Women’s World Cup third place play-off: foes Germany and England duel

Japan and the USA may be preparing to face-off in the 2015 Women’s World Cup final, but there is an exciting subplot still to come in the third place play-off, when all eyes will be glued to the grudge match that is Germany against England.

These two old foes will undoubtedly be disappointed to not be contesting the trophy in Vancouver, but Germany (odds-on with Coral at 4/9 to win in 90 mins) and England’s historic sporting rivalry should see both sides out to fight ferociously for third.

The Lionesses (an excellent 19/4 for victory) were truly unlucky in their semi-final showdown against current champions Japan, losing through a bizarre injury-time own goal by defender Laura Bassett, but must dust themselves off for their tussle with the National Eleven.

Flank threat Karen Carney may not feature after missing out against Japan with a back injury, though punters can still pick from Liverpool midfielder Fara Williams (11/2 to net anytime), scorer from a spot-kick last time out, or pair of poachers Ellen White (11/4) and Toni Duggan (8/1 to draw first blood), who both came agonizingly close to equalising for England.

Speaking after the semi-final heartbreak, dangerwoman Duggan told press: “In the end it just wasn’t meant to be. I am proud of how far the team has come and I know we’ll bounce back.”

Coach Mark Sampson also spoke of England’s World Cup adventure, stating: “We came here as a huge underdog with the weight of a nation on our back. The players have inspired a nation and they deserve to go home as heroes.”

Having firmly established themselves on the international stage, then, there would surely be no better way to bow out than with victory against Germany.