Fate is in the Matildas’ hands as Australia face world number five Sweden for a place in the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Join us for live scores and commentary from 9:50am (AEST).
The Matildas were outstanding in their game against Nigeria, with Kyah Simon showing why she was elevated to the starting line up by scoring a double. However late in the game it looked like the Matildas were slowing down as the game was played in 27-degree heat.
MATILDAS QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINALS
It was a good recovery from the Matildas, who went down to a good USA side in their first match of the World Cup.
Caitlin Foord was terrific at right back and is likely to keep her position. Laura Alleway was impressive after replacing Server Uzunlar at left back.
Clare Polkinghorne might finally be over her injury to add some experience to the defence. Samantha Kerr was also cleared of serious injury after copping a nasty elbow and should keep her spot in the starting line-up.
Sweden bounced back from their draw with Nigeria by doing something the Matildas couldn’t – steal a point from the USA.
It all adds up to this being a very closely-fought contest between two good sides.
For the Matildas to guarantee they progress to the next round at least a draw is required so Alen Stajcic might play a more defensive side this time out.
This is also a good opportunity for the Matildas to eliminate one of the game’s powerful teams, and based on current form they are a good chance to do so.
Prediction
This game will be tightly contested and I can see it ending in a draw.
1-1.
Join The Roar for live scores of the match from 9:50am AEST for a call of all the action, and don’t forget to leave your thoughts on the match in the comments section below.
Successposts
Guest
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Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Haha I thought the exact same thing to myself! Not at all confident on picking the next one :)
Minz
Guest
Beat Brazil in a match here last year, I think (could've been the year before).
Simoc
Guest
Great result for the Matildas. So glad I wasn't following Sweden. They were hopeless in the second half. Surely the Matildas are capable of winning this event.
jamesb
Guest
Brent is a genius. He has got the last two predictions right.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Brent... why am I not multi-ing your predictions?!
jamesb
Guest
Matilda Matilda Matilda oi oi oi Well done girls.
AR
Guest
Fantastic result- well done girls!
Josh
Guest
Great day for the Matilda's, I hope they know how many people back home are watching every step. Next match at 2:30am on a weeknight ? No problem, i'll be awake for them.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
It's a great day for women's football in Australia, so much young talent.
The artist formerly known as Punter
Guest
Great result Girls, Australian football just going from strength to strength. Thanks Brent.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
So it's happy days for the Matildas, thanks to all who joined me for the 1-1 all draw, I'll be back for the game against Brazil!
Freycinet1803
Roar Rookie
Yes because the US won their match, so finished on 7 points, we finished on 4.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
No worries glad you enjoyed :)
P.Marlowe
Guest
Thanks Brent for allowing me to follow the game at work. Great result!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Yeah if we won it would've been 2nd place either way as Wambach got the only goal in the Nigeria game.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Kellond-Knight "So happy to go through to the next round we came here to go through and we did just that, we knew it was Olympic qualification for them so it would be tough but we got the job done, we started like a bull out of a gate but it's almost impossible to keep them out their a quality side so it's a bit of a relief."
AZ_RBB
Guest
Even if we had won we would have come 2nd right?
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I believe we have the side to get the job done! Big Big results.