WSW FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship

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1st FIFA Under-19 Women’s World Championship Canada 2002

Championnat du Monde de Football Feminin U-19 de la FIFA

NEWS

August 23, 2002

Young Matildas' Brazilian challenge- an Australian view

The Young Matildas face an exciting but daunting challenge in opponent Brazil in this weekend's quarterfinal of the FIFA U19 Women's World Championship in Canada.

Australia won the decisive FIFA coin flip yesterday to be awarded second place in Group C ahead of England after the two were inseparable on points, goal difference, and goals. Their reward was an automatic quarterfinals berth against the top team from Group B.

The Young Matildas travelled from Victoria to Vancouver today in readiness for Australian female soccer's first foray into the playoff stages of a FIFA event. The team only left Vancouver nine days ago after basing their final preparations in that city, but the atmosphere this time around will be something different again as one of the inaugural Championship's final eight teams.

Australia recorded a win (5-1 v Chinese Taipei), a draw (0-0 v England), and a loss (0-4 v USA) in their group matches, but have drawn the praise of opposition teams and FIFA officials alike for their ability, spirit, and style of play.

Brazil will enter the do-or-die clash as clear favourites, having dominated a tough Group B with a perfect win record, defeating Mexico 5-3, and Europe's top two ranked teams Germany and France, 1-0 and 4-0 respectively. They have entertained the Vancouver crowds with their trademark class, attacking panache, and speed.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to compete at this level and the possibility of even higher honours will be a chance the Australians won't let slip without giving their all.

Captain and Olympian Kate McShea returns for the quarterfinal after missing yesterday's game through suspension. McShea will no doubt be reflecting on the Matildas match against Brazil at the Sydney 2000 Olympics in which she played. Had the Matildas been able to hang on to their lead against their highly-fancied opponent, Australia would have advanced to the lofty heights of an Olympic semifinal. The two teams have never previously met at youth level.

The Australians are afforded little rest after their gruelling schedule of three matches in five days, and after today's relocation to Vancouver, only have two days to recuperate before the quarterfinal on Sunday (Australian time). The other three quarterfinals are played a day later.

England were relieved to learn of their quarterfinal berth after yesterday's last result came through, and face hosts and Group A winners Canada. Germany sealed second place in Group B with yesterday's win over Mexico and take on Japan who today catapulted themselves from fourth to second place in Group A with an upset win over Denmark. The Danes however still had a sufficient goal difference to claim the last spot in the final eight, and play Group C winners USA in their quarterfinal.

National Youth Coach Mike Mulvey is thrilled with Australia's history-making performance to date and the assignment that now lays before the team.

"We came here with minimal international experience, unsure of what to expect of the opposition and ourselves," said Mulvey last night. "We have now qualified for the quarterfinals of a World Cup, which is a significant achievement for Australian women's soccer. The players deserve all the accolades because they have represented their country with distinction and proved we are capable of performing on the world stage."

He added, "From here it gets harder, as Brazil have dominated their group, but we look forward to meeting the challenge."