The next set of FIFA Women’s World Cup matches in Moncton are just a day away, and some players are remarking that the city’s size could play to their advantage.
Saturday will see France face off against Colombia at 2 p.m. at the Moncton Stadium, with England taking on Mexico there at 5 p.m.
On Friday, players were busy practicing, with England being the first to take the field.
The fact Team England is the only team in Group F heading into their second game without a point was not lost on head coach Mark Sampson.
“It's a big game for us, clearly. We've put a cross against the game now and we can't afford any more,” he told the media.
“We can't afford to lose this game. I'm not sure it's a must-win. It's a must not lose,” he said.
The Mexican team they’ll face played to a 1-1 draw against Colombia.
Colombia looks to have their hands full against a strong French side, which ranked third in the world.
Colombian head coach Felipe Taborda told the media he’s confident his team will be organized and aggressive against France, while midfielder Yoreli Rincon said her team will surprise a lot of people.
When the six host cities for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup were announced, some people speculated Moncton might be too small.
On the contrary, said English forward Eni Aluko: kicking off in the Hub City has its benefits.
“You're a 100 per cent focused on football and not necessarily distracted by the bright lights and tall buildings, loads of Starbucks and coffee shops around,” she said.
“I say that in jest. I think we are a very focused group and we are here for the World Cup,” she added.
The number of teams in Moncton grew on Friday, with the arrival of Norway and Côte d’Ivoire.
They are scheduled to play their Group B match on Monday.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jonathan MacInnis
