AS IT HAPPENED: Matildas' World Cup on the brink after shock loss to Nigeria

The Matildas are out to lock away their place in the final 16 of the Women’s World Cup when they face Nigeria in Brisbane. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8pm (AEST).

After a hard-fought win against Ireland in their opening match of the tournament, the Matildas now face a Nigerian team that drew with Olympic champions Canada last Thursday. The three points won against the Irish now appear even more valuable after that result, with the Aussies in the box seat to grab another bag of three today and secure a place in the final 16.

Should that play out, coach Tony Gustavsson will have a headache on his hands as to whether to risk star striker Sam Kerr in her return match against the Canadians. That fixture may still decide top spot in the group and Kerr’s role in it could be crucial should the Australians be keen to avoid England in the cross-over of the draw.

The Matildas were far from impressive against Ireland in a clunky performance that reeked of nervousness and an inability to break down what was a committed and stern Irish defence. They will simply have to better against a Nigerian team that avoided a loss from the spot with a saved penalty against Canada.

Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry and Hayley Raso will be key for the locals, with a better quality of ball required from midfield for the likes of Cortnee Vine and Caitlin Foord to capitalise. The absence of Mary Fowler is also a real blow for the Australians.

Prediction

This is a danger game for the Aussies, with the opening matches in the group suggesting a tight race for the two qualifying spots up for grabs.

If Nigeria can keep the sheet clean early, I feel they can snatch a draw, with Ashoala confirming her greatness with a second half goal.

1-1 in a disappointing result for the Matildas.

Game information

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 8pm (AEST)
TV: Channel 7
Streaming: 7Plus, Optus Sport
Betting: Australia $1.40, draw $4.40, Nigeria $8.00 – odds via PlayUp

Teams

Australia

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Lydia Williams
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne
Midfielders: Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Emily Van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop
Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine

Coach: Tony Gustavsson

Nigeria

Goalkeepers: Yetunde Balogun, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi
Defenders: Tosin Demehin, Onome Ebi, Rofiat Imuran, Osinachi Ohale, Glory Ogbonna, Ashleigh Plumptre
Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu, Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne

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Stuart Thomas

Expert

Stuart Thomas is a sports writer and educator who made the jump from Roar Guru to Expert in 2017. An ex-trainee professional golfer, his sporting passions are broad with particular interests in football, AFL and rugby league. His love of sport is only matched by his passion for gardening and self-sustainability.