It’s make or mar for Falcons against USA

In from Nifemi Ejiro….

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face the greatest battle of their lives when they confront the U.S. Women’s National Team in the final group game on by 1am on Wednesday at the Edmonton stadium in Canada.

The Falcons, who are currently bottom of Group D with one point after drawing 3-3 with Sweden before suffering a shocking 2-0 loss to Australia, are condemned to win to assure advancement to the knockout stage of the competition.

The United States lead Group D with four points after following their opening 3-1 win over Australia with their first ever goalless draw in the tournament against Sweden in front of a sellout crowd of 32,716 at Winnipeg Stadium.

The US now play for top spot in the group in Vancouver in their final group game against African champions Nigeria.

‘We’re still in the driver’s seat. We still have an opportunity to finish top if we get things done against Nigeria,’ said USA coach Jill Ellis, whose side would meet 2007 runners-up Brazil by finishing second.

‘We’re not taking anything for granted, It’s not labeled the ‘Group of Death’ for nothing,’ she added.

The Falcons can top the group on 4 points if they beat USA 3-0 and Sweden and Australia plays a goalless draw. The Falcons can also come second if they win any of Sweden or Australia secures a win.

World governing football body FIFA on Monday released the potential drawing of lots to define final standings in Group D.

According to FIFA, “Depending on the results of the matches Nigeria v. USA and Australia v. Sweden, the final standings for Group D of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 may need to be decided in a drawing of lots conducted by the FIFA Organising Committee.

“Such an event would be held at approximately 18:50 (local time) on 16 June, at the BC Place Stadium press conference room in Vancouver.

“Media representatives already in the stadium at that time will be welcome to attend, while those who cannot make it will find the videos available via FIFA TV on YouTube and FIFA.com.”

Group D Table P W D L GF DA GD PT

USA 2 1 1 – 3 1 +2 4

Australia 2 2 – 1 3 3 0 3

Sweden 2 – 2 – 3 3 0 2

Nigeria 2 – 1 1 3 5 -2 1

Nigeria – USA (BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, 1am on Wednesday)

Australia – Sweden (Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, 1am on Wednesday)

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