The Matildas may already be in bed when Group B rivals Canada and Ireland face off at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Perth.
But if they don’t stay up to watch Wednesday’s late-night kick-off live and free on Seven and 7plus, they will wake up on Thursday knowing exactly how their group stands.
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Watch every Matilda’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™ match live and free on 7plus >> or stream all matches on Optus Sport >>
Australia will seal progression to the Round of 16 with six points and a game to spare if they beat Nigeria — who drew 0-0 with Canada first-up — on Thursday night at Brisbane Stadium.
If Canada (one point) and Ireland (zero points) draw in Perth on Wednesday night, a win over Nigeria would also lock in top spot for the Matildas ahead of their third and final group game on Monday night.
The final matchday of the group will see Australia host Canada in Melbourne and Ireland face Nigeria in Brisbane.
Before then, though, Seven’s coverage of Canada’s clash with Ireland kicks off tonight at 9pm AEST on Seven and 7plus.
Scroll down for all the broadcast times and streaming details you need to know
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Adriana Leon will be crucial for Canada against Ireland. Credit: Getty Images
Watch Canada v Ireland
Pre-game show
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane 9pm live on 7mate and 7plus
Adelaide 8.30pm live on 7mate and 7plus
Perth 7pm live on 7mate and 7plus
Kick-off
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane 10pm live on Channel 7 and 7plus
Adelaide 9.30pm live on Channel 7 and 7plus
Perth 8pm live on 7mate and 7plus
Head here to watch the Women’s World Cup live and free on 7plus
Ireland seek bounce-back performance
Both Olympic champions Canada and debutants Ireland need a win to kickstart their respective bids to progress.
Canada’s draw with Nigeria has buoyed the Irish, who are currently bottom of the group.
“We were really hoping for this result and that’s how it came out,” coach Vera Pauw told Ireland’s RTE.
“So the group is open again and there’s everything to play for.”
Pauw said Ireland were preparing for Canada dynamo Jessie Fleming to be available after she did not play against Nigeria.
Louise Quinn arrived in Perth in a moon boot after picking up a knock in the opening 1-0 loss to Australia but Pauw said it was precautionary and she was confident the defender would play.
In New Zealand, Spain won’t be lulled into a false sense of security when the European heavyweights take on tournament minnows Zambia, looking to seal progression to the round of 16.
The world No.6 cruised to a 3-0 win over Costa Rica while debutants Zambia were thumped 5-0 by Japan, and easily could have lost by more.
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Ireland put up a good fight against the Matildas. Credit: AAP
Spain coach Jorge Vilda instead pointed to Zambia’s 3-2 shock pre-World Cup friendly win over world No.2 Germany, who thumped Morocco 6-0 on Monday, as proof of the danger they could pose.
“We’re talking about Zambia, a national team that has beaten the all-powerful Germany and can beat any team,” Vilda said via a FIFA translator.
“We mustn’t fool ourselves what we saw the other day against Japan.
“I believe that what we saw was more from the merits of Japan than the mistakes of Zambia.
“They have zero points … and for them, it’s very important game.
“I’m expecting a very dangerous Zambia and expecting a rival that’s going to defend well, and is going to be very, very dangerous in the counterattacks. Tomorrow won’t be an easy game at all.”
Japan can also seal progression if they beat Costa Rica at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Mel McLaughlin and broadcasting legend Bruce McAvaney are leading Seven’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with expert insight from Elise Kellond-Knight, Heather Garriock and more. Watch the Matildas and other key matches live and free on 7plus.
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