Canada vs Australia Prediction: The Canucks will make it out of the group stage

Cohost nation Australia will lock horns with Canada in a bid to qualify for the knockout rounds at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Monday. The Canucks are a point away from securing the ticket to the next phase, while Australia must secure the maximum points to stand a chance of making it out of the group.

FIFA Ranking: 7th

The Canucks kicked off their World Cup campaign with a disappointing toothless tie against a formidable Nigeria team. Despite having more of the ball and shots on target as against the Super Falcons, Canada failed to find the back of the net. The performance was followed by an emphatic comeback against Republic of Ireland on matchday 2. The Irish team took the early lead when Katie McCabee scored within the first four minutes; however, Canada responded with the last kick of the game after Megan Connolly put the ball in her own net. Following a tug-of-war between both teams after the break, Adriana Lion found the back of the net to seal a much-deserved victory for her side.

The Canucks must find a way to unlock the Australian defense and, at the other end of the field, withstand their attacking threats.

FIFA Ranking: 10th

The host nation began their journey with a slim (1-0) victory over Ireland. Australia, who had made it out of the group phase over their previous four appearances, had to score from the spot to secure the maximum points against a defensive Republic of Ireland team.

Their second game ended with a defeat at home as the Super Eagles stunned them. Despite taking the lead just before the break, Nigeria responded before the final whistle to draw level. The second half began with the Super Falcons asking lots of questions and getting two goals when Assisat Oshoala came in from the bench. Australia scored with their last kick of the game but could not secure any points as the Super Eagles won (2-3).

Australia must now win against Canada to stand a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. Nigeria lead the group with four points from their last two games, while the Canucks sit in the second spot on the log.

Possible Starting Lineup: Arnold; Carpenter, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley; Gorry, Cooney-Cross; Raso, Foord, Vine; Kerr.

Over their previous three meetings, Canada have recorded victories in all, scoring five while conceding once. Australia have been wasteful in this competition, having fired forty-one shots and scoring just three times. They were also erratic at the back, allowing the Super Eagles to penetrate three times. On the other hand, Canada have been fantastic since the commencement of the tournament, even though Ireland gave them a tough time. The Canucks can’t afford to drop points; likewise, Australia, who must win here to stand a chance of qualifying for the next round. This game could go both ways, but both sides might later settle for a share of the spoils; bet on a home win or draw and under 3.5 goals for 2.05.

The odds favor Australia just because they’ll have massive support from their fans, but we think Canada can pull a surprise stunt here; bet on Canada win either half for 2.30.

We expect both sides to get a goal apiece for 1.90.

Good luck!