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World Cup debutants Ireland are already eliminated after back-to-back defeats. The Greens were close to their first-ever point at a World Cup both against Australia and Canada though. Can they win it in their final showing Down Under? The Super Falcons might have something to say about that as they are flying very high on confidence right now after beating hosts Australia 3-2. As things stand a draw now guarantees Nigeria a place in the knockouts. What is the latest Ireland women vs Nigeria team news? What are our Ireland women vs Nigeria predicted lineups? Read on and find out.
Photo by Icon Sport
The game is scheduled for Monday, July 31st and will be played in Brisbane, Australia at the Brisbane Stadium. The kick-off time is 11:00 GMT. Now, let’s dive straight in and look at all the Ireland women vs Nigeria team news and our predicted lineups.
Ireland predicted lineup: Can the Greens salvage some pride?
Ireland fought valiantly in their opening 2 matches and yet they are pointless and the only of the 4 teams in the group already eliminated before the final round of games. In the last match vs Canada McCabe wrote her name in history by scoring the first-ever World Cup goal for Ireland. However, the Greens failed to hold on to their lead and ended up losing 1-2 after a poor second-half showing.
The entire 2023 so far had been very hard for Ireland with 5 defeats in 7 internationals (W1 D1).
So far, the main characteristics of Ireland’s displays have been desire and physicality but not much technical abilities.
Ireland team news
Coach Vera Pauw has a major decision to make for this final match. With only pride to play for, she has to make up her mind if she will stick to the main players, or if she will give some of the younger squad members precious World Cup experience.
We think the Greens will use their best lineup as they are still eager to put some points on the board. Sheva could be restored to the starting lineup as Ireland seek better forward actions. Wing-back Payne is likely to miss though. She nurses a hamstring injury.
Here is how we think Ireland will line up in this game.
Ireland Predicted Lineups (3-3-1-3):
Brosnan – Fahey, Lo. Quinn, Connolly – O’Gorman, O’Sullivan, Littlejohn – McCabe – Sheva, Carusa, Farrelly
Nigeria predicted lineup: Will Oshoala be trusted from the off again?
The Super Falcons continued their impressive form with a 3-2 win vs Australia. Nigeria came from behind to lead 3-1 in this match and once again the entire team chipped in. The last 6 goals for Nigeria have been scored by 6 different players and right now the multiple threat is one of the main weapons for the manager.
Nigeria sit top of the group and they know that a draw in this final match will guarantee them a place in the knockouts. The confidence is bound to be high after the Super Falcons went on a near-perfect run in their last 5 internationals (W4 D1).
Team news
The important playmaker Abiodun returns after a suspension and we expect her to start. Also, Barcelona forward Oshoala came off the bench to score a crucial goal vs Australia so we think now she will be among the starters. She’s the hottest striker in the squad with Oshoala scoring twice in the last 4 matches and also netting 21 goals for Barcelona this season.
Here is how we think Nigeria will line up in this opening game.
Nigeria Predicted Lineups (4-2-3-1):
Nnadozie – Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre – Ucheibe, Abiodun – Ajibade, Payne, Oshoala – Onumonu
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