‘Keep believing in us’: Kennedy’s message to Matildas fans

Don’t stop believing – that’s Alanna Kennedy’s message to Matildas fans, as Australia prepare for Friday morning’s crucial Group C clash with Brazil.

Kennedy, 24, is confident the Matildas – who opened their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign with a heartbreaking late defeat to Italy last Sunday – will bounce back against the South American giants in Montpellier.

“Keep believing in us,” Kennedy said. “We believe in ourselves and we know that we’ll come back from the first game.

“We’re not too worried or concerned about that. Obviously it wasn’t the result that we wanted, but our focus is solely on the next couple of games.

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Nothing changes, we want to continue to win our games.

“We want [Matildas fans] behind us, and we hope to do them proud.”

Seven-time Copa America Femenina champions Brazil opened their World Cup account with a 3-0 win over Jamaica on Sunday, with veteran striker Cristiane breaking a World Cup record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.

The Canarinhas are a familiar foe for Australia, with the two nations meeting four times in the past two years – at the 2017 and 2018 Tournament of Nations, and during September 2017 friendlies in Sydney and Newcastle.

The Matildas triumphed on each occasion against the world No.10-ranked side, netting a combined total of 14 goals and conceding five.

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'Nothing changes' for the Matildas after Italy defeat, says Kennedy

“As soon as we were on the bus [after Italy] the focus was on Brazil,” Kennedy said.

“We are all on the same page and ready to regroup, and our focus was straight on to the Brazil game.

“A tournament Brazilian team is very strong. They’re very physical, skilful and they have a lot of experience in their team as well, so I expect it will be a good match.”

Kick off in Australia v Brazil is at 2.00am AEST on Friday morning, June 14

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The Matildas in training at the Complexe Sportif Joseph Jeanton in Fabregues, on the outskirts of Montpellier

World Cup France 2019™ – Group C – Australia Matches

Australia v Brazil
Date: Friday, 14 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Kick-off: 2.00am AEST (6.00pm local time, Thursday 13 June)

Jamaica v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
Kick-off: 5.00am AEST (9.00pm local time, Tuesday 18 June)

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This article was originally published on the CommBank Matildas website.
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