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Goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri insists the Matildas can resist tournament favourites the United States in their Women’s World Cup opener even if co-captain Clare Polkinghorne succumbs to a hamstring injury.
Polkinghorne, a mainstay of the Matildas defence, hurt her hamstring three days out from the opener to be played on Tuesday morning (AEST).
She’s rated a 50-50 proposition for the match against the Cup favourites in Winnipeg, Canada.
Barbieri, at her fourth World Cup, believes the Matildas will be able to cover for her absence.
“We’re riddled with talent, we’re lucky,” she told AAP.
“If she can train (on Monday AEST) she might get a guernsey and hopefully that’s the case.
“But if she’s not, we have back-up and that’s something we’ve never had before.”
Laura Alleway and Alanna Kennedy are likely to play in central defence should Polkinghorne be ruled out.
Barbieri says the Matildas strength in depth is one of the reasons the Matildas are primed to do well in Canada.
“You look at the teamsheet, you look at the 23 players and you try and pick an eleven, you can’t do it,” she said.
“Kids that have already played a World Cup and they’re 21, they bring awesome firepower.”
Against the US, that firepower will be very welcome.
In 25 meetings with the powerhouses of women’s football and 2015 Cup favourites, the Matildas have lost 23 and drawn twice.
Barbieri knows the threat the Americans can muster.
“My second cap was against America, so I’ve been playing them for 13 years,” she said.
“But beating them is realistic because at a World Cup, the added pressure is a leveller.”
Supporting her argument is Australia’s draw with the US in their only meeting in tournament football at the 2004 Olympic Games.
“In terms of our team matching up against the US, we have nothing to fear,” she said.
“Anyone on any given day can be beaten and we have the firepower to do it.”
Up front, co-captain Lisa De Vanna and Michelle Heyman are likely to play with either Caitlin Foord or Sam Kerr.
Katrina Gorry and Emily van Egmond are expected to play key roles in midfield.
The Women’s World Cup began with hosts Canada beating China and New Zealand losing to the Netherlands by 1-0 scorelines on Sunday morning (AEST).
POSSIBLE AUSTRALIAN TEAM TO PLAY UNITED STATES (Tuesday 9:30am AEST)
Goalkeeper: Lydia Williams.
Defenders: Steph Catley, Laura Alleway (if Clare Polkinghorne does not play), Alanna Kennedy, Servet Uzunlar.
Midfield: Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, Tameka Butt.
Attack: Caitlin Foord, Michelle Heyman, Lisa De Vanna.
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