A well-balanced Australian side has enough power to challenge Group C favourites Norway when they meet on Saturday in the second round group match at the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup.
Tom Sermanni has showed his coaching ability by forging a team with good combination of speed, good passing and individual skills. The Matildas proved their self-confidence in the historic 4-1 victory over Ghana in convincing style.
"I think we have the capability to beat Norway," said Sermanni after beating the "Black Queens".
"The difference between the 2003 and 2007 team is that we have a much better squad with a group of mature players. We can keep possession better and play some good passing football."
The Australians' most shinning point is their speed, which is assisted by the high-efficient passes from the midfield.
In the match against Ghana, "Player of the Match" Collette Mc Callum provided several talented deep balls to set up for quick striker Sarah Walsh and substitute Lisa De Vanna to some clear one-to-one situation. The 21-year-old midfielder tried relentlessly to carve open the Ghanaian defence on every possible occasion.
"I didn't watch much of the Game (Australia vs Ghana)," said Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen, "But I saw that Australia have some very fast players."
Although the Norwegians have shown great mentality and skills in their comeback win over Canada, there is going to be more trouble when facing Australia. The Scandinavians get used to the formation 4-3-3, compared with Australia's 4-4-2, their midfield may meet big pressure with one player less.
Norway central defenders Trine Ronning and Ane Stangeland Horpestad were in some mess in the clash against Canada, especially in the first half when Christine Sinclair exerted her speed to the utmost. And the pair are likely to meet stronger tests from Australia's Walsh and De Vanna.
But Norway are more likely to enjoy the ball possession, they had a 63%-37% with Canada, and the Aussies only managed a 42%-58% with Ghana. And the Norwegians are better in short and skillful passes in the front field.
Norway took three easy victories in their previous meetings against the Matildas, scoring 12 and conceding only one. Now both teams have three points and have some room to accept a defeat.
Source: Xinhua
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