Australia to bounce back against rampant Brazil

Brazil look to continue their excellent start at the Women’s World Cup when they take on Australia in Montpellier but can the Matildas bounce back from late heartbreak against Italy. Have a read of our preview here:

Contrasting starts

Australia came in the World Cup with high hopes but they were dashed when Italy scored a 95th-minute winner in their opening match giving the Aussies a mountain to climb.

It looked as though things were going in Australia’s favour when they took a first-half leave through Sam Kerr but two strikes after the break left Matildas’ coach Ante Milicic very disappointed.

"We need to quickly regroup and focus on the Brazil game. We created enough chances to win the game but at the crucial times we didn't capitalise on our possession,” the coach said after the game.

"When we played our football we looked decent, but it was only in patches. Unfortunately, we were undone by a scenario where our shape wasn't what it needed to be. We're very disappointed."

Brazil, on the other hand, had no such problems and dominated their opening game from start to finish, winning by a comfortable 3-0 scoreline. Alright, Jamaica were not the toughest opponents but it was a signal of their intent.

Cristiane became the oldest player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup with the 34-year-old scoring a brilliant free-kick in a virtuoso display. The win means Brazil maintain their 100% record of winning opening games at World Cup finals.

Can Australia take their chances?

There is no doubt that the Australians deserved more from their opening game. They enjoyed more possession and had more efforts on target but it is whether they can do it against a stronger opponent that will be the worry for Milicic.

The tactical boldness of the Aussies needs to shine through after they found success using the 4-2-4 system which helped them stifle the opposition full-backs but they need to help out star player Sam Kerr, winner of four straight domestic Golden Boot Awards, if they are to beat Brazil.

Brazil there for the taking

Despite a comfortable win in the opening game this is not one of the better Brazil sides to grace the World Cup and they could be without star player Marta yet again. Geyse is a young star to keep an eye on – scoring 49 goals in 27 matches with Benfica in the Portuguese Second Division – but this side could well find the Matildas a tough opponent.

Australian vs Brazil Women’s World Cup betting tip

Both sides have players capable of scoring goals and it should be an entertaining game at La Mosson so backing both teams to score and Australia to win at odds of 29/10 seems about right.

Bet Both teams to score and Australia to win on 888sport