Is Monday the day we see the return of Sam Kerr? That is the query. So far on this event, 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 urged 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 at the least one host nation in competition.
England enters the knockout stage as one of many solely anticipated contenders to carry out to that customary within the group stage, successful all of its matches — though not by the vast margins some anticipated. Nigeria shocked Australia, 3-2, to succeed in the spherical of 16 — and might be trying to provide one other shock.
England vs. Nigeria
England gained two of its group stage matches by a single purpose, beating Haiti and Denmark by the identical rating, 1-0. Some had been questioning the Lionesses’ offensive output till they handily defeated China, 6-1, of their remaining match to decisively win the group. The English, who burnished their status with a 2022 European Championships win, have their sights set on the ultimate of this World Cup, however should beat an upstart Nigeria to advance to the quarterfinal spherical.
Nigeria has proved to be a troublesome opponent to date on this event, holding Canada and Ireland to scoreless ties and upsetting Australia. The Nigerians haven’t misplaced since February, however have by no means gained a knockout recreation within the crew’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 complete breadth of their potential. The Australians will want Kerr’s placing 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 profit from it.
“This is do or die now,” stated Australia goaltender Mackenzie Arnold.
Content Source: www.nytimes.com
