The Matildas will lock horns with four-time gold medalists United States in Group B while Japan take on Nigeria in Group C.
Group B: Australia v United States
Australia will have their work cut out for them when they face a Mallory Swanson-led United States, who have already secured their place in the knockout stage following consecutive wins over Zambia and Germany.
The Matildas are third in the standings and will need to deliver a strong performance to challenge the formidable American side and hope Germany falter against Zambia in the other fixture, to stand a chance of qualifying automatically into the next round.
Tony Gustavsson’s side struggled against Zambia on Matchday Two, trailing 5-2 before winning 6-5 thanks to a last-minute Michelle Heyman goal.
The Americans have only conceded once over two outings in Paris and Gustavsson knows that his charges must bring their shooting boots to the Stade de Marseille with a possibility of advancing as one of the two best third place teams.
Australia v United States
Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+2)
Group C: Japan v Nigeria
Japan will be eyeing to continue their winning momentum when they face bottom-placed Nigeria on Matchday Three at the Stade de La Beaujoire in Nantes.
Futoshi Ikeda’s side looked to be heading towards another defeat when Mina Tanaka’s penalty miss in first-half stoppage time was followed by a Brazilian opener in the 56th minute. However, Japan showed great character to pull off a dramatic turnaround to win 2-1.
With Spain, who face Brazil next, already confirming their spot in the next round after picking up back-to-back wins, Japan will be confident of getting the job done and sealing their fifth appearance in the knockout stage.
