Republic of Ireland v Nigeria: Women’s World Cup 2023 – live | Women’s World Cup 2023

Peeeeeeeep! And we’re off.

The groups come out! I hope Nigeria – who want only a draw – will likely be going for the win right here at present, which might imply they might (in all probability) keep away from going through England within the knockout stage.

It’s not a sellout in Brisbane, with the Suncorp capability in extra of 50,000, however there may be sizeable help for each groups within the stands.

Ireland will play of their modified white strip, whereas Nigeria are in all-black.

Nigeria arrived at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in typical boisterous spirit, singing and dancing their approach to the dressing room.

We’re about 5 minutes away from kick-off right here.

McCabe leads the Ireland group at present, however don’t sleep on the affect of Louise Quinn on the coronary heart of Ireland’s defence. She accomplished 100% of her passes towards Canada, made 100% of her line breaks. Only Niamh Fahey made greater than Quinn’s eight clearances towards Canada and solely Kyra Carusa gained extra aerial duels. She is a whole participant, and has a black eye to prime the whole lot off, which she picked up within the opening recreation towards Australia.

“I actually quite like it. I didn’t mind it at all, I think it looked quite good, actually. We have put in some very good performances over the past two games but there are no points on the board,” Quinn added.

“We want to be able to look back and know we have given it our all. There has been no doubts about that.

“Everyone has done everything to make sure we can get something out of those games. It’s total pride and we’re going to give it everything.”

Elsewhere, there was a primary ever World Cup win for Zambia, towards Costa Rica, which included the quickest purpose of this yr’s match to date.

If you might be in any doubt over the permutations for Nigeria, Canada and Australia, please see under (by way of Fifa).

“Nigeria will qualify for the next phase with a win or a draw against Republic of Ireland. They can lose and go through if Canada defeat Australia, otherwise tie-breakers come into play. Canada are through with a win or a draw against Australia. If they lose and Nigeria are also beaten, then tie-breakers will be required to separate the two. Australia must win against Canada to be certain of reaching the Round of 16. Their only other potential route would be a draw coupled with a defeat for Nigeria, which would bring in tie-breakers.”

Here’s that group once more:

There has additionally been a lot of WWC motion at present. Japan have thrashed Spain 4-0, regardless of having simply 23% possession.

An enormous consequence that sees the Asian facet prime the group, profitable all three of their video games, scoring 11 occasions and conceding zero. Japan face Norway within the knockouts, Spain will face Switzerland. A fortunate break for the Spaniards, for my part.

The different recreation on this group, Australia v Canada, can also be a cracker. Sam Kerr is on the bench for the Matildas, after her restoration from damage. You can observe that recreation live with Jonathan Howcroft.

Team information

The star of this Irish group is unmistakably captain Katie McCabe. She is the heartbeat of this facet – no person ran greater than the 11,329 metres she coated towards Canada, a recreation through which she additionally scored Republic of Ireland’s first ever World Cup purpose (straight from a nook).

McCabe has positively received a worldie or two in her locker, having gained this season’s WSL purpose of the season award for her rocket towards Manchester City. A wand of a left foot.

Preamble