By Anna Harrington
The Matildas may already be in bed when World Cup Group B rivals Canada and Ireland face off in Perth.
But if they don’t stay up for Wednesday’s late-night kick-off (10pm AEST), they will wake up on Thursday knowing exactly how their group stands.
Canada’s draw with Nigeria has buoyed the Irish, who lost to Australia last week.Credit: FR171996 AP
Australia will seal progression to the round of 16 with six points and a game to spare if they beat Nigeria – who drew 0-0 with Canada first-up – on Thursday night at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
If Canada (one point) and Ireland (zero points) draw in Perth on Wednesday night, a win over Nigeria would also lock in top spot for the Matildas ahead of their third group game.
Both Olympic champions Canada and debutants Ireland need a win to kickstart their respective bids to progress.
Canada’s draw with Nigeria has buoyed the Irish, who are currently bottom of the group.
“We were really hoping for this result and that’s how it came out,” coach Vera Pauw told Ireland’s RTE.
“So the group is open again and there’s everything to play for.”
Pauw said Ireland were preparing for Canada dynamo Jessie Fleming to be available after she did not play against Nigeria.
Louise Quinn arrived in Perth in a moonboot after picking up a knock in the opening 1-0 loss to Australia but Pauw said it was precautionary and she was confident the defender would play.
In New Zealand, Spain won’t be lulled into a false sense of security when the European heavyweights take on tournament minnows Zambia, looking to seal progression to the round of 16.
The world No.6 cruised to a 3-0 win over Costa Rica while debutants Zambia were thumped 5-0 by Japan, and easily could have lost by more.
Spain coach Jorge Vilda instead pointed to Zambia’s 3-2 shock pre-World Cup friendly win over world No.2 Germany, who thumped Morocco 6-0 on Monday, as proof of the danger they could pose.
“We’re talking about Zambia, a national team that has beaten the all-powerful Germany and can beat any team,” Vilda said via a FIFA translator.
“We mustn’t fool ourselves what we saw the other day against Japan.
“I believe that what we saw was more from the merits of Japan than the mistakes of Zambia.
“They have zero points…and for them, it’s very important game.
“I’m expecting a very dangerous Zambia and expecting a rival that’s going to defend well, and is going to be very, very dangerous in the counter attacks. Tomorrow won’t be an easy game at all.”
Japan can also seal progression if they beat Costa Rica at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.
AAP
