AFTER England sealed their place in the last-16 with a convincing win over China on Tuesday, France, Brazil and Italy are among the teams looking to join them as Group F and Group G wrap up on Wednesday.
Sweden are already through to the knockout stages, but the rest of Group G is wide open with any one of Italy, South Africa or Argentina able to progress.
Meanwhile, France only need a point from their final Group F match against Panama to guarantee their place in the last 16, while Brazil’s hopes hang in the balance. Could Jamaica defy the odds at the expense of the South Americans?
Sweden booked their place in the last 16 with one game to spare by thrashing Italy 5-0 on Tuesday.
Barring an incredible goal difference swing they will be advancing as group winners and will be playing defending champions the United States in the knockouts on Sunday.
Manager Peter Gerhardsson may choose to rest some of his side which could help opponents Argentina, who are chasing their first win at this summer’s competition.
“There might be minor injuries, for example, which means we’re going to have to have a second look and see what kind of team will play on Sunday,” said Gerhardsson.
Argentina have never progressed beyond the group stages but could break their duck if they beat Sweden and Italy and South Africa draw, or, if South Africa beat Italy, they better the African Champions’ result.
South Africa will only reach the knockouts if they beat Italy and better Argentina’s result. Italy will reach the last 16 if they win, or if they draw and Argentina don’t beat Sweden.
“Of course, attention is going to be a critical issue for this match,” said Italy boss Milena Bertolini.
“It’s either in or out. If we go back to the match against Sweden, we saw that we must improve from an emotional side.
It’s been 28 years since Brazil, who have qualified for every tournament, failed to make the knockout rounds.
However, the South Americans need to beat an impressive Jamaican side if they are to avoid an early exit this year.
“Tomorrow’s a decider and we don’t want to go home,” said Brazil great Marta, who is playing at her sixth and final World Cup.
Jamaica manager Lorne Donaldson says his Reggae Girlz are also determined to stay on in Australia, adding that the return of striker Khadija Shaw from suspension could help them do just that.
Shaw, who scored 31 goals in 30 games for Manchester City last season, was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in Jamaica’s 0-0 draw with France and missed the 1-0 win over Panama.
