Matildas kept on their toes
Matildas coach Alen Stajcic is keeping his charges guessing before their vital Women’s World Cup clash with Nigeria, hinting up to three changes could be made to the line-up that lost to the United States.
Australia’s meeting with the African champions on Saturday morning (AEST) in Winnipeg, Canada, is crucial for the Matildas’ hopes of progression after they dropped their tournament opener 3-1 to the Olympic gold medallists.
Stajcic indicated co-captain Clare Polkinghorne (hamstring) and goalkeeper Lydia Williams (thigh) would be fit to start.
Laura Alleway, who picked up a corked hip against the US, and key striker Lisa De Vanna (ankle) are both also still a chance.
Stajcic was optimistic about his team’s prospects against Nigeria after they managed not to concede a corner against the Americans and had more shots on target.
But he was also realistic about the quality of their opponents in this World Cup’s group of death, which also features fifth-ranked Sweden.
“We know we’ve got a tough game,” Stajcic said.
“Nigeria showed they’re a quality opponent and they were probably unlucky not to win that game against Sweden the other day.
“We all knew it was the group of death and I think it’s an even better and tougher group than what we thought before hand.”
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Forward Kyah Simon, who came on in the 69th minute against the US, said her teammates were determined to convert their solid first-half form to the scoreboard this time.
“Coming off a loss you obviously want to do better in the next game so the team is looking good,” Simon said.
“We’re focused on our next opponents Nigeria and are going to go out and put in a performance like we did in the first half against the USA.”
