It’s come to that wonderful point in time at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
The time when fans around the world need their abacus (or at least fingers and toes) to work out how their nation can progress to the round of 16.
Luckily for the Australians reading this article, I happened to have some time sitting on trains in France between matches to crack the code, so you can claim superior office sporting knowledge early in the week!
The Matildas’ final group match will be played against Jamaica at 9pm local time on Tuesday (5am Wednesday AEST). Simultaneously, Italy will take on Brazil in the other Group C match.
How Australia can top Group C
Should Italy win or claim a draw, they will top the group regardless of Australia’s result against Jamaica. This would be fantastic feat for the Italians, as the nation has not been represented at a FIFA Women’s World Cup since 1999.
However, if Brazil are able to beat Italy and Australia account for Jamaica, life gets interesting with a three-way tie at the top. We then turn our attention to goal difference.
Italy lead goal difference on +6 (7 goals for, 1 against). Brazil are second on +2 (5 for, 3 against) and Australia are third with 0 (4 for, 4 against).
The magic scoreline for the Matildas is a 5-0 victory, subject to Brazil winning 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 or 2-1.
A 6-1 victory to the Matildas means that a 3-2 Brazil victory would also ensure a top-of-the-table finish for the Australians.
(AP Photo/Claude Paris)
What are the other scenarios?
If Italy beat Brazil, Australia need to secure a draw or win over Jamaica to guarantee second position.
If the Italy versus Brazil match ends in a draw, the Matildas only need to beat Jamaica to secure 2nd place in the group.
Fans should be reminded that the four highest ranked third-placed teams will also progress to the round of 16. If Australia win against Jamaica they would almost be guaranteed progression, however a draw will most likely suffice.
So there you have it. Start the office banter on Monday to get your colleagues excited, get up at 5am before work on Tuesday morning, make a coffee, turn on SBS or Optus Sport, and cheer on the Matildas and Brazil!
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
Almost made it, gave away a silly goal AGAIN but not unhappy about meeting Norway next up. A tough battle but every game from now on should be a tough assignment.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
1st will be very hard to do. We need to score 5 and get Brazil to beat Italy. We’ll play Norway if we finish 2nd.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
Why second mate. i thought a top of the table finish would give us the easier draw in the Round of 16 and hence to the Quarter Final. I can't find the complete draw to the next round so not 100% certain who our group play next.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Finally. Something not about Sam Kerr's interview. We need to finish 2nd.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Good luck to our girls. We really need to avoid third spot in our Group as that would draw us with France in the next round. But just win it, and see what happens.
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
Wednesday at 5am
Mister Football
Roar Guru
The Matildas will win comfortable, the worse case scenario is Jamaica jagging a draw, and even that will be more than enough to progress.