Preview for day 12 of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as Groups B and C reach their conclusion.
Tournament co-hosts, Australia will be keen to avoid a shock early exit as they meet Canada in a game which could determine who advances, unless that fixture finishes in a draw and Nigeria suffer a loss to Republic of Ireland.
Group C meanwhile is already settled as Japan meet Spain in a clash to determine who tops the group, whilst Costa Rica meet Zambia in a dead rubber as they battle to claim their first Women’s World Cup win to finish their campaign on a high.
Group C – Japan vs Spain
Although Japan and Spain are safely through, there is the matter of the order that they advance to settle especially as the runners-up will have to face Switzerland in the Round of 16 which won’t be an easy task.
Spain though will be the more confident coming into this game after showing their attacking prowess to dominate and comfortably defeat Zambia, whereas Japan were frustrated heavily by Costa Rica except for a three minute spell of two quick-fire goals.
On that note, the first goal will be key and Spain are yet to lose to Japan – having won three and drawn one of their four previous meetings in all competitions, so a draw might seems a fair bet if not a Spanish victory.
Prediction: Japan 1-1 Spain
Result: Japan 4-0 Spain
Group C – Costa Rica vs Zambia
Following their losses last time out which confirmed their eliminations, Costa Rica and Zambia can both afford to relax coming into this dead rubber.
Costa Rica though can take heart from how well they played defensively to frustrate Japan with just two goals conceded, despite being outplayed on and off the ball as nerves continued to be an issue in possession on top of inaccurate long ball passes.
Zambia meanwhile just have to simply rediscover their warm-up form because their attack was completely toothless against Spain and Japan, whilst five goals conceded in both matches is highly disappointing for a team who had strong expectations coming into the tournament.
This clash though does have a feel of which defence can hold up best but Zambia do seem to have the stronger attacking quality unseen, which I think we will fianlly see here to finish their campaign on a high.
Prediction: Costa Rica 0-1 Zambia
Result: Costa Rica 1-3 Zambia
Group B – Canada vs Australia
Currently locked on three points apiece, this match is simply winners take all for the realistic prospect of facing England in the Round of 16, yet this match might well be the ideal test going into that potential match-up for both teams.
Canada’s immediate task though has to be on showing more agression and quality in the first half because they looked beaten against Ireland, until a first-half equalising own goal motivated them to find a lucky win early in the second half with excellent game management until the final whistle.
Australia meanwhile could do with Sam Kerr back up front here even if she is only 80% match fit because if Canada start like they finished against Ireland, these Aussies could be in for a difficult game where the first goal might be key if are to avoid an embarrasing home exit early.
We also shouldn’t forget how Australia struggled to break down resilient Irish and Nigerian defences so if Kerr doesn’t start and Canada can set themselves up solidly, I do feel that Australia could be in trouble unless they score first because these Canadians are a dangerous team to beat.
Should Kerr start then I do fancy the Aussies to have the edge if the home crowd can create a fierce atmosphere for the Canadians to handle, otherwise we will surely see both tournament co-hosts out at the Group Stage.
Prediction: Canada 1-0 Australia
Result: Canada 0-4 Australia
Group B – Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria
Despite their elimination after a gutsy display against Canada, Ireland can’t be too disheartened because they can have a huge say in the outcome of Group B, as an Irish win coupled with draw between Canada and Australia would complicate matters in terms of knockout qualification.
Ireland also can deny Nigeria the chance to advance as Group B winners by either beating or holding them, but I do expect them to come out fighting no matter what because their underdog spirit has certainly been enjoyable and this experience will only benefit them in the future.
Nigeria meanwhile certainly sprung the shock of the tournament so far when they beat Australia with a simply stunning aggressive attacking display, with clinical finishing on top of a rock solid defence proving key to that result.
In fact, I do feel like that disciplined defence could well benefit them against Ireland who will have to mix it up more, rather than retort to their flank-based attacking play otherwise I can see Nigeria having a comfortable edge.
Prediction: Republic of Ireland 1-2 Nigeria
Result: Republic of Ireland 0-0 Nigeria
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