Sunday’s Women’s World Cup Tips: New Zealand has to believe as Germany eye knockouts

Women’s World Cup 2023 hosts New Zealand missed a huge chance to reach the knockout stages earlier in the week, and now they need a big performance if they’re to get the job done.

Standing in their way is Switzerland, who are currently top of Group A. A big crowd is expected at Forsyth Barr Stadium as the locals back the Football Ferns and hope that they can escape the group stages for the very first time. 

Football expert Joe Crann is on hand to discuss Sunday’s fixtures as the second round of fixtures come to a close.

South Korea v Morocco

Kick-off: 5.30am Sunday

Both sides were on the receiving end of disappointing opening game results against Colombia and Germany respectively, which makes this a must-win game for the two nations. 

The Moroccans conceded six as they were put to the sword in their first fixture - it was a baptism of fire on the WWC debut - and they haven’t scored since February’s win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Take South Korea in this match-up. 

Prediction: South Korea to win and Over 1.5 goals @ 2.08

Norway v Philippines

Kick-off: 8am Sunday 

Elsewhere in Group A, the Gresshoppene and Filipinas will do battle at Eden Park in Auckland. Despite being bottom of the group going into the final game, the Norwegians know that a win would still give them a chance to make it through.

The Philippines are priced at 25 to win - no surprise given their lack of experience in the competition - but Norway are winless in their last six games and are yet to score at this tournament. That’s a stat that Alen Stajcic’s side will take heart, especially after they picked up a huge victory over New Zealand earlier in the week.

Prediction: Under 3.5 goals @ 1.56

Switzerland v New Zealand

Kick-off: 8am Sunday

This is the tightest game of the day, but the Swiss have the luxury of knowing that they only need one point in order to guarantee their place in the Round of 16. That result is at 3.15, but the Ferns need to go for it which could sway a result either way.

Jitka Klimková’s side has only scored more than once on two occasions since the start of 2022, but will look at their win over Norway as proof that they can cause an upset. Expect this to be cagey from the outset. 

Prediction: Both teams to score – No @ 1.71

Germany v Colombia

Kick-off: 10.30am Sunday 

Confidence in the German camp will be sky high after their 6-0 demolition job over Morocco, which saw the inevitable Alexandra Pope add two more goals to her impressive international tally. 

Colombia overcame the odds to beat South Korea in the first game, but now they face a much stiffer test in Brisbane against the two-time World Champions. They have lost their last two games against European opponents, but almost always find a way to score - they’ve done so in all of their last 15 matches. 

Prediction: Germany to win and both teams to score @ 3.4

Sunday’s Women’s World Cup Tips

South Korea v Morocco: South Korea to win and Over 1.5 goals @ 2.08
Norway v Philippines: Under 3.5 goals @ 1.56
Switzerland v New Zealand: Both teams to score - No @ 1.71
Germany v Colombia: Germany to win and Both teams to score @ 3.4