“Score a goal and not get scored against.” That was Matildas midfielder Tameka Yallop’s light-hearted answer when asked how Australia would go about beating Nigeria, their Women’s World Cup group B opponents, in Brisbane on Thursday evening. But the answer belied the seriousness with which the Matildas are taking the challenge posed by Nigeria. The Matildas are not underestimating their opponents, though, who looked dangerous in a goalless opening encounter with Canada on Friday. It’s about being focused in every moment against them.”Yallop is one of the few Matildas to have played Nigeria before, at the 2015 World Cup in Winnipeg, Canada. We have to be ready for anything and stay disciplined whatever they throw at us.”Nigeria’s preparations for the World Cup have been plagued by pay disputes and a falling out between coach Randy Waldrum and the Nigerian Football Federation.

Source: The Guardian July 24, 2023 16:36 UTC