FOOTBALL: Australia will be aiming to secure an invaluable three points when they take on Nigeria in their second match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™ Canada on Friday afternoon local time.
After coming away with nothing to show from an impressive first up showing against the USA on Tuesday, the Matildas remain high in confidence and belief as they attempt to topple the highly talented African Champions who were themselves impressive as they fought back to draw 3-3 with Sweden in their opening hit out.
Head Coach Alen Stajcic hinted there could be two or three changes to the line-up that started against the USA with co captain Clare Polkinghorne and goalkeeper Lydia Williams both in contention after recovering from injury.
After copping heavy knocks against the USA, Lisa De Vanna and Laura Alleway are still a chance of taking their place in the side, Stajcic stating the squad is in good shape for the crucial Group D encounter.
Stajcic has reason to be optimistic, his team not conceding a corner against the USA while Australia finished the game with more shots on target. But he knows that it means little if the scoreboard is not in your favour when it matters.
“We just can’t wait to get out there,” Stajcic said at the official pre-match media conference.
“I thought there were plenty of positives to take out of the last game and you look to take all of those positives into the next game and see if you can improve on some of the things you didn’t do so well.”
Dubbed this Women’s World Cup’s ‘group of death’ before the tournament began, Stajcic believes that claim has only been further enhanced following the first round of matches in the group.
“We know we’ve got a tough game. Nigeria showed they’re a quality opponent and they were probably unlucky not to win that game against Sweden the other day,” Stajcic said.
“We all knew it was the group of death (after the draw was conducted) and I think it’s an even better and tougher group than what we thought beforehand…I think it just shows the quality in this group and I think all four teams have shown they are up there as contenders for this World Cup.”
Forward Kyah Simon, who came on in the 69th minute against the USA, said the players are fully determined to produce another high class performance but this time around to turn it into a positive result.
“Coming off a loss you obviously want to do better in the next game so the team is looking good, we’re focused on our next opponents Nigeria and are going to go out and put in a performance like we did in the first half against the USA,” Simon said.
“We’re really looking forward to the game. It’s a World Cup so anything can happen and we’re raring to go.”
