Two teams who famously wear green go head to head on Monday when Group B concludes, with Republic of Ireland and Nigeria each playing for very different things.
Ireland are going home no matter the outcome of this game, having narrowly lost each of their two games so far to Australia and Canada. It has been a case of ‘what if’ for the Irish, who have been just unable to get over the line despite being competitive throughout.
Nigeria, however, from coming into the World Cup looking to upset co-hosts Australia and Olympic champions Canada, now have the chance to go through to the last 16 as group winners.
Simply avoiding defeat is enough to guarantee a place in the knockouts in successive tournaments, whatever else happens. They could also get through with a defeat as long as Australia beat Canada. A draw would then be enough to finish first if Australia beat Canada, or alternatively they would need to match Canada’s margin of victory should that game go the other way in order to stay on top.
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Country/region |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
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United Kingdom |
BBC iPlayer |
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United States |
FOX, fubo, Sling |
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Australia |
Optus Sport |
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Canada |
TSN |
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Ireland |
RTE2/RTE Player |
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Middle East/North Africa |
beIN SPORTS |
This is a first ever meeting between these two teams.
Ireland do not have any fresh fitness concerns ahead of this one, but Vera Pauw has a decision to make in terms of keeping her strongest XI or handing chances to fringe players before they depart.
Asisat Oshoala could start after coming off the bench to win the game against Australia.
Ireland have been that time throughout this World Cup that has been in every game, but has always found the quality necessary to turn those performances into results to be lacking.
Nigeria are a team with the potential to make a statement by finishing top of the group and anything other than a Super Falcons win, even a potentially narrow one, feels unlikely.
