Matildas can make Cup semi-finals: Stajcic

Jun 16, 2015 - 4:35 AM As the Matildas focus on revenge against football heavyweights Sweden at the Women's World Cup, coach Alen Stajcic is boldly glancing ahead into uncharted territory.

"Anyone who gets out of this group, I'm certain will end up in the top two or four in this tournament," Stajcic declared on the eve of Australia's final Group D fixture against the nation that knocked them out at the quarter-final stage in 2011.

The Matildas need only a draw with their fifth-ranked foes in Edmonton on Wednesday morning (AEST) to secure automatic progression to the last 16, so long as the US doesn't lose to Nigeria.

But the trapdoor is still unsettlingly ajar, as even at this late stage second-placed Australia can finish anywhere from top to bottom in their "group of death".

As they prepare for a formidable task against Sweden's devastating attack, the much-matured side can count some key statistics in their favour.

A superb forward line-up including Kyah Simon and Sam Kerr has ensured they've had the most shots on target of the entire group.

They also kept a clean sheet for the very first time in Australian Women's World Cup history against Nigeria on Saturday.

Stajcic counted both as promising omens as his charges near the green light to the knockout stages, and made the daring prediction that if the Matildas can escape the competition's toughest group they are at the very least semi-finals contenders.

"You know I looked at Germany's game today, and they've been rotating their squad and putting different combinations of players in," he said.

"Looking at the toughness of their group - you know they've only really played one tough game.

"If we get to the knockout stages, we've been through three massive battles, three massive games of which were all tough.

"And this young group I'm sure will mature and grow as the tournament goes on, if we can make it that far."

Though Stajcic declined to name his starting XI, he confirmed every player is fit.

Co-captain Clare Polkinghorne could return from a hamstring injury to make her first appearance in the tournament.

Defender Steph Catley said avenging their 2011 defeat to Sweden was motivating the players who were present in a 3-1 capitulation four years ago.

She also conceded there were a few nerves in camp given the importance of the clash, but was confident the Matildas' staunch defence was well-equipped to handle star Swedish striker Lotta Schelin.

"We've got some really good defenders, and coming off a game where we got a clean sheet," Catley said.

"Our back four in particular held strong and played a good game.

"Were going in with a lot of confidence, we've done the research, and we know what she's good at and how we can nullify her."

Source: AAP