Eight years after the Matildas last played Nigeria at a Women’s World Cup, those who remember the day have no plans of taking victory for granted.
Key points:
If the Matildas beat Nigeria in Brisbane, they will guarantee their progress to the knockout stages of the Women’s World CupSam Kerr and Kyah Simon will miss the game through injuryThe game will be the first time Australia has faced Nigeria at the tournament since 2015
On that day, in Winnipeg, Canada, Kyah Simon scored both goals in a 2-0 group stage win.
Sam Kerr provided an assist for the second goal and copped an elbow to the face off the ball from Ugo Njoku that drew a three-game retrospective ban.
Neither Kerr (calf) nor Simon (knee) are fit to start in Thursday’s clash at Lang Park.
But Katrina Gorry, who started in 2015, and Tameka Yallop, who replaced her in midfield, are — and they’re wary of what a team led by Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala can deliver.
“A tough, tough game, I remember,” Gorry said.
“I watched them play Canada and they’re even more powerful than they were then.
“They’ve got so much speed but a lot of class across the field, (they’re) technically very good.
“If you’re not on your defensive game, they’ll exploit you and with the pace they have, it’s pretty scary.”
Yallop has recovered from a corked thigh to press her selection case.
“It’ll be a very different game from from 2015 but they still have all those qualities that they had before,” she said.
“There’s a little bit of unpredictability to them, which does make it a little bit difficult. But at the same time we’ve trained for that as well in our prep.
“It’s just about being focused in every moment against them.”
Ireland sat back and defended deeply against Australia.
After drawing 0-0 with Canada first up, Nigeria may need to open up play to chase three points.
That would suit Australia just fine.
“It’s going to be another second-ball game and hitting them on transition. They obviously put a lot of numbers forward,” Gorry said.
“So, if we can try and hit them on transition, I think we’ll give them a tough time.”
As the only team in Group B with three points from their opening game, Australia can seal progression to the knockout stages with victory over Nigeria, who have one point so far.
If Canada (one point) and Ireland (zero points) draw in Perth on Wednesday night, a win would lock in top spot for the Matildas ahead of their third group game.
It would also give them the opportunity to not even have to make a call on whether to field injured captain Kerr, if she is ruled fit to play a role.
“You’ve got a little be a little bit careful,” Yallop said.
“You don’t want to look too far ahead and it is just one game at a time.
“We’re obviously going out for a win and we wouldn’t go for anything less.”
The Matildas had a closed training session without media access on Tuesday.
AAP
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