H2H History
Recent history suggests that Canada does indeed have the upper hand. They’ve won three straight meetings against the Matildas, including 1-0 and 2-1 victories last year. Overall, the visitors hold the advantage all-time with an 8-7-3 record. Home soil should undoubtedly help the Aussies, though.
Can Canada Get it Done?
The Canadians haven’t exactly looked fantastic in this tournament thus far, but they’ve done enough to put themselves in a prime position to advance. First, it was a disappointing scoreless draw with Nigeria on matchday one where Christine Sinclair had a penalty stopped. Bev Priestman’s side then came out against Ireland and looked flat in the first half, conceding an early goal in the fourth minute to Katie McCabe.
But, Canada regrouped at halftime and looked a mile better in the second period, ultimately finding an equalizer shortly after the whistle blew through an own goal before Adriana Leon put the Canucks ahead in the 53rd minute with a beautiful finish from a classy pass from Sophie Schmidt, who was a clear difference-maker when she came on as a substitute.
There was a slight concern at the end of that Ireland game however as Sinclair came up limping. It’s unknown at this point what her status may be, but it’s important to note that she was a sub because of Jessie Fleming’s arrival back into the starting XI. Sinclair available or not, the Canadians sit in the driver’s seat. A lone point would be enough to make the Round of 16, while a defeat ends their World Cup journey. For what it’s worth, Canada has made the knockouts in two straight tournaments, even progressing to the quarterfinals in 2015 on home turf. At most soccer betting sites, the visitors are a slim underdog.
Women's World Cup Betting Odds
Can Sam Kerr’s Return Make a Difference For Aussies?
Arguably the best player at this tournament is Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, but Australia was dealt a crushing blow when she suffered a minor injury leading up to the World Cup. That resulted in Kerr missing the first two games thus far, but the 29-year-old confirmed she will suit up against Canada, which gives the Matildas a huge boost. After all, Kerr is the all-time leading goal scorer in both women’s and men’s history for the Australian national team, netting 63 times. She is box office.
The Aussies started off their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Ireland thanks to a Stephanie Catley spot-kick before a thrilling battle with Nigeria that unfortunately didn’t go their way in a 3-2 defeat. Emily van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy both found the back of the net for the Matildas, who looked vulnerable at the back here. That will need to change against Canada, who have a plethora of dangerous players in the final third.
As previously mentioned, the only acceptable result Monday is three points. If they can secure them, the Aussies will move on just as expected. If not, their fans will be left disappointed. They currently sit as a slim +120 favorite for this encounter at 888sport.
