(Football news) In a crucial Group B matchup against the Olympic winners Canada, the Republic of Ireland fights to maintain its World Cup ambitions. Ireland, who lost to co-hosts Australia in their opening match, would be on the verge of elimination with a loss, while Canada would like to build on its tie with Nigeria.

Today’s other matches feature Spain and Japan, both of which can advance to the round of 16 with one game remaining after cruising to victories in Group C. Spain takes against Zambia after Japan easily defeated Costa Rica 2-0; if Spain wins, both teams go to the final rounds.

Co-hosts New Zealand were shocked on Tuesday by the Philippines in the World Cup, who were making their tournament debut, as they won 1-0 in Wellington. The outcome completely opened up Group A, and all four countries still had a chance to move on when Switzerland held Norway to a scoreless draw in the final game of the day.

Zambia has to engage striker Barbra Banda more than they did against Japan in the match against Spain in the World Cup. Zambia has a risky front line that Spain might have to answer if they decide to counterattack. The question is whether Banda and Racheal Kundananji, who combined for 25 goals in Spain’s top division last season, have the necessary defensive skills.

As a result of first-choice keeper Hazel Nali’s knee injury prior to the tournament and her substitute Catherine Musonda’s red card against Japan, Zambia is now down to its third-choice goalie. Eunice Sakalam, a 21-year-old who substituted Musonda for the final 21 minutes of the match versus Japan, now receives the gloves.

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