The Canada final group stage game will take place on Monday. They will face the desperate Australians, who will look to rebound after a shocking loss to Nigeria. This is while Canada will feel more positive after coming from behind to win against the Republic of Ireland.
Canada vs Australia Predictions for Monday
Australia (3-0-2)
“I’m actually not that disappointed about the performance, but I’m disappointed by the result,”
Hear from Tony Gustavsson following our 3-2 defeat to Nigeria#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDonehttps://t.co/02DMI8ZnQN
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 27, 2023
Regardless of how Australia feels about their performance, a loss at home against Nigeria was probably one, if not the biggest upset in the tournament so far. They are however still in the tournament and will look to rebound against Canada. In that game, Nigeria’s offence really came through with three goals scored as the Matildas got a consolation goal late in a 3-2 defeat at home.
The biggest question for Australia will be the availability of Samantha Kerr, she will likely be available, but this is what she said to the media as the Matildas get to play on Monday (Source: CommBank Matildas Twitter Account):
This also ruins the good form Australia had recently (with the exception of an International Friendly loss to Scotland). They beat the Republic of Ireland in their previous game. Also, just before that, two friendlies against France and England resulted in victories against two top-10 sides.
Canada (1-2-2)
The CanWNT went behind early thanks to a goal by Katie McCabe. However, the Canadians rebounded as an Ireland own goal and a fantastic Adriana Leon goal allowed Canada to come with the 2-1 victory.
GOAL! Canada lead through an inch perfect pass from Sophie Schmidt to setup Adriana Leon! 🇨🇦#WeCAN #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/LMFJRI3qP0
— CANWNT (@CANWNT) July 26, 2023
This is what Adriana Leon, who scored the game-winning goal, the CanWNT forward, said about the game-winning goal (source: CanWNT Twitter Account):
Sophie Schmidt, who delivered the game-winning assist, echoed those sentiments (source: CanWNT Twitter Account):
Canada is now going to another big game as both teams look to make the Round of 16. They were able to respond after a disappointing draw against Nigeria where, even with fantastic Nigerian defence, did not capitalize on their scoring chances. This also marks only the second time Canada was able to get a win in the 2023 calendar year, with their only other one coming against Brazil in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup. Hopefully, that result will mean something as Canada looks to build on their second-half performance against Ireland.
Also, the availability of both Christine Sinclair and Kadeisha Buchanan will be something to watch, however, Beverly Priestman stated that she expects both players to play on Monday (source: TSN.ca Staff)
Note: The game between Canada and England was counted to the last five games played by Canada.
Head-To-Head
As of recent games, the Canadians will feel happy with their results against Australia. These two teams faced each other last year, where Canada won both games on the road and Adriana Leon scored all three of Canada’s goals.
READ MORE: CanWNT Playmaking Midfielder: Jessie Fleming
Looking at the last five meetings between the two national teams. Canada has won the last three games overall, including one game in the 2016 Olympic Games. Australia last beat Canada in 2008 by a score of 2-1. Also, both teams drew against each other in the 2008 FIFA Women’s World Cup by a scoreline of 2-2. Kailen Sheridan will be a key player for the game, as she made some amazing saves in the past to help Canada get results.
What Is At Stake For Both Teams
Both teams have everything to play for and everything to lose in Monday’s game. For Canada, to not advance past the group stage after winning the Olympics would be a huge disappointment for the national team. Likewise, if Australia fails to advance to the Round of 16 on home soil, it will be considered a huge step backwards after finishing fourth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
READ MORE: Ashley Lawrence: One of the CanWNT’s Most Important Players
A Win for Either Side: A win for either side would mean automatic qualification to the Round of 16. Of course, Canada could still make the Round of 16, even while losing depending on whether the Republic of Ireland wins against Nigeria, and if so, it would go to a tiebreaker. This is while Australia would be eliminated from the FIFA Women’s World Cup if Canada won on Monday.
A Draw for Either Side: Canada would automatically qualify for the Round of 16 with a draw. For Australia, they cannot be complacent with a draw. They would need Ireland to do them a favour and even then Australia would need to win the tiebreaker over Nigeria.
Where to Watch the Game
🔦 A spotlight on our final group stage opponents: Canada
🇨🇦 v 🇦🇺 – 31.7.23 (8pm AEST)#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 30, 2023
READ MORE: Vanessa Gilles: The CanWNT’s Dependable Centre-Back
The CanWNT game against Australia will be shown live nationally on TSN and also on RDS. Canadian fans can watch the game live at 6:00 AM ET at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
Predictions: CanWNT 1 – Australia 1
Yes, Canada won two games on the road last year, but it will not be so easy this time around. Still, Canada is good enough to get a result and a draw will do it for them. This result would also give Australia a small chance to make the knockout stage depending on if Nigeria losses to the Republic of Ireland, and if it happens, by how many goals.
Photo Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports, of a CanWNT Headshot, on August 2, 2021.
