The Matildas look very robust as they enter the sudden loss of life part of this Women’s World Cup as a consequence of two issues: Hayley Raso’s unstoppable type and the demise of some powerhouses.
And that’s earlier than we consider injured skipper Sam Kerr, who’s hoping to face Denmark of their spherical of 16 knockout tie on Monday evening.
Countries that hit exhausting, together with Germany, Brazil and Australia’s final opponents, Canada, have all been despatched house.
When you mix that with the common type proven this match by back-to-back champions within the US, the trail to the trophy is vastly open for the Matildas.
If Kerr will get permission to play extensive the quick-footed, white-hot Raso, the Matildas will guess exhausting every single day.
Raso, sporting her signature ribbon in her lengthy hair, scored two essential objectives to construct Australia’s early lead towards Canada, which grew to become a mountain too steep for the Maple Leafs to climb.
The match’s sweltering Hayley Raso (pictured) scored twice for Australia towards Canada to place the Matildas on their option to final glory
Raso (with ball) in motion towards Canada the place she received Player of the Match
“That’s just football. It’s so unpredictable,” Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy stated of the stunning failures of some soccer powerhouses.
“You see all the lower ranked teams have a point to prove. The moment the camera was on Morocco, when they found out, was very special.
“Obviously it’s sad for Germany … we almost tasted it at one point, and it’s a terrible feeling. I can’t imagine the feeling of being such a great nation and going out so early.
“It’s also sad to see big players and big countries bombing earlier, but I think it’s incredible to see the rise of the lower ranked teams and how the gap is getting smaller.”
The Matildas’ path to World Cup glory appears like this: they should beat Denmark on Monday evening in Sydney – they usually’ve overwhelmed the Danes earlier than.
Then they may also doubtless face France, who they beat earlier than, for a possible showdown with previous rivals England in a lethal semi-final.
That is that if these nations proceed as anticipated.
It’s all hypothetical at this level, however very manageable.
Matilda Alanna Kennedy (pictured) is assured the Matildas can get Denmark rolling once more on Monday after being overwhelmed 3-1 earlier this yr
Matilda captain Sam Kerr (pointing) prone to play the Danes in essential spherical of 16 knockout match on Monday
And once more, wanting into the crystal ball, if Australia wins the semi-finals, they may face the US or, extra doubtless, the in-form big killers Japan.
The closing might be performed at Stadium Australia on August 20.
On Sunday night, the US will tackle Sweden.
They have Japan and Spain of their path.
Veteran famous person Matilda defender, Claire Polkinghorn, stated: ‘Denmark have a lot of quality players all over the field and world class in their final third.’
“It will certainly be a tough job for us to contain them, but I think as the games progress, your defense will obviously become key.”
The match is the second time Denmark and Australia have performed in a yr; the Matildas bought their first ever victory over the Danes final October in a 3-1 pleasant in Viborg, Denmark.
“We played against them last year and they started really fast,” stated Polkinghorne.
“They prefer to assault, to get forward. We will definitely must be on our recreation to nullify that.’
The Matildas spherical of 16 match towards Denmark begins on Monday night at 8.30 pm.