The Matildas second World Cup group match sees them face off against current African champions Nigeria in Winnipeg. A win for either side is a must, with progression through to the knockout stages of the tournament still a possibility for both teams.
Australia’s World Cup campaign did not get off to the ideal start with a 3-1 loss to the United States on Tuesday. Despite dominating the opening 10 minutes, the Australians found themselves a goal down thanks to a deflected Megan Rapinoe strike. The Matildas continued to press, creating plenty of chances but were unable to find a way past American goalkeeper, Hope Solo.
Lisa De Vanna equalised in the 27th minute with a beautifully worked team goal. The Matildas began to fade and lose shape allowing team USA to score another two goals – through Rapinoe and Christen Press.
Nigeria came back twice to earn a 3-3 draw with Sweden in the other Group D match. Despite outplaying the Swedes for large portions of the match, the Super Falcons were down by two goals in the first half with Nigerian striker Desire Oparanozie conceding an own goal and Nilla Fischer finding the back of the net – with both goals coming from corner kicks. The Nigerians were able to use their pace going forward and scored twice in three minutes to level the match at 2-2. Swedish substitute Linda Sembrant scored on the hour mark to take back the lead. Francisca Ordega was able to score in the 87th minute to ensure the teams shared the points.
Key battle – Emily van Egmond v Evelyn Nwabuoku
The Nigerian captain will have her work cut out for her as she comes up against the Matildas’ playmaker in Emily van Egmond. The Australian had a fantastic game against the US and will play an integral part of the Matildas’ attack against Nigeria. Nwabuoku, as one of the oldest and most experienced players in this Super Falcons team will look to minimise van Egmond’s influence as well as boss the midfield for her own side.
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Team news
Matildas’ coach Alen Stajcic has signalled that changes to the team which lost to the US are on the cards. Co-captain Clare Polkinghorne was ruled out of the opening match due to an injury picked up a training and could be fit to take on Nigeria. Goalkeeper Lydia Williams also looks likely to start, after injury kept her out of the clash against America, too.
Australia expected XI: Williams; Polkinghorne, Uzunlar, Alleway, Catley; Kellond-Knight, Gorry, Van Egmond; Kerr, Heyman, Simon
This Nigerian team have three big weapons at their disposal: their youth, their pace and their unpredictability. Lead by Evelyn Nwabuoku, the team will look to front duo, Ordega and Oparanozie to find the back of the net as they did against Sweden.
Nigeria expected XI: Dede; Ebi, Ohale, Ebere, Chukwunonye; Ayinde, Nwabuoku, Oshoala, Okobi; Ordega, Oparanozie
Previous meeting
This is the first time these two sides have met.
Prediction
If this group was to be decided on world rankings alone, Nigeria would be bottom of the table. However, the African champions have one of the youngest and most exciting squads, arguably, in the whole tournament. Their pace up forward poses a real threat to opposition defences, and they are clearly a determined side, as shown by their come back in the opening match. The Australians showed how exciting they can be going forward, with this match set to feature plenty of goal scoring opportunities. This match may come down to which defence can best nullify the opposition’s attack.
Australia 2 Nigeria 1
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