Preview for day seven of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which sees Group C in action alongside Canada’s Group A clash against Republic of Ireland.
On a day when Group C takes centre stage, Japan and Spain know that victories over Costa Rica and Zambia will effectively settle the group and set up a blockbuster clash to determine who tops the group.
Canada meanwhile meet Republic of Ireland in a tough Group B clash as Bev Priestman’s Canadians look to boost their qualification hopes, whilst Ireland again chase a first World Cup win in their history.
Group C – Japan vs Costa Rica
After comfortably surviving the threat of Zambia with a dominant yet clinical second-half performance after a competitive first half, Japan will come into this match believing that they can secure their knockout spot if can deliver another tidy high-intensity display.
Costa Rica though were outclassed by Spain in their opening game through small but costly defensive mistakes inside the box, yet there are some positives at the back to take because they otherwise did look defensively solid aside from that six-minute spell of sloppy defending.
Amelia Valverde’s La Tricolor though must certainly show more attacking quality than they offered against Spain because this is must-win, and I genuinely can’t help but feel that their World Cup ambitions will end here if Japan are allowed to dominate like they did against Zambia.
Prediction: Japan 3-0 Costa Rica
Group C – Spain vs Zambia
Should Japan indeed beat Costa Rica then Spain will know that victory would settle the group with a match to spare, although they shouldn’t have much worry coming into this game if can play with the same intensity and press which saw off Costa Rica with clinical finishing to boot.
Zambia though were a huge disappointment on their World Cup debut against Japan because nerves seemed to affect them compared to recent results – including a warm-up win friendly over Germany, but this is a chance to reset and show their usual attacking quality but their defence must be much tidier if want to keep a clean sheet.
Jorge Vilda’s Euro quarter-finalists though are no pushovers and I fancy them to get another victory to secure their Round of 16 spot, unless Zambia can produce a total turnaround in performance.
Prediction: Spain 3-0 Zambia
Group B – Canada vs Republic of Ireland
After stuttering to a goalless draw against a gutsy Nigeria in their opening match, Canada will be eager to build upon the positives of their dominance but now can’t afford to be wasteful in their end product, especially with a tricky final group match against Australia to come so victory is imperative.
Ireland however have already faced the Aussies where they delivered a brave resilient defensive display to frustrate the hosts in open play, whilst they were the better team in the last 20 minutes with a strong press and especially from set pieces despite lacking a accurate end product which cost them a draw.
Vera Pauw’s Irish however need to at least get a draw here because if Canada win then Australia beat Nigeria, they won’t qualify for the knockout stages so I do expect Ireland to come out fighting which could suit Canada but both teams do need to find their scoring boots.
With that in mind, I do expect a tightly fought contest which could well finish level and suit Ireland more.
Prediction: Canada 1-1 Republic of Ireland
