Is Monday the day we see the return of Sam Kerr? That is the query. So far on this match, the co-host nation Australia has been with out its prime star — and has barely held on, advancing with an enormous victory in a must-win group stage match over Canada. Kerr advised she was game-ready on Sunday, telling reporters: “I’m really excited. I will play.” After New Zealand exited the World Cup within the group stage, Australia has to win to maintain not less than one host nation in competition.
England enters the knockout stage as one of many solely anticipated contenders to carry out to that commonplace within the group stage, successful all of its matches — though not by the extensive margins some anticipated. Nigeria shocked Australia, 3-2, to achieve the spherical of 16 — and might be trying to provide one other shock.
England vs. Nigeria
England received two of its group stage matches by a single purpose, beating Haiti and Denmark by the identical rating, 1-0. Some have been questioning the Lionesses’ offensive output till they handily defeated China, 6-1, of their last match to decisively win the group. The English, who burnished their popularity with a 2022 European Championships win, have their sights set on the ultimate of this World Cup, however must beat an upstart Nigeria to advance to the quarterfinal spherical.
Nigeria has proved to be a tricky opponent to date on this match, holding Canada and Ireland to scoreless ties and upsetting Australia. The Nigerians haven’t misplaced since February, however have by no means received a knockout recreation within the workforce’s seven earlier World Cup appearances.
Australia vs. Denmark
With Kerr anticipated to return to the lineup, the Matildas might be trying to present the total breadth of their potential. The Australians will want Kerr’s putting energy — Denmark held England to a single purpose, 1-0, within the Danes’ lone lack of the group stage.
In 2019, Australia was ousted within the spherical of 16 by Norway in a penalty shootout. Denmark hasn’t certified for a World Cup since 2007, and is right here to benefit from it.
“This is do or die now,” mentioned Australia goaltender Mackenzie Arnold.
Source: www.nytimes.com