Tournament co-hosts, Australia take on France in the Quarter-Finals of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Victory would see Australia reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history, whilst France are seeking to reach their second semi-final in Women’s World Cup history and avoid three consecutive exits at this stage.
Team News
Sam Kerr could start for Australia after making a substitute appearance in their Round of 16 win over Denmark, following her recovery from a calf injury.
Mackenzie Arnold, Caitlin Foord and Emily van Egmond are all just one booking away from missing the semi-finals, should Australia progress beyond this stage.
France could be without defender, Maelle Lakrar after she missed their Round of 16 win over Morocco with a thigh injury, although she is back in training but this match could come too soon.
Sakina Karachaoui, Sandie Toletti, Kenza Dali and Clara Mateo are all at risk of missing the semi-final if booked, and France prevail in this tie.
When is Kick-Off?
Australia face France at Lang Park, Brisbane, with kick-off at 8am UK Time on Saturday 12 August, live on ITV1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Australia’s first-ever Women’s World Cup meeting against France.
- France won their only previous competitive clash against Australia this century (W1), prevailing 3-2 in 2014 Cyprus Cup in March 2014.
- Aussies are unbeaten in five of eight meetings against France in all competitions this centry (W4, D1, L3).
- Australia have lost all three of their previous Quarter-Final appearances at the Women’s World Cup (L3).
- Kadidiatou Diani has scored four of France’s 12 goals at this tournament.
Prediction
With a home semi-final spot on the line, Australia certainly should be relishing this clash now that Kerr is back and especially after clinically defeating a toothless Denmark in the last round via two tidy attacking moves.
France however won’t be rolling over for the hosts after ruthlessly breezing past Morocco with a dominant performance, where their clinical end product and pressing intensity were super difficult to handle which are tactics that Australia will need to be wary of.
That win over Morocco also seems to suggest that France are finally starting to peak and if they play like that in this game, I suspect that Australia will need a huge defensive display on top of their clinical finishing to stand any chance whilst the home crowd will need to be at their most raucous yet.
Quite frankly, I don’t see this game being won in 90 minutes but nerves could well creep into the hosts as this is their best shot at a semi-final, whereas France will hold little fear as underdogs and look to gatecrash the home party with their dangerous attacking football if not contained.
Prediction: Australia 1-2 (AET) France
Result: Australia 0-0 France (Australia win 7-6 on penalties)
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