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Australia vs Nigeria odds and betting statistics
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Australia vs Nigeria match preview
Co-hosts Australia did make a winning start to their World Cup campaign last Thursday night, but were certainly made to work hard for it.
In front of over 75,000 supporters in Sydney, the Matildas, just about, beat Republic of Ireland 1-0.
The only goal came from the penalty spot shortly after half time, with Hayley Raso bundled over in the area, before Steph Catley shouldered the responsibility and fired into the top corner.
Tony Gustavsson’s team are under enormous pressure to perform on home soil, with Australia desperate to reach a World Cup semi-finals for the very first time.
So, will the Matildas book their place in the round of 16, knowing a victory in Brisbane could see them wrap up top spot with a game to spare?
Nigeria though will not be easy opponents, after they held Canada to a goalless draw in their group opener in Melbourne on Friday afternoon.
The Super Falcons are World Cup ever-presents, but reached the knockout stages for just the second time four summers ago, beating Korea Republic before being swatted aside by Germany.
In a very competitive section, it would be an even bigger achievement if Randy Waldrum could lead the 11-times WAFCON winners into the round of 16 again this time.
Will the Aussie supporters inside Lang Park be celebrating a victory?
Australia team news
An hour and 15 minutes before Australia’s big kick off against Ireland, the news broke that Sam Kerr would miss that game, as well as this one, due to and injury that had been kept very secretive up until that point.
It’s never kind to call any side a one-player team but, if that cliché is applicable to anyone, it’s this Australian outfit, and Kerr’s absence was apparent for all to see on Thursday.
To make matters worse, fellow centre-forward Mary Fowler, as well as defender Aivi Luik, both picked up concussions in training on Monday.
Without their first choice duo, Caitlin Foord and Kyah Simon will to lead the line, hoping to make sure Monday’s clash with Canada is a dead-rubber, so that Kerr and Fowler can be eased back ahead of the knockouts.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Arnold; Carpenter, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley; Cooney-Cross, Gorry, Raso, Vine; Simon, Foord.
Nigeria teams news
19 year old Deborah Abiodun was sent off in the 96th minute for a very reckless tackle on Friday, meaning she’ll miss this one suspended.
Either Uchenna Kanu or Jennifer Echegini will come into midfield, alongside Christy Ucheibe.
40 year old captain Onome Ebi will be hoping to see some action, as she could become just the fifth women to feature at six different World Cups.
Striker Asisat Oshoala certainly will start, so can the Barcelona superstar add to her 30 international goals?
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Nnadozie; Alozie, Demehin, Plumptre, Ohale; Ucheibe, Echegini, Payne, Onumonu, Ordega; Oshoala.
Women’s World Cup Group B table
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Women’s World Cup Group B fixtures & results
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