The Australian women's national football team (Photo : Reuters)
FIFA world no. 7 Brazil will provide another tough challenge to world no. 10 Australia in the Round-of-16 knockout stage of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Their match is going to be held at the Moncton Stadium in Moncton, Canada on Sunday, June 21.
Tournament-favorite Brazil swept the group classification by blanking all of their opponents in Group E. Head coach Vadão boasts off arguably the best female football player of all time in Marta, as per Fox Sports. However, together with forward Cristiane and midfielder Formiga, she is starting to age as well as the rest of the team. But the trio will still continue to be offensive forces even with their advanced ages.
But the Brazilians are not expected to have a field day on the pitch as the youngsters of head coach Alen Stajcic bring with them the confidence of surviving "the group of death" in the qualification round.
Australia was bracketed with world no. 2 United States, world no. 5 Sweden, and African champions Nigeria in Group D. They lost to the Americans, won over the Nigerians, and managed a draw with the Swedes to enter the knockout stage.
The Australians have an offensive tandem of team captain Lisa De Vanna and center forward Kyah Simon, who both scored 2 goals apiece for the team in the group stage. With Brazil, they are facing a style of play that they have never experienced so far. But Stajcic's girls are can adapt well without any pressure, according to ESPN.
Prediction: A close 2-1 win by As Canarinhas over the Matildas. Australia proves it can battle any seeded team, but Brazil's experience will prevail in this one.
Brazil starting lineup (4-2-1-3 formation): Luciana; Fabiana, Monica, Rafaelle, Tamires; Thaisa, Formiga; Andressa; Alves, Cristiane, Marta
Australia starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Barbieri; Uzunlar, Alleway, Catley, Foord; Gorry, Kellond-Knight, van Egmond; Vanna, Kerr, Heyman
