By Alex Al-Kazzaz
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is less than two weeks away. Australia is co-hosting the tournament along with New Zealand. Australia has had their fair share of memorable moments in the women's World Cup, however, they've never won it. In fact, they've never made it past the quarterfinals. Three years ago, in the Olympics, they finished in fourth place. And in 2006, 2014 and 2018, they were runners-up in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, although they won it in 2010. The Matildas have had many moments in soccer, but they're determined to win the biggest prize in the game; the Women's World Cup.
The USA Women's National Team are the reigning two-time defending World Champions. In the last two tournaments, despite the best efforts of any super team that has challenged them, nobody has been able to beat them. Australia along with their star player Sam Kerr are keen on winning their first world title and the best way to do so would be on home soil. Along with Australia, several other nations are looking to prevent the USA from achieving a three-peat. While it looks as if nobody wants the title more than the Matildas, it's clear that the truth is that nobody wants it more than the USA. But Australia is adamant to earn their moment of triumph.
For Kerr & company, winning it all is certainly not easy. However, it's definitely NOT impossible. Winning the group is clearly the team's first objective. They're drawn into a group alongside Canada, Nigeria, and the Republic of Ireland. The knock-out stage is a different ball game, which means Australia will be in for bigger challenges, however, Australia is by no means guaranteed safe passage to the knockouts.
Australia will have to win in the only way possible; as a team. Kerr is immensely talented, but she should not be in a position to where she has to carry the entire team on her back the entire way. Titles are won through teamwork, so that means, the attack, the midfield, the defense, etc. will all have to do their part to the best of their ability.
An important strategy is be two steps ahead of the opposition but the most important strategy is to STAY at least two steps ahead. In other words, for Australia, an important key is to not afford any opportunities to their opponents. Take and keep the advantage at all costs!
Australia will open the tournament against Ireland on the 20th.