Sam Kerr Tony Gustavsson Bev Priestman Spain Australia Canada Japan Ireland New Zealand Nigeria Football win cup on Sam Kerr Tony Gustavsson Bev Priestman Spain Australia Canada Japan Ireland New Zealand Nigeria

Australia Face Must-Win FIFA Women's World Cup Clash, Japan Take On Spain

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Co-hosts Australia have to beat Canada on Monday or risk an unthinkable exit from the Women's World Cup in the first round, while former champions Japan take on Spain with top spot in their group on the line.

Australia are sweating on the fitness of star forward and captain Sam Kerr for the Group B game against Canada in Melbourne which starts at 1000 GMT and where only a win will guarantee them a place in the last 16.

Kerr has missed the Matildas' two matches so far, in which they beat the Republic of Ireland 1-0 but then suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat against Nigeria.

She has declared herself available after a calf injury but it is uncertain how much of a part she will play against the Olympic champions. "Everyone involved in sport knows that with calf injuries it's one thing that you're available, but there's also risk when you come back from a muscle injury," said Australia coach Tony Gustavsson ahead of the game.

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Sweden scored either side of half-time to spoil Australia's party and claim third spot at the Women's World Cup with a 2-0 win in Brisbane on Saturday. In front of a crowd of nearly 50,000, Sweden took the lead with a 30th-minute penalty by Fridolina Rolfo and doubled their advantage with a powerful strike from Kosovare Asllani just after the hour. Ranked third in the world, this is the fourth time that Sweden have finished third at the tournament. They fully deserved their win against the hosts, dominating the midfield and keeping talismanic Australian striker Sam Kerr relatively quiet. Australia's other dangerous attacker, Mary Fowler, had a night to forget as she struggled physically against the size and power of the Swedish defenders.
Ella Toone drove England's opener into the corner of the net in the 36th minute to silence the crowd of 75,784 but Australia captain Sam Kerr brought them back into it with a stunning run and strike from 25 metres out in the 64th minute.

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