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Edgar Chaput
Canada vs Australia Prediction, Women’s World Cup Odds
Both CANWNT and the Matildas can make it through to the round of 16. Bev Preistman’s ensemble has four points, whereas Australia sits on three. Nigeria leads the group and the Republic of Ireland, whom the African side play on Monday as well, is already eliminated.
The Women’s World Cup odds see this one has something of a toss-up. Canada is priced at +215 and their opponents +116. A draw is pegged at +215.
Canada vs Australia Betting Analysis
These nations have gone into battle five times historically. The maple leaf representatives have a 3-1-1 record against their rivals from down under. The only victory for the Matildas came in 2008. Since then the Canadians have won thrice in a row, including two international friendlies last September when the Aussies were hosts.
Australia, ranked 10th in the world according to FIFA, is in search of that extra push at a World Cup. They’ve been to eight already, with three appearances ending in the quarter-finals (2007, 2011, 2015). Regarding the third group stage matches, the nation sports a 2-2-3 record, with all three defeats coming in their first three participations.
For their part, the Canadians rarely do well in the final group stage game. In seven contests the country has only managed a 1-2-4 tally. One of those two draws was at home in the 2015 edition and the lone victory came in 2003 versus Japan. This is a big moment for the Canadians, who have arrived at the last few World Cups believing that a breakthrough is within their grasp. A do-or-die match, quite literally as a road team, will test their might as never before.
Canada
If the performance in the opening salvo versus Nigeria left many fans questioning CANWNT’s credentials, the first 44 minutes of the second contest versus the Republic of Ireland suggested that 2023 would simply not be their year.
The Irish were clear and away the superior unit on the pitch. They applied more pressure, looked hungrier in their tackles, passed the ball more smoothly, and had the Canadian defence regularly on its back heels. Disaster struck in the fourth minute when a corner kick beguilingly curved into the net after hitting the far post. Canada looked lost until a little bit of pressure in the first half’s added time saw Megan Connolly score an unfortunate own goal off a mishandled defensive effort. Of note, all this happened with Christine Sinclair on the bench. Manager Priestman sent her in after the halftime break and, lo and behold, the team performed much, much better. Adriana Leon netted the winning goal (53rd), a clever tap after a brilliant first touch that itself was thanks to a superb cross sent in by Sophie Schmidt.
Canada had multiple chances to put the Republic of Ireland to the sword, but once again lacked finishing. All the same, the 2-1 win was critical to keep Canadian hopes alive.
Australia
It will be fascinating to see if Canada faces the co-host nation at the best or worst possible time. Australia is a good team, ranked 10th in the world. Furthermore, they’ll be at home with the vast majority of the crowd supporting them. The question is can the Aussies come back from a devastating 3-2 defeat to Nigeria?
The hosts looked solid for most of the first half. There were no fireworks per se, but nor was there a reason to believe Australia would flounder. The crowd erupted when Emily van Egmond opened the scoring at the 45+1 mark, but a preview of things come arrived minutes later when Nigeria levelled through Uchenna Kanu (45+6). From there, it was an awful second half. Osinachi Ohale (65th) gave the African side the lead and Asisat Oshoala padded the lead off terrible defending in the 72nd. Australia made it interesting with a goal deep into added time, but it was too late.
