Tournament of Nations ultimate guide: Westfield Matildas v United States

It's a rematch of the clash that transformed the Westfield Matildas from promising up-and-comers to potential global powerhouse.

Australia's 1-0 upset over the United States at the Tournament of Nations last July provided the necessary proof for players and alike to believe they were capable of taking down the reigning world champions.

READ: 'That's when we won people over, with our bravery and courage'

READ: The player who can help spring another upset over the United States

Now, in the first meeting since, the pressure will be on both sides gain a psychological edge ahead of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup™.

The infiltration of Westfield Matildas stars into the NWSL provides a sense of familiarity between the teams, but there's unlikely to be anything too friendly about this much-anticipated encounter.

WHERE AND WHEN

Pratt & Whitney Stadium, Connecticut

Date: Monday, 30 July AEST (Sunday, 29 July local)

Kick-off: 9:00am AEST (7:00pm local)

Broadcast: Live on Fox Sports 505

RECENT MEETINGS

This clash comes just 12 months on from the Westfield Matildas' maiden upset of the most famous force in women's football.

Tameka Butt netted the history-making winner, firing home at close range in the 67th minute of an absorbing encounter in Seattle.

Her lone goal ensured Australia would enjoy a measure of revenge for the 3-1 defeat they suffered in Group D of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup™.

The only other meeting between the pair in the last five years was a convincing 4-0 win for the USA in October 2013, hardly an indicator as to how tight the rivalry would become.

Emily van Egmond


FORM

Both nations enjoyed spectacular starts to this year's tournament.

Australia proved their stunning displays in 2017 were no fluke by dispatching Brazil 3-1 in Kansas on Friday morning.

Clever finishes either side of half-time from Butt and Sam Kerr added to an early Poliana own goal as the Westfield Matildas drew a line under their AFC Women's Asian Cup disappointment.

The USA, meanwhile, looked in similarly ominous touch in easing past Japan 4-2.

Star forward Alex Morgan hit a hat-trick before Megan Rapinoe iced the result after the hour to extend a commanding run of performances from Jill Ellis' side.

Indeed, they haven't lost since that defeat inflicted by Australia, winning 15 and drawing two in the 17 outings since.

USA


AUSTRALIAN SQUAD NEWS

Fatigue was raised by Stajcic as a factor in allowing Brazil to threaten late in the second half of Friday's match.

Teenager Amy Sayer, considered a long-term national team prospect, could be the player to benefit if the coach opts for fresh legs at the back, with Elise Kellond-Knight having picked up a knock.

A reshuffle involving the inclusion of Laura Alleway appears the most likely course if that is the case, although the late introduction of 15-year-old Mary Fowler last time out demonstrated a desire to blood new players.

Along with the result, the return of Caitlin Foord from a serious foot injury was the most positive outcome of Australia's first Tournament of Nations fixture, the versatile winger defying the expectation that she would only watch from the sidelines.

USA'S PLAYER TO WATCH

Alex Morgan: One of the biggest stars in the game is in sensational form.

The 29-year-old's treble against Japan improved the Orlando Pride player's record to an incredible 89 goals in 143 appearances.

Overlooked for FIFA's The Best award that Kerr will hope to scoop, Morgan is sure to have a point to prove.

Morgan

CURRENT WORLD RANKINGS

Australia: 8

USA: 1

FINAL WORD

This is big! Picking up where they left off a year ago, the Westfield Matildas are already flying at the Tournament of Nations.

But the big win over Brazil does come with a disclaimer against over-excitement: Australia's considerable edge on the South Americans is now proven, and a bigger test surely awaits in Connecticut.

Much of the mystique around the USA was removed by the win Stajcic's side inflicted 12 months ago and both teams will be desperate for the mental edge ahead of any potential date in France next year.

This could prove the most accurate measure of Australia's readiness for the real thing.

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This article was originally published on the CommBank Matildas website.
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