England’s women will qualify for the last eight of the World Cup in Germany if they can avoid defeat against Japan on Tuesday (England 21/10, Japan 23/20, the draw 2/1 – match prices) and, while they have progressed steadily in the tournament so far, they know a possible last-eight clash against the mighty hosts is on the horizon so a victory in Augsburg is vital.
England kicked off the tournament with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Mexico before they chalked up their first win on Friday – coming from behind to beat New Zealand 2-1.
That result, coupled with Japan’s 4-0 win over Mexico, means the winner of Tuesday’s showdown will end up topping the group and therefore probably avoid a knock-out clash against hosts Germany in the last eight.
So it’s no surprise to hear star striker Kelly Smith insisting they are going all out for a win in their final group game (England to win 2-1 – 9/1 – Correct Score).
The two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the World Cup four years ago – with England denied by a late equaliser after Smith had scored twice – and the 32-year-old says they will not settle for a draw against Japan despite it being enough to ensure progress.
“We are going for a win, we don’t normally set out to draw the game,” she said. “We really want to get three points and top the group.”
Germany are the powerhouse of women’s international football, having won the last two World Cups and three European Championships. Only America have come close to stopping their domination in recent years and England found out to their cost just how good the Germans are on their day when they lost 6-2 to them in the European final two years ago.
France are likely to lie in wait next should the Lionesses top Group B, however, and the two sides are very evenly matched with the last two games between the nations ending in 2-2 draws.
Smith knows this could be her last shot at World Cup glory as she will be 36 when the next tournament comes around so she is desperate to avoid going home early from Germany.
“You have to grab the opportunity with both hands whether you are 21 or my age, you might not play in the World Cup again, you might not qualify,” she said.
So if Smith, who has scored 43 goals in 106 appearances for her country, can inspire England to a win over Japan to avoid Germany in the quarters, then England may just sense they can make it at least into the semi-final before they can maybe start dreaming of even more glory this summer.
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Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky has admitted he is determined to take his chance and ‘play at the highest level’ with the Reds and says he cannot wait to turn out for his new club (Liverpool 6/4 – top four finish).
Germany (11/1 to win the World Cup) midfielder Michael Ballack is setting his sights high for Bayer Leverkusen, after his move back to his home country was confirmed.