It’s day 12 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand and the football is coming thick and fast. Results are piling up as elimination time sets in.
Day 11 saw co-hosts New Zealand fail to qualify for the knockout rounds, despite picking up four points in three games, while Norway thumped Alen Stajcic’s Philippines side to go through before Colombia stunned Germany.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 12th day of action, as well as what you missed from the day before.
Results from the Women’s World Cup Day 11
- Germany 1-2 Columbia
- Switzerland 0-0 New Zealand
- Norway 6-0 Philippines
- Korean Republic 0-1 Morocco
What’s on Today
It’s a massive day of football on Optus Sport as Australia discover its fate when the final round of games kicks off.
Japan vs Spain (5pm AEST)
This could be one of the games of the tournament as two of the most impressive teams so far go head-to-head for the right to win Group C.
Both have a maximum of six points from six, both have clean sheets, and both are scoring at will.
Spain’s eight goals so far make them the highest-scoring team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and Japan are just one behind on seven goals.
The winner of this group will play Norway after they finished second in Group A, while the runner-up will face Switzerland.
Costa Rica vs Zambia (5pm AEST)
Both Costa Rica and Zambia have already been eliminated from the tournament.
Neither has scored a goal and Zambia is facing leaving Australia and New Zealand as the worst team in the tournament, already with a goal difference of -10.
Both teams will likely be throwing caution to the wind so it could be an entertaining end-to-end battle of attacking football.
Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria (5pm AEST)
For Nigeria, the mission is simple: Just don’t lose.
Following their shock but dominant win over Australia on Thursday, Nigeria sit top of Group B knowing a win or a draw will definitely send them through. Even a loss will be enough if Australia loses to Canada.
Asisat Oshoala will likely be back after her thrilling cameo off the bench in Brisbane but already-eliminated Republic of Ireland will be desperate not to return home from their first FIFA Women’s World Cup™ empty-handed.
Canada vs Australia (8pm AEST)
Like Nigeria, Australia’s mission is even simpler: Win.
Only a win will do for the Matildas against the Olympic champions after their 3-2 defeat to Nigeria left the tournament hosts in third going into the final round of group games.
Canada will progress with a win or a draw and will make themselves even tougher to break down than usual.
The good news for Matildas fans though is that manager Tony Gustavsson looks like he will have a fully fit squad to choose from, with even Kyah Simon donning her boots in training on Sunday, after Sam Kerr declared herself available for selection.
Players to watch
Jenni Hermoso (Spain)
Jenni Hermoso celebrated her 100th international cap in style last time out by scoring two twice to see Spain through to the last 16 in a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia.
The brace was her 49th and 50th goals for her country and the No.10 is one of a number of Spanish stars who seem to be hitting form at exactly the right time.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
Nigeria was good against Australia when Asisat Oshoala was on the bench, but the second she stepped off it, they tore the Matildas to pieces.
Her pace and finishing are terrifying for defenders and she will be the key if Nigeria are to avoid defeat and reach the last 16.
Sam Kerr (Australia)
All eyes will be on every movement Sam Kerr makes on Monday night, be it on the pitch or waiting to come on off the bench.
She isn’t expected to start but if Australia are to qualify and consequently knock out the Olympic champions you’d think it will rely on how Kerr responds to her injury issues. If she’s back to full fitness, we could have a proper game on our hands.
Where to watch
Like every game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Japan vs Spain, Costa Rica vs Zambia, the Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria and Canada vs Australia will all be shown live and on-demand on Optus Sport.
Live coverage begins at 4pm (AEST) on Optus Sport with Japan vs Spain on Optus Sport 1, with Costa Rica vs Zambia playing out simultaneously on Optus Sport 2. The coverage on Optus Sport 1 runs through to Canada vs Australia while the Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria will air on Optus Sport 2.
If you’re looking to catch a game in a pub, bar, or on a big screen near you, head here for the best spots in town.
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