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Opinion
Perhaps the biggest question heading into tonight’s clash with Denmark isn’t whether Sam Kerr is fit enough to see any action, it’s whether the Matildas can once again handle the pressure of a must-win game.
Sweden’s incredible penalty shoot-out win over two-time defending champions the United States in Melbourne overnight is the latest seismic shock in a tournament that has been littered with them.
The Swedes were behind twice a in shoot-out that had to be seen to be believed, only to claw their way back – then win the contest – in the most dramatic manner imaginable.
It looked like US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had swatted away Lina Hurtig’s sudden-death spot-kick, until a VAR review revealed the ball had crossed the line by a millimetre.
Now it’s the Matildas’ turn to deal with the pressure of knock-out out football, even if their 4-0 demolition of Canada proved they’ve got what it takes to mix it with the world’s best.
They were helped in no small part by Hayley Raso’s early opener in Melbourne last Monday – which did plenty to settle the nerves – but even allowing for Raso’s first-half brace, the Aussies had Canada’s measure across the park.
And the performance, which was essentially the best of the Tony Gustavsson era, did something else of vital importance heading into tonight’s knock-out showdown against Denmark in Homebush.
It proved the Matildas can win without the talismanic Kerr.
That feels like it’s going to be important tonight because it’s clear Kerr – who is currently nursing one of the most talked-about calf injuries in the history of Australian sport – is nowhere near fit.
Australia’s coaching staff have played cloaks and dagger with her fitness all week, and they’ll have been grateful for the fast start against Canada that allowed them to keep Kerr’s calf under wraps.
But there’ll be no hiding tonight if the Matildas are chasing the game in front of more than 75,000 expectant fans with their World Cup hopes on the line.
Fortunately for Gustavsson, his new-look 4-4-2 line-up – which saw Caitlin Foord and the industrious Raso pushing high up the pitch on either side of Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler against the Canadians – showed enough attacking intent to suggest they can break down the stubborn Danes.
And they’ll need to, given Denmark conceded just a solitary goal in finishing second in their group.
That was a long-range Lauren James special in Denmark’s only tournament defeat to date against England, in a game the Danes were hugely unlucky not to get something out of.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
They’re likely to sit deep and try to hit the Matildas on the break in front of what could be a tense Stadium Australia crowd.
There’s no doubt this tournament represents Australia’s best-ever opportunity to actually win a World Cup – not least because the likes of Brazil, Germany, Italy, Norway, and now the two-time defending champions are already out.
But the biggest question heading into tonight is whether the Matildas can continue to handle the enormous pressure of public expectation.
More than 2.3 million Australians tuned in on Channel 7 and its streaming service 7plus to watch the Matildas down Canada last Monday night – the first time a women’s sporting event has ever pulled in such numbers.
There’s a chance even more viewers will tune in tonight, meaning Gustavsson will do well to keep his team calm and focused on the job at hand.
It’s one thing to acknowledge pressure, but another thing entirely to be able to hold your nerve in the biggest game of your careers.
It’ll be interesting to see if Gustavsson sticks with the same side that started against Canada – and in particular whether van Egmond continues in her advanced attacking role.
But the details pale into insignificance compared to the bigger picture.
At stake is a quarter-final place and the chance to take on either France or Morocco in Brisbane.
But more than that, tonight’s sudden-death encounter with the Danes – a nation still smarting from the Socceroos knocking them out of the Men’s World Cup – is the chance to extend the magic of what has been an unforgettable tournament so far.