Attack is the best form of defence for the Matildas

Australia will resist the lure of playing it safe in its decisive FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 group match with Sweden on Wednesday morning (AEST).

Matildas

The Matildas won't be taking a backward step against Sweden in Edmonton (Getty) Source: Getty Images

The Matildas can still finish anywhere from top to bottom in the "group of death" in Canada, with a draw almost certainly sending the Matildas into the round of 16.

But defender Alanna Kennedy said off the back of the morale-boosting 2-0 win over Nigeria, the Matildas wouldn't be playing for a draw.

The Matildas know only one way, and that's to go for the jugular.

With Lisa De Vanna in sparkling form and Kyah Simon at the double against Nigeria, Australia is banking on another fine attacking display.

The offensive style wowed tournament heavyweight USA for a half and got the job done against the African champion.



"We're looking to stick to the plan," Kennedy said.

"We're really happy with our game against Nigeria and we got a lot of confidence from that.

"We'll still be looking forward to go forward and score as many goals as we can."

In co-captain Clark Polkinghorne's absence, Kennedy helped form an admirable rearguard that kept Nigeria at bay.

Against the well-organised Sweden, which has drawn its opening two matches, Kennedy said the Australian defence would be key.

"Sweden have a lot of attacking flair," she said.

"If our defence can hold it out, up the other end will take care of itself.

"We've got a great attacking team, it'll be a great game to watch."

The 24-team tournament's complicated system to decide 16 qualifiers for the knockout round means predicting a Matildas opponent in the next phase, should they get there, is difficult.

The top two in each group progress with the four best third-place finishers in each of the six groups.

Should Australia finish second, as likely with a win or a draw, the Matildas would face Brazil.

But if they were to slip to third place and still qualify, they'd face possibly host Canada or powerhouse Germany.

Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams said the many permutations suggest the team should just play hard and embrace whatever challenges come.



"We're already in a really hard group so we might as well keep the theme going," she said.

"You want to play the best teams in the world and you want to get the results that you can."


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3 min read
Published 15 June 2015 5:24pm
Updated 15 June 2015 7:43pm

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