Australia has been drawn together with the USA, Sweden and Nigeria in Group D for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, labelled as the ‘Group of Death’ by the football media. But how big of a task are the Matildas truly up against?
The United States is the favourite to win the 2015 World Cup and recent form has been living up to the expectations, although a draw with Korea Republic in a friendly has shown that they are not totally infallible.
After losing to France in the first match of the year (2-0) the USA has gone unbeaten in its next nine games, scoring 20 goals and only conceding twice.
The Americans have taken part in every edition of the competition and are the only national team to make it to the semi- finals in each tournament, claiming the trophy in 1991 and 1999. They have played the most games at this level, achieved the most victories and the most goals scored, but as Australian Coach Alen Stajcic inferred, “it’s history”.
Such bravado is inspiring and Stajcic has the Australians believing, but on paper the USA will be difficult to beat, whether you withdraw defensively or attack high.
Stajcic has promised a forward pressure attacking game plan against the USA, but that will leave them open to the swift counter-attack of the Americans and forward Sydney Leroux has the pace, power and bravery to get in-behind the defense of opponents.
Defenders Clare Polkinghorne, Laura Alleway , Servet Uzunlar, Steph Catley and Elise Kellond-Knight will need to be on their game to deny Leroux, former World Player of the Year Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan.
The Americans can hold possession well, play the way they face and turn easily out of tackles to relieve pressure and start the attack from another point. However, the French and Korea Public have shown that with a high pressure defense the Americans can be forced onto the back foot.
Jillian Ellis’ team always start strong and grow in confidence, especially after they go one goal up, so it will be important for the Australians to not allow their opponents to dictate play, control the midfield and especially not allow them to score early.
If the Matildas can do this and capitalise on their chances in the attacking third, and of course get one past Hope Solo then they may have a chance, but it is unlikely with the bookies giving them 14-1 odds in their first match of the tournament.
The next question is can the Matildas come second in the group by defeating Nigeria and Sweden, to make it through to the knockout stages of the Cup?
The last time Australia and Sweden met, Sweden were successful defeating the Matildas by a score of 3-1 in the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals, however, in 2011 the Australians were one of the youngest teams at the tournament and many of these players will be backing up with a host of experience, so Sweden will face a very different Matilda’s side.
“We’ve got a lot of variety in our attack and a lot of pace. Having good attacking fullbacks, good movement and pace up front makes us a really strong attacking force”, said Stajcic.
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Sweden are coached by proven head coach Pia Sundhage, who led the U.S. to a runners-up finish in 2011 and knows the game, but must rely on talented veterans, such as star striker Lotta Schelin, or midfielders Caroline Seger and Therese Sjogran.
Australia’s midfield of Ashleigh Sykes, Emily van Egmond and Katrina Gorry will be too strong for the Europeans this time, but only if De Vanna, Kyah Simon, Samantha Kerr and Heyman can capitalise on their chances when they arise.
Nigeria are one of the most successful women’s teams on the African continent and do have attacking potential with Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala, but their defense is questionable and undisciplined.
The Super Falcons play an all-out attacking style of football and win games with pure momentum going forward, but if the Matildas can weather the storm in the first part of the match, have patience and dictate tempo they should be able to get over a Nigeria side ranked 45th in the world and maybe, just maybe, prove that Group D is not so deadly.
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