Wednesday's Women's World Cup Tips July 26

The Women’s World Cup continues on Wednesday morning as Japan, Costa Rica, Spain, Zambia, Canada and the Republic of Ireland play their second matches of the tournament.

Japan v Costa Rica

Kick-off: 6am Wednesday

Japan crushed Zambia 5-0 on matchday one, which fuelled hope back home that they could be dark horses at this tournament. Their young team played some fantastic football last week and a meeting with Costa Rica gives Japan a chance to make it six points from six.

Costa Rica were well beaten by Spain in their opening encounter and, although they will try to be solid at the back here, that is easier said than done. The Central Americans will not be able to outpossess Japan, so quick counter-attacks could be the order of the day.

Futoshi Ikeda’s Japanese side will be brimming with confidence and they could come flying out of the traps on Wednesday.

Prediction: Over 1.5 goals first half @ 1.86

Spain v Zambia

Kick-off: 8.30am Wednesday

Spain got their campaign off to an excellent start with a 3-0 beating of Costa Rica in Wellington. They are among the favourites to lift the trophy this summer and another victory on Wednesday would probably see them qualify for the knockout phase with a game to spare.

Spain scored all three of their goals against Costa Rica in the opening 45 minutes and we could see them make a similarly fast start against Zambia, with Jorge Vilda likely to encourage his players to put the game to bed as quickly as possible.

Zambia will still be reeling from that 5-0 demolition by Japan, and their heads may well drop if they fall behind early here. Spain could easily establish a sizable lead at the interval then ease off in the second half.

Prediction: First half highest scoring @ 3.2

Canada v Republic of Ireland

Kick-off: 1pm Wednesday

The Republic of Ireland gave a decent account of themselves on matchday one in a 1-0 loss to co-hosts Australia in Sydney. There were plenty of positives to take from a dogged and disciplined display, but another defeat on Wednesday would spell trouble for Ireland.

It took Australia until the 52nd minute to make the breakthrough, with Steph Catley converting from the penalty spot. Ireland will again look to make life difficult for their opponents and Canada will need to be patient.

The Canucks drew 0-0 with Nigeria in their first fixture, so this is a must-win match given Australia await on matchday three. They created chances against the Nigerians but were not prolific enough in the final third, and Ireland will hope to keep Canada at arm’s length in this one.

Prediction: Draw at half-time @ 2.26