After an enthralling 3-3 draw played out between Nigeria and Sweden at the Winnipeg Stadium in the first match of Group D at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, the one point earned by the Europeans likely feels like two points lost.
African champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria, will look to further consolidate their chances of making it to the round of sixteen as they clash with the Matildas of Australia in a must win tie at the ongoing 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria fought back from two goals down to hold European heavyweights Sweden 3-3 in their Group D clash.
The Super Falcons showed determination and character not to suffer defeat having never
Super Falcons of Nigeria at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada
beaten 2003 runners-up Sweden on their three previous occasions.
The Matildas fell 1-3 to 1999 champions, USA.
Super Falcons coach, Edwin Okon, has charged his girls to go for the kill in second Group D game against Australia.
“Our next match against Australia is a must-win and we are moving forward from there. Nothing is going to stop us,” he said.
Okon also promised to correct the technical lapses that occurred in the 3-3 draw against Sweden on Monday.
“We will go back to the drawing board to make sure we correct those mistakes of conceding own goals and not being able to defend set-pieces. We played a brand of football that was more of skill to entertain our fans, he said.
On paper, the Matildas are ranked higher on the FIFA ranking and have reached the quarter finals twice in a row but the resilient Super Falcons also have a chance of upsetting 2013 runners.
The Australians are yet to pick a point after one match and going into the second match they know a win will get them right on track.
The Matildas produced 11 shots with six on target but could only score just a goal, which shows how wasteful the team can be. With a young squad on display, Australia could offer spread, strength and skills.
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, has urged Edwin Okon’s Falcons to raise game against Australia
“It is not a bad result but the second game against Australia has to be won, if they expect to qualify to move to the next stage.
“An own goal can happen to anybody; that does not mean they are not good enough. They were a little jittery and did not gain confidence in good time.
“I think the coaches will make corrections, where they think the team has problems in subsequent matches,’’ he said.
The Super Falcons have also shown doggedness, pace, skills and strength as seen in their first game.
The African champions must avoid costly errors and attack from the blast of the whistle.
Coach Okon should coordinate the defence to avoid any set piece. Nigerian conceded two early goals against Sweden from corner kicks. There must be synergy between the backline and goalkeeper, Precious Dede for her to express her reflexes very well.
Both teams have the potential to secure a spot to the next round in Group D, but Super Falcons will come into this match with full determination and confidence having secured a point from their first match while Australia may be cautious of making those mistakes that left them empty handed in their first match against USA.
A win by either side would further boost their chances of securing at place in the knock out stage .
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