Matildas ready for Tournament of Nations

Coach Alen Stajcic is confident of a strong showing in the Tournament of Nations.

With more than half of the Matildas squad plying their trade overseas, national team coach Alen Stajcic is confident of a strong showing in the Tournament of Nations.

The Australian women’s soccer team take on hosts USA first-up today (AEST), before playing Japan and Brazil in the four-nation friendly tournament. Not only are they all top 10-ranked sides, but Australia’s most heated rivalries.

The Matildas knocked Brazil out of the last World Cup, before enduring heartbreak on penalties at their hands in last year’s Olympics. Stajcic’s side share great recent history with both world No 1 USA and regional rival Japan — with both edging Australia at the same World Cup. “They’re probably our three biggest rivals in major tournaments over the last three years,” he said.

“It’ll make for great matches.” Australia isn’t out of place among the elite company.

As world No 7, the Matildas are wedged between Japan and Brazil in the rankings. With so many of the Matildas playing abroad, Stajcic is expecting to see elite performances.

Striker Sam Kerr leads the foreign contingent. Attackers Michelle Heyman, Larissa Crummer and Kyah Simon all miss the tournament through injury.

AAP