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The wait for our Matildas is over as they kick off their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign against traditional powerhouse the USA. Join us for live scores and commentary from 9:20am (AEST).
It’s not going to be easy for the Australians and a win would have to come from the Matildas playing the game of their lives.
FULL STORY: Matildas go down 3-1 in World Cup opener
Lydia Williams is likely to be busy in goal, a complete difference from the Matildas’ final warm-up game where they thrashed Vietnam 11-0. Williams is an important cog in this team and if she can do her job this game will go down to the wire.
One advantage coach Alen Stajcic’s team has is that they are attacking, and most of his formations have centred around 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
Katrina Gorry is the ace in Australia’s hand and if she gets a sight on goal she will test USA keeper Hope Solo. She alongside Lisa De Vanna, Emily Van Egmond and Tameka Butt could all cause headaches for the Americans.
De Vanna will want to be running at the USA defenders as opposed to having her back to goal, with Stajcic yet to determine the ever-important make-up of the midfield.
There is no shortage of combinations though. Expect Michelle Heyman to lead the attack with support from De Vanna on one side and Sam Kerr most likely holding down the opposite flank.
Keeping the pressure on the USA in their half will be key to winning this game, but the trick is not to be exploited in the high press. No doubt Alana Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne, Steph Catley and Laura Alleway will all look to do their job down back.
The USA have made the semi-finals in each edition of the competition and have won it twice, in 1991 and 1999. But that 16-year drought would be eating away at them. They are on a nine-game unbeaten run heading into this game.
If the Matildas can leave Winnipeg with a point, they could go a long way to getting out of this tough group.
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