The Matildas will resist the lure of playing it safe in their decisive Women’s World Cup group match with Sweden on Wednesday morning (AEST).
Australia can still finish anywhere from top to bottom in the “group of death” in Canada, with a draw almost certainly sending the Matildas into the round of 16.
But defender Alanna Kennedy said off the back of their morale-boosting 2-0 win over Nigeria on Saturday (AEST), the Matildas wouldn’t be playing for a draw.
The Matildas know only one way, and that’s to go for the jugular.
With Lisa De Vanna in sparkling form and Kyah Simon at the double against Nigeria, Australia are banking their World Cup hopes on another fine attacking display.
The offensive style wowed tournament favourites United States for a half and got the job done against the African champions – so Kennedy says they’ll be holding true to their attacking nature.
“We’re looking to stick to the plan,” Kennedy said.
“We’re really happy with our game against Nigeria and we got a lot of confidence from that.
“We’ll still be looking forward to go forward and score as many goals as we can.”
In co-captain Clark Polkinghorne’s absence, Kennedy helped form an admirable rearguard that kept Nigeria at bay.
Against the well-organised Swedes, with draws from their opening two matches, Kennedy said the Australian defence would be key.
“Sweden have a lot of attacking flair,” she said.
“If our defence can hold it out, up the other end will take care of itself.
“We’ve got a great attacking team, it’ll be a great game to watch.”
The 24-team tournament’s complicated system to decide 16 qualifiers for the knockout round means predicting a Matildas opponent in the next phase, should they get there, is difficult.
The top two in each group progress with the four best third-place finishers in each of the six groups.
Should they finish second, as likely with a win or a draw, the Matildas will face Brazil.
But if they were to slip to third place and still qualify, they’d face a group winner – possibly hosts Canada or powerhouses Germany.
Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams says the many permutations suggest they should just play hard and embrace whatever challenges come their way.
“We’re already in a really hard group so we might as well keep the theme going,” she said.
“You want to play the best teams in the world and you want to get the results that you can.”
Batou
Guest
If you can't beet 'em, join 'em!
Batou
Guest
Or any wine-ing. In all seriousness though, the Matildas need to really steak their claim for a knock out spot by serving up some delicious football and really toasting the Swedes in this one.
Batou
Guest
Straight from the big cheese himself
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
We heard we can get paid? What's your sauce?
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
most of these posts are pun...ishing
Bondy
Guest
Lets hope there's no sour grapes out of this match ....
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
If we don't cream them we could be in a jam.
Ian
Guest
I'm actually getting fed up with these tasteless food puns. Let's focus on the game as it's going to be one to relish.
70sMo
Guest
We are in such fine form today. I think we should front The Roar and demand an increase in our celery
Batou
Guest
The kiwis will be left to stew on that for for years now
langou
Roar Guru
Oops, I just noticed Mo has already done the "turnip" joke. Lettuce move on then.
langou
Roar Guru
Where's your food pun? You made a real meal of that post.
langou
Roar Guru
egg-xactly As long as we turnip to play we will be fine.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Canada just topped Group A. China 2nd. Netherlands 3rd with some chance of qualifying. New Zealand out. Come On You Matildas!
Batou
Guest
I hope so. We'll be in a pickle if we lose
Ian
Guest
Ha! - I bet I have no chance of watching this match without thinking of fruits and vegetables. We're going to roast them easy.
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
Ha! It would be a turnip for the books if the Matildas lost. I hope the Swedish keeper turns out to be a lemon. I could go on for ages but I need to pea.
cm
Guest
Personally, I hope we squash them.
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
Mash the Swedes? That means they need to peel them first then boil them. I hope Matildas don't leek too many goals or they will get steamed. Go Matildas!!!