The are tipped to top the bill at next summer so it’s fitting Australia’s Matildas have said what they really, really want before the Women’s has kicked off.
The hosts, who begin their campaign against the Republic of Ireland, are unhappy at the pay disparity and numerous other countries, including England, are also in dispute with their football associations.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino is adamant he will only talk about positive aspects during the month-long tournament but that’s a sneaky cop-out.
The best time for players to make a stand is when the focus is on the pitch, not after the ticker-tape has been swept away following next month’s final.
If that happens, instead of back-page headlines they will be lucky to get a few paragraphs tucked alongside the League Two transfer news as all eyes will be on the new Premier League season.
If they are not derailed by off-field issues Australia should make a winning start against Ireland in their opening Group B match and Sam Kerr is 7/2 with Coral, Ladbrokes and Bet Victor to open the scoring.
She’s also 21/20 with the same firms and Betfred to hit the net at anytime and that must be one of the bankers of the opening round of group matches.
The hosts may be a little nervous and tentative at Stadium Australia in Sydney’s Olympic Park and a home win and both teams to score appeals at 5/2 with Sky Bet.
Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala bangs in the goals for Barcelona and the 28-year-old has been named African Woman’s Footballer of the Year on five occasions.
She’s 7/2 with William Hill among others to score at any time in the Group A encounter with Canada while Switzerland, dark horses to go deep into the tournament, are 11/10 with the same firm to win their Group B opener with thedebutants from the Philippines by over two goals.
Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder and back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is 10/3 to break the deadlock when Spain open their Group C campaign against Costa Rica.
• Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking can be backed each-way at 5/1 with Unibet for the Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
• Chez Reavie can make hay while the PGA Tour big guns are at The Open by successfully defending his title at the Barracuda Championship. Back him each-way at 30/1 with Betway.
