The final group game of Australia’s Rio 2016 campaign requires a big win against Zimbabwe to keep the team’s slim chances of progression alive.
Australia was minutes away from a famous and important against Germany before conceding late and settling for a 2-2 draw. The performance was a vast improvement from that against Canada and the point picked up was vital. But, the Matildas’ qualification is not entirely in their own hands and this will disappoint the team but they will look to make sure they do everything within their control correctly.
Zimbabwe is rooted to the bottom of group F with two losses and -7 goal difference. But to underestimate them or assume this will be an easy match is to tempt fate. Zimbabwe has managed to score against in both their games – something Australia could not manage against Canada even with an extra player on the field.
On paper, Australia should dominate Zimbabwe but the Mighty Warriors have nothing to lose in their first ever appearance in Olympic football, and will aim to continue their scoring streak.
Key Battle – Caitlin Foord v Sheila Makoto
Zimbabwe’s left back will likely come up against the in-form Caitlin Foord. Australia’s number nine has been outstanding in the two games so far and will look to not only continue that form but add to the goal she scored against Germany.
Foord’s pace will be difficult to stop and her combinations with Australia’s other attackers is vital to a successful Australian performance. If Makoto can stick with and restrict Foord, forcing Australia to attack through other avenues, it will be a small victory for the Zimbabweans.
Team News
Both teams have full squads available and will no doubt mix up their line ups after two matches in four days. Australia and Zimbabwe will want to put out their best possible line up in order to get the result they desire but mismanagement now could affect the team in the knockout stages, that is if either side progresses.
Expected Matildas Starting XI: Williams; Polkinghorne, Alleway, Kennedy, Catley; Kellond-Knight, Gorry, van Egmond; Kerr, De Vanna, Foord
Head-to-head
These two teams have never met before. Australia sit in fifth in the Fifa world rankings while Zimbabwe is ranked 93rd.
Prediction
Australia will be well aware that other results need to go their way. Ideally one or both of Sweden and New Zealand lose their final matches which, coupled with a Matildas win, which will see the Australians progress through on four points.
But the Matildas must focus only on what they can do in the 90 minutes against Zimbabwe. A big win will be the best case scenario – a 3-0 or 4-0 win – improving both their points tally and their goal difference.
Conceding a goal will add another unnecessary layer of pressure and keeping a clean sheet will be a massive confidence booster and reward for the defence’s solid performances thus far, especially that of goalkeeper Lydia Williams.
It’s going to be difficult but there is still a chance and the team will fight hard to ensure their Olympic campaign doesn’t end this soon.
Australia 3 Zimbabwe 1
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