The first day of group play at the Women’s World Cup brings us three games on Thursday. The co-host nations, Australia and New Zealand will take part in the first two matches, with the Aussies taking on Ireland and the Kiwis facing off against Norway. The third and final match of the day will see a newcomer to the world stage, Nigeria, put to the test against reigning Olympic champion Canada. The two-time defending champion United States won’t take the pitch until Friday.
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Thursday’s Best FIFA World Cup Picks
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
There’s lots to be excited about on Thursday, though. Australian striker Sam Kerr will be making her fourth appearance on the World Cup stage, and the 30-year-old will be trying to add to her tally of five career World Cup goals. Norway has a dangerous pair of attackers in Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen, while Canada legend Christine Sinclair will look to add to her ten career-goal tally in World Cup play.
All three matches have heavy favorites, but there’s one that stands out, and that’s Canada. With the other two matches featuring host nations, emotions will be high, and the adrenaline will be flowing. Those factors will make it a little more difficult to assess how the two matches are going to play out. Canada, on the other hand, is on a mission. After getting ousted in the Round of 16 four years ago by eventual third-place finisher Sweden, Canada is here to show their Olympic title was no fluke. They should come out of the locker room focused and ready to put away Nigeria early on. There’s no reason to think they won’t accomplish what they’ve set out to do.
The Pick: Canada (-390)
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