Canada coach Bev Priestman has warned the Matildas that her rejuvenated facet might be “unstoppable” when the groups meet in Monday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B showdown in Melbourne.
After a gradual begin to the match, the Canadians – gold medallists on the Tokyo Olympics – kicked into gear within the second half of their 2-1 win over Ireland on Wednesday night time in Perth.
It moved Canada to 4 factors from two matches, and one other win over the Matildas subsequent week would safe Priestman’s staff prime spot within the group.
Meanwhile, the Matildas 3-2 loss to Nigeria on Thursday night time has left them needing a win within the match towards Canada to advance to the Round of 16.
“It could be the making of us,” Priestman mentioned of Canada’s effort to come back again from a objective right down to beat the Irish, whose hopes of reaching the knockout levels are over.
“The character, the quality, the experience that came about in the second half – that’s the type of performance that we need moving forward.
“When we play brave, we can be unstoppable.”
Canada has no concern about enjoying towards the Matildas, having overwhelmed them twice in Australia in August final yr.
However, Priestman mentioned the Australians had improved since then and could be harmful with or with out captain and star striker Sam Kerr, who’s but to play within the match as a result of a calf damage.
“We’re not going to roll into that (game) and think it’s going to be easy,” she mentioned.
“Australia are a world-class side, and since we played them last August, they’ve got better, so we’ve got to be prepared for that.
“We came up against Sam Kerr the last two times we played them. She’s a world-class player of course, but what I do know with Australia (is that) yes, Sam Kerr is a big part of them but not the only part of them.
“They do have threats across the front four … Caitlin Foord and they’ve got some real pace in the forward line.
“We’ll be prepared to play against Sam Kerr, but we’ll also be prepared for the other threats that they have.”
Priestman additionally mentioned the sport towards Ireland was additionally “rehearsal” for what the Canadians might count on in Melbourne such was the help for the Irish.
“It was like playing an away game. (It was) full of Irish fans in that stadium,” she mentioned.
“It’s basically a rehearsal for what we’re going to go into in the Australia game. It’s a great experience for us to move forward from.”
Priestman mentioned she was uncertain of the situation of Canada’s captain Christine Sinclair, who was limping late within the sport.
“I’ll have to get an understanding of that and find out what comes next,” she mentioned.
Originally printed as Comeback towards Ireland has Canada primed for World Cup showdown with Matildas
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
