Super Falcons takes on FIFA Women’s World Cup holders Germany today in a decisive match for the Nigerians having lost its opening match 0-1 to France last Sunday, while the Germans ran away 2-1 over Canada. The match takes place in Frankfurt. Although it is only the second match for both countries, a loss for Falcons ends its hope of a second round qualification. At least the Falcons needs a draw to have a hope of making it to the next stage. Germany, however, is hoping to continue riding the wave of euphoria currently sweeping the nation. Last year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup provided an appetiser for Thursday evening’s clash, as the German juniors beat their Nigerian counterparts 2–0 in the final. The meeting between the seniors could well be decisive in determining the final Group A outcome.
The teams approach Thursday’s clash in contrasting moods. Heartened by its 2–1 opening-day victory over Canada, and guaranteed the support of another huge and partisan home crowd, the Germans will be brimming with confidence as they pursue a second victory and top spot in the group. On the other hand, the Nigerians’ 1–0 defeat to France in their first match means they must go in search of points against the favourites for the trophy. That should make for an exciting game, as Ngozi Uche’s team cannot afford simply to defend and hope to come away with a draw.
Birgit Prinz and company thrashed the Nigerians 8–0 on a bitterly cold November evening in Leverkusen last year, on a night when pretty much everything went right for the home team. Nevertheless, Silvia Neid and her players know they will face far more motivated opponents today. The Super Falcons are a robust, dynamic team always capable of putting their opponents under pressure, whereas the Germans will be looking to improve on their display in the Opening Match, after Neid expressed dissatisfaction with her team’s passing in the meeting with Canada.
“I think we’ll see a very different Germany against Nigeria. We’ll impose our authority on the match from the start until the end, and that’ll give us a good chance of the three points,” Germany defender Saskia Bartusiak
“We certainly have a chance of making the World Cup Final, and maybe even winning it,” Nigeria keeper Precious Dede
Meanwhile, Emilie Haavi finally broke down the Equatorial Guinea defence in the 84th minute to give Norway a 1-0 win in its Women’s World Cup opener on Wednesday.
Norway hit the post three times and looked like having to settle for 0-0 against the tournament newcomers playing their first official match outside of Africa. Then substitute Leni Larsen Kaurin broke free on the right, and passed low into the box where an unmarked Haavi slotted home.
Despite the loss, the west Africans from a nation of 670,000 citizens played with skill and willpower by far belying their FIFA ranking of 61, and captain Anonman had several clear chances.
The teams approach Thursday’s clash in contrasting moods. Heartened by its 2–1 opening-day victory over Canada, and guaranteed the support of another huge and partisan home crowd, the Germans will be brimming with confidence as they pursue a second victory and top spot in the group. On the other hand, the Nigerians’ 1–0 defeat to France in their first match means they must go in search of points against the favourites for the trophy. That should make for an exciting game, as Ngozi Uche’s team cannot afford simply to defend and hope to come away with a draw.
Birgit Prinz and company thrashed the Nigerians 8–0 on a bitterly cold November evening in Leverkusen last year, on a night when pretty much everything went right for the home team. Nevertheless, Silvia Neid and her players know they will face far more motivated opponents today. The Super Falcons are a robust, dynamic team always capable of putting their opponents under pressure, whereas the Germans will be looking to improve on their display in the Opening Match, after Neid expressed dissatisfaction with her team’s passing in the meeting with Canada.
“I think we’ll see a very different Germany against Nigeria. We’ll impose our authority on the match from the start until the end, and that’ll give us a good chance of the three points,” Germany defender Saskia Bartusiak
“We certainly have a chance of making the World Cup Final, and maybe even winning it,” Nigeria keeper Precious Dede
Meanwhile, Emilie Haavi finally broke down the Equatorial Guinea defence in the 84th minute to give Norway a 1-0 win in its Women’s World Cup opener on Wednesday.
Norway hit the post three times and looked like having to settle for 0-0 against the tournament newcomers playing their first official match outside of Africa. Then substitute Leni Larsen Kaurin broke free on the right, and passed low into the box where an unmarked Haavi slotted home.
Despite the loss, the west Africans from a nation of 670,000 citizens played with skill and willpower by far belying their FIFA ranking of 61, and captain Anonman had several clear chances.
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