Jamaica Women V Australia Women
Tuesday 18 June 2019 – 21:00 Kick-Off
International, Women’s World Cup
Pick: Australia to WIN & Both Teams to Score – 15/8 Betfair
There is still plenty at stake in Group C, with Australia seeking the win they need to be assured of a place in the latter stages of the tournament. Looking to make it as difficult as possible for them at Stades des Alpes, Grenoble is a Jamaica side who know only a miraculous win would give them any hope of sneaking into one of the four available slots for best third-place teams.
Recent Trends
- Jamaica have lost both of their matches at this World Cup, losing 3-0 to Brazil and 5-0 to Italy.
- Australia have earned three points from their first two group games, opening with a 2-1 loss to Italy before beating Brazil 3-2.
- This will be the first meeting between these two teams.
Australia Women’s Preview
Facing the very real – and probably surreal, having been among the favourites before the tournament – prospect of early elimination after only two games, Australia somehow fought back from 2-0 down against Brazil to claim a vital 3-2 victory that now leaves them in a strong position to qualify from the group.
The situation as it stands means a win over Jamaica – the lowest ranked team in the tournament who have already shipped eight goals in two games – will guarantee them at least one of the four available best third-place slots. A big win, however, could see them progress as group winners provided Brazil beat Italy. So the incentive to rack up the goals is certainly there.
Unsurprisingly The Matildas are overwhelming favourites to secure the win needed at 1/33, and they are expected to do so in style as well: Australia to Win and Over 3.5 Match Goals is 8/15! There is a sizable gulf in quality between the two sides and that is being accurately reflected in the market, but that means it isn’t easy to get involved from a bet standpoint.
A common theme so far has been an ability to keep clean sheets, with both Italy and Brazil putting two past them. When you include their warm up games versus USA (5-3) and Holland (3-0), it is now 12 goals shipped in only four games. If Australia do make a concerted effort for goals here, they may well leave themselves vulnerable at the other end.
Jamaica Women’s Preview
While not entirely unexpected, Jamaica are set to bow out of the competition with a whimper following successive defeats to Brazil (3-0) and Italy (5-0). It’s a shame because all their enthusiasm pre-tournament probably deserved better, although the same cannot really be said of their performances up until now, especially in defence.
Only an inspired display from their goalkeeper, Sydney Schneider, kept Brazil relatively at bay in the opening game. She was left mightily exposed against Italy though, with the Jamaican defending atrocious throughout. The 5-0 scoreline didn’t feel harsh despite the Italians being clinical.
It’s all about restoring a little pride now, and that may be easier said than done. Australia are the highest ranked team in the group so if the defending is as porous this time around, the score could, in theory, be a lot worse.
One criticism that cannot be leveled at them is effort, as there was plenty of endeavour in both games particularly going forward. Unfortunately for them they don’t yet have a goal to show for it, despite a healthy amount of attempts in both games (they had 13 attempts to Brazil’s 18, and 12 to Italy’s 13). A distinct lack of composure and, well, accuracy has badly let them down.
Before this tournament the Reggae Girlz had scored in every game in 2019. That included 3 in a win over Chile and 2 in defeat to Scotland. So they are far from incapable and a goal here would at least see them not leave empty handed. Well, sort of.
Betting Tips
Australia to WIN & BTTS – 15/8 Betfair
Betting Conclusion
There is no doubt that Australia should win this, but the fact bookmakers feel it is a case of by how many means finding value isn’t straightforward. The Aussies need goals and having seen Jamaica defend at this tournament so far, there should be a few in this for them.
Australia’s own defending hasn’t been up to scratch at this tournament either and if Jamaica do persevere, a first ever World Cup goal could be their reward especially if Australia get too carried away in their search for a big win.
