Women’s World Cup – Group B preview

There will be pressure on Australia and Canada to finish in the top two in Group B at the Women’s World Cup, but don’t discount the ability of African stars Nigeria and Republic of Ireland to spring a surprise.

GROUP B FIXTURES (times are SAST)

20 July Australia v Republic of Ireland 12:00

21 July Nigeria v Canada 04:30

26 July Canada v Republic of Ireland 14:00

27 July Australia v Nigeria 12:00

31 July Canada v Australia 12:00

31 July Republic of Ireland v Nigeria 12:00

Fifa WOMEN’S RANKINGS

7 – Canada

10 – Australia

22 – Republic of Ireland

40 – Nigeria

GROUP SUMMARY

Co-hosts Australia will likely be favourites in this pool despite the presence of Olympic champions Canada, while for Nigeria it will be an uphill battle against three very good teams.

Nigeria go into the tournament with high hopes under American Randy Waldrum, but against the backdrop of fights with their football association over bonuses and a general run of patchy form.

They have won their last three games, including 3-0 against co-hosts New Zealand, but before that lost six in a row and also were defeated on penalties by Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals last July.

“It’s been very good; camp has gone really well; the players are working really hard; the talent level is good. We are happy with what we are into now, so it’s been fun to watch,” Waldrum said of their preparations this week.

“There are a couple of knocks and a couple of injuries that concern me a little bit, but outside of that, they are healthy, so it’s all about their performances and how they play.”

There will be much expectation on the shoulders of Australia and their star forward Sam Kerr, one of the best players in the world. She is confident they can go far and even picked out her favoured final opponent when asked.

“The USA! I would love to face the world champions,” she said. “There is added pressure because it’s a home World Cup, but it’s something the team and I are welcoming. We always have such great support at home and hopefully we can use it to our advantage.

“Playing in front of friends and family is amazing. Playing in front of home fans that have watched you grow as a player is even better. It feels special being at home and playing in front of so many important people and making so many young girls and boys so happy.”

Canada are the top-ranked team in the group and will also be a mighty challenge.

“I know every single person has given their all to make this squad,” coach Bev Priestman said when naming her selection on Thursday. “It’s a great mix of veterans, experienced and new players who can all bring something different this summer.”

Republic of Ireland will also be a worthy opponent with former Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw in charge. She will know Nigeria inside out and be well aware of the challenges they bring. Ireland are also a fine side in their own right.

THE SQUADS

AUSTRALIA

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Teagan Micah (Rosengard), Lydia Williams (Brighton)

Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo GIK), Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Aivi Luik (BK Hacken), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City on loan from Hammarby), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK)

Midfielders: Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GIK), Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Tameka Yallop (SK Brann)

Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City) Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Free agent), Kyah Simon (Free agent), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC)

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (unattached)

Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Aine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Claire O'Riordan (Celtic), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham), Megan Connolly (unattached)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Sinead Farrelly (Gotham City NYC), Ruesha Littlejohn (unattached)

Forwards: Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit)

NIGERIA

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Tochukwu Oluehi (Hakkarigucu Spor), Yewande Balogun (AS Saint-Etienne)

Defenders: Onome Ebi (Abia Angels), Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves), Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas), Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City), Rofiat Imuran (Stade de Reims), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash) Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims)

Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengard FC), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid), Toni Payne (Sevilla), Christy Ucheibe (Benfica), Deborah Abiodun (Rivers Angels), Jennifer Echegini (Florida State University)

Forwards: Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville), Gift Monday (UDG Tenerife), Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC), Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona), Desire Oparanozie (Wuhan Chegu Jianghan), Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow), Esther Okoronkwo (AS Saint-Etienne)

CANADA

Goalkeepers: Sabrina D'Angelo (Arsenal), Lysianne Proulx (SCU Torreense), Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave).

Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea), Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash), Vanessa Gilles (Lyon), Ashley Lawrence (Chelsea), Jayde Riviere (Manchester United), Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit) and Shelina Zadorsky (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Quinn (OL Reign), Simi Awujo (University of Southern California), Jessie Fleming (Chelsea), Julia Grosso (Juventus), Sophie Schmidt (Houston Dash)

Forwards: Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign), Cloe Lacasse (Benfica), Clarissa Larisey (BK Hacken), Adriana Leon (Portland Thorns), Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash), Deanne Rose (Reading), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns), Evelyne Viens (Kristianstads)