Despite captain Sam Kerr being sidelined due to a calf injury, the Matildas’ World Cup campaign is set to continue as they face Nigeria in their second match of Group B on Thursday night. The Australian team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their opening match, displaying exceptional skill and determination. However, their upcoming game against Nigeria will be a challenging test without the star striker.
Nigeria, on the other hand, managed to hold Canada to a goalless draw in their first match of the tournament. This impressive performance demonstrated their resilience, and they will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent for the Matildas.
Unfortunately for the Australian team, Sam Kerr’s absence will be felt once again. The captain, who missed the opening match due to a calf injury, is still undergoing assessment and will not be available for the Nigeria game. The Matildas will have to rely on their collective strength and depth to secure another victory and advance in the tournament.
Deborah Abiodun, a midfielder for Nigeria, will also be absent from the upcoming match due to a red card she received during their game against Canada. Her suspension will further challenge Nigeria’s chances of securing a victory.
Fans can catch all the action and pre-game analysis live and free on Channel 7 and 7plus from 7:00pm AEST. The match promises to be an exciting showdown between two talented teams vying for success in the Women’s World Cup.
In other news, the VFLW grand final is set to take place this week, featuring Port Melbourne and Collingwood as the two finalists. Both teams finished at the top of the ladder, with equal points and impressive percentages. Collingwood managed to secure a spot in the grand final after defeating Port Melbourne in the first week, while Port Melbourne fought their way to the decider by defeating Essendon in the Preliminary Final.
Coincidentally, the grand final will be held at ETU Stadium, which is Port Melbourne’s home ground. This could potentially give them an advantage as they aim to claim the championship title. Coverage of the grand final will begin at 12:00pm AEST, with the action streaming live on 7plus for fans across the nation.
In sporting events elsewhere, East Perth will host Subiaco in Round 16 of the 2023 WAFL season at Leederville Oval. East Perth has had a strong season, with only three losses so far, while Subiaco is fighting to secure their place in the top five for the upcoming finals.
In the SANFL, Sturt will face Woodville West-Torrens Eagles at home. Sturt is currently chasing the top spot on the ladder, trailing just one game behind the inform Glenelg Tigers. The Eagles, with four games remaining in the home and away season, are making a last-minute effort to secure a finals spot.
For those interested in racing, live coverage will be provided from Rosehill in New South Wales, The Valley in Victoria, and Eagle Farm Racecourse in Queensland on Saturday.
Additionally, the World Junior Squash Championships will be taking place in Melbourne this year at MSAC. Fans can catch all the action on 7plus, with daily highlights already available for streaming.
Overall, it’s an action-packed week for sports enthusiasts, with various thrilling matches and events to look forward to. Both the Matildas’ World Cup campaign and the VFLW grand final promise excitement and outstanding performances. So grab your snacks and tune in for an adrenaline-filled sporting experience.
