The Matildas are adamant they aren’t feeling any extra pressure as they prepare for their must-win Women’s World Cup match against Equatorial Guinea in Germany on Sunday.
Australia lost their first game 1-0 to Brazil to fall three points behind the South American powerhouse and Norway, who meet in Sunday’s other group D clash.
Norway needed a late goal to eke out a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, who Australia will play in Bochum.
The African nation ranked 61st, 50 spots below Australia, have probably generated more publicity through off-field issues than for their on-field exploits.
Last week, Jade Boho was suspended after it was discovered she had represented Spain within the last five years.
There has also been plenty of talk about the fact the squad contains several players with Brazilian roots.
The gender of some players has also been a topic, especially since Ghana accused some of Equatorial Guinea’s squad at the 2010 African Championship of being men.
Controversy engulfed the World Cup minnow the week before the World Cup, when sisters Salimata and Bilgusia Simpore, among those whose gender Ghana questioned, were dropped from the squad.
In a Twitter discussion, Matildas’ skipper and goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri likened Equatorial Guinea’s style to Brazil, describing them as skillful and unpredictable.
Australia were were happy to avoid the African side first up, as there was little information about them circulating prior to their game against Norway.
Matildas’ assistant coach Robbie Hooker scouted the African team’s game against Norway.
“They are a lot like the Nigeria and Ghana teams, they are going to be very tough and they are quick,” Matildas’ defender Clare Polkinghorne told AAP from Germany.
“Norway managed only one goal against them, so we know that we are up for a tough game and it’s must-win for us.
“We’ll just go into this game like any other game despite knowing that we have to win, but it won’t add any pressure or we won’t change the way we play, just because it’s a must-win game.”
Polkinghorne stressed the Matildas needed to be more creative on Sunday and score the goals that were missing against Brazil.
“I think what everyone got out of the game is no matter how much quality possession you have against a quality side, if you don’t take your chances you’re not going to win,” Polkinghorne said.
Taking chances is also a focus for Equatorial Guinea.
“I think we will have our chances in the attack against Australia, this time we need to use them,” said Equatorial Guinea coach Marcello Frigerio.”
German-born Socceroos coach Holger Osieck, who is attending all Australia’s games, was among those watching the Matildas train on Friday.
Australia reported no major injury worries following the Brazil game and coach Tom Sermanni wasn’t expected to make major changes to his starting side.
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