Squad Outlook and How This Team Differs from Former Versions
As Tournament co-hosts along with New Zealand, the Matildas look to make a deep run in front of their home fans. Their chances seem good, as the lack of depth which was regarded as one of the biggest reasons for early dismissal four years ago has seemingly been addressed.
When veteran centre-back Clare Polkinghorne suffered a hamstring injury in the Matildas opening game in 2019 the team was sent into disarray as they were without a suitable replacement. This will not be a problem should health issues arise for the Australians this time around.
With Polkinghorne back to health and playing at a high level, head coach Tony Gustavsson reassuring Matildas fans that Alanna Kennedy will be ready to go come July 20thand the emergence of 24-year-old Clare Hunt, the Australian squad will feature three more than capable options at centre back.
Captain Sam Kerr believes that the team has a similar quality of depth on the front line as at the team’s squad announcement press conferenceshe stated “If I take away two players, good. We’ve got electric speed everywhere else, [so] good luck to them.”
In past years, the Matildas seemed to be a one-woman team, with their hopes pinned squarely on Sam Kerr. Fans will therefore find it refreshing to hear Kerr’s vote of confidence in the other members of the Matildas attack.
Betting Odds for Matildas and Other Top Teams
Atop the betting leaderboards isthe two-time defending champions USA at +250, with England close behind at +350.
Next, betting sites have a three-team cluster as Spain, Germany, and France sit at +650, +650, and +750 respectively.
Then come the Matildas at +1200. The Aussies come into the Tournament as the number 10 team in the world, and they will have the crowd at their back as they look to make a deep Tournament run.
Matildas Path to the Knockout Stages
After having reached the World Cup Quarterfinals in three consecutive tournaments, the Matildas took a step back in 2019 by way of a disappointing shootout loss to Norway in the Round of 16.
The Matildas will open their tournament in Sydney on July 20th against world number 20 Ireland followed by a matchup against 40th ranked Nigeria.
Their final group stage game is also set to be their toughest as they will face reigning Olympic Champions Canada. The Canadians are ranked 7th in the world but have struggled at World Cups, having progressed past the round of 16 just once in the past four tournaments. Their odds reflect this as betting sites have them around +2500 to become Champions.
The Australia-Canada game will be vital, as it’s likely to determine the winner of the group — a winner who will avoid facinglikely Group D winner England. Should the Matildas finish atop their group, they would likely be looking at a competitive round of 16 matchup with either Denmark or China.
