage for the third time in a row. After their first qualification in 2003, Canada have also done so in 2015 and 2019. The Matildas, on the other hand, have always made it to the knockout stage since 2007.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP football fans should expect nothing less from Australia and Canada this Monday. They are close in the Women’s World Cup 2023 odds, as Australia are priced at 2.19, Canada are at 2.85, and a draw is at 3.00 in the 1X2 market.

Both nations are very capable of scoring goals, so you may also go for Total Goal 2-3 at 1.82 or Over 2.50 at 1.90 as well.

But in the end, we’re betting on Australia to eke out a close win because they have the firepower and the motivation to not let their fans at AAMI Park down.

 

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