Skipper Sam Kerr may be on one leg and they may have had a huge shock in the group stage, but here’s why the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is the Matildas’ best chance yet to win the whole thing
- Aussies currently in scorching hot shape
- Captain Courageous Kerr will probably play
- The path to ultimate victory looks clearer now
The Matildas look very strong as they enter the sudden death phase of this Women’s World Cup due to two things: Hayley Raso’s unstoppable form and the demise of some powerhouses.
And that’s before we factor in injured skipper Sam Kerr, who is hoping to face Denmark in their round of 16 knockout tie on Monday night.
Countries that hit hard, including Germany, Brazil and Australia’s last opponents, Canada, have all been sent home.
When you combine that with the average form shown this tournament by back-to-back champions in the US, the path to the trophy is hugely open for the Matildas.
If Kerr gets permission to play wide the quick-footed, white-hot Raso, the Matildas will bet hard every day.
Raso, wearing her signature ribbon in her long hair, scored two crucial goals to build Australia’s early lead against Canada, which became a mountain too steep for the Maple Leafs to climb.
The tournament’s sweltering Hayley Raso (pictured) scored twice for Australia against Canada to put the Matildas on their way to ultimate glory
Raso (with ball) in action against Canada where she won Player of the Match
“That’s just football. It’s so unpredictable,” Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy said of the shocking failures of some football 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 looks like this: they need to beat Denmark on Monday night in Sydney – and they’ve beaten the Danes before.
Then they will also likely face France, who they beat before, for a likely showdown with old rivals England in a deadly semi-final.
That is if those nations continue as expected.
It’s all hypothetical at this point, but very manageable.
Matilda Alanna Kennedy (pictured) is confident the Matildas can get Denmark rolling again on Monday after being beaten 3-1 earlier this year
Matilda captain Sam Kerr (pointing) likely to play the Danes in crucial round of 16 knockout match on Monday
And again, looking into the crystal ball, if Australia wins the semi-finals, they could face the US or, more likely, the in-form giant killers Japan.
The final will be played at Stadium Australia on August 20.
On Sunday evening, the US will take on Sweden.
They have Japan and Spain in their path.
Veteran superstar Matilda defender, Claire Polkinghorn, said: ‘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 played in a year; the Matildas got their first ever victory over the Danes last October in a 3-1 friendly in Viborg, Denmark.
“We played against them last year and they started really fast,” said Polkinghorne.
“They like to attack, to get ahead. We will certainly have to be on our game to nullify that.’
The Matildas round of 16 match against Denmark starts on Monday evening at 8.30 pm.