With less than a week until the FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, anticipation is building for what’s set to be a thrilling tournament.
The Matildas, in their 6th World Cup appearance, are placed in Group D alongside three FIFA ranked top 10 nations in USA, Sweden and Nigeria.
Group D is aptly described as the Group of Death.
Coach Alen Stajcic has selected Lisa Devanna and Clare Polkinghorne to co-captain a strong and versatile squad, which in my opinion will be the dark horse of this year’s tournament.
With an even spread of depth in youth and experience, the team looks set to cause a few upsets along the way, with the players’ never say die attitude and proactive style of play to hold Australia in good stead.
Some of the Matildas’ key players will be Melbourne’s own Steph Catley, an attacking left back with the composure of a veteran, who captained the Victory to a W-League championship in 2014. Up front, Samantha Kerr is a gifted striker that excites fans with her excellent technique and flair, while talented playmaker Katrina Gorry is the 2014 AFC Player of the Year.
Having an arsenal of talent at his disposal and a positive coaching style, Stajcic and his squad will be tough to beat.
USA
Australia’s first hurdle is the USA. The USWNT has for years been a dominant force in the football world. Eager to erase the heartache of losing the final to Japan in 2011, the two-time champions currently ranked 2nd in the world will be a formidable group stage opponent.
The USA possess a wealth of attacking talent, including dynamic forward and 2012 FIFA World Player of the year finalist Alex Morgan, and highly skilled attacking midfielder Tobin Heath, World Cup finalist in 2011 and two-time Olympic Gold medal winner.
Kick-off is on Tuesday, 09 Jun 2015 at 09:30AM, Australian time.
Nigeria
Australia faces Nigeria in their second group match. The ‘Super Falcons’ exciting all-out attacking style of play could be the key to advancing to the Quarter Final stages, something they failed to achieve in Germany four years ago, though Nigeria would be one of the least fancied teams to progress from this group.
Despite only 21-years-old, Desire Oparanozie will be one of Nigeria’s main attacking outlets, claiming the African Women’s Championship Golden Boot in 2014. Alongside her will be Asisat Oshoala, another clinical striker and U20 Women’s World Cup Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner.
Kick-off is on Saturday, 13 Jun 2015 at 07:00AM, Australian time.
Sweden
Sweden, former finalists with a perfect qualifying record, are looking to build on a positive tournament in 2011 where they finished 3rd. Conceding only 1 goal in all 10 qualifying matches, the Swedes defence will be difficult to penetrate.
The players to watch for Sweden are Caroline Seger, an influential and industrial midfielder with over 100 caps for her home country, and fearless Jessica Samuelsson, who is already familiar to Australian audiences after claiming the W-League championship with Melbourne Victory in 2014.
Kick-off is on Wednesday, 17 Jun 2015, 10:00AM, Australian time.