🇦🇺 WWC Preview: Co-hosts Australia have the quality to rule the world | OneFootball

Host nations often enjoy impressive tournaments and there are plenty of reasons to think Australia will impress this summer’s Women’s World Cup.

See all of our Women’s World Cup preview content right here.

The Nuts and Bolts 🛠

Group B

A tough group for the co-hosts, who kick things off against Ireland before facing Nigeria and then Olympic gold medalists Canada.

The opening game is a 83,500 sell-out and home advantage could prove to be enormous.

Women’s World Cup pedigree

The 2019 World Cup was a step back for the Matildas as they exited at the Round of 16 stage having made the quarter-finals in the previous three tournaments.

They’ll want to be going further than ever before for 2023 to be remembered as a success on the field.

Can you tell me a bit about the manager?

An assistant with the USWNT as they won the 2015 and 2019 tournaments, Swede Tony Gustavsson took over in 2020. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing but a narrow defeat in an Olympic semi-final two years ago showed Australia can mix it with the best.

Asked for his take on the tournament, Gustavsson wouldn’t be drawn on targets as he said: “I predict this team will inspire a generation and unite the nation, that’s what I predict.”

The Ones to Watch 💥

Key Player: Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

Who else?

The star striker, the captain, the face of the World Cup. Kerr has won domestic Golden Boots at club level on three different continents — the only player to ever do so — and will be feared by every centre-back at the tournament.

As a finisher she is as versatile as she is clinical, capable one-on-one, from tight angles, and almost incomparable in the air. As a centre-forward in general play, she is physical, unselfish and hard-working.

No defender will get a moment’s rest against the Matildas’ skipper.

Young Player: Mary Fowler (Man City)

Just 20, Fowler is at her second World Cup, though a hamstring issue prevented her from featuring in 2019, where she was the youngest player called up by any country.

The striker already has 36 caps and nine goals to her name and, with her running in behind, she could provide a lethal partner for Kerr if given the nod up front.

Self-assured, rapid and calm in front of goal, Fowler will be a handful whether she is starting games or asked to impact them from the bench.

Surprise Package: Hayley Raso (Real Madrid)

With Fowler stretching backlines, Kerr occupying centre-backs and Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord offering support with her movement and creativity from one flank, there will be a lot for opposition sides to deal with before you even get to Hayley Raso.

Full-backs Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley are also huge threats and come to mind as star names before Raso does.

But that could allow the newly-signed Real Madrid midfield plenty of space to do damage.

The 28-year-old started just nine times in the WSL in two seasons at Manchester City but had previously shown her talent with five goals and two assists in a single season with Everton. With so many other threats around her, she could become the ultimate beneficiary.

The Talking Point 🗞

Playing at home comes with a huge advantage. And a huge amount of pressure.

Australia have the quality to go far. They have a team that can defend resolutely and punish you on the break, or chip away at deep-sitting defences. But they haven’t lived up to their potential just yet. Will playing at home, with enormous support but expectations to match help or hinder?

The Likely XI 🔎

(4-4-2): Arnold; Carpenter, Hunt, Polkinghorne, Catley; Foord, Cooney-Cross, Gorry, Raso; Fowler, Kerr.

The Prediction 🔮

Looking at the Australian side of the bracket, you have Canada (in their group) and then Spain and England as the two teams most likely to deny the hosts a spot in the final.

Beat the Lionesses, as they did convincingly back in April, and you’d be brave to bet against them.

See the rest of our Women’s World Cup preview content right here.