After winning their opening game against New Zealand, Australia will meet Sweden in a game that could shape the group.
The top two teams meet on Saturday with Sweden just having brushed aside the U.S.A 3-0 in a dominant display.
Australia held the European powerhouse to a 0-0 draw in June but manager Peter Gerhardsson kept some key players out of the starting lineup.
The full power of the Swedish attack was unleashed against the Americans who had no answer for their mobility and finishing.
Australia’s win against the Football Ferns was a return to winning ways by a team that has struggled while they adjusted to new tactics and formations.
Conceding a late goal may come back to haunt them if the table is decided by goal difference. A point against Sweden would be a huge achievement, a win would be monumental.
Keys to Victory
Australia
The Matildas created chances in their first game but only scored twice. Kyah Simon, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso came close from open play but they cannot afford to miss against the Swedes.
America’s World Cup winning strike force was denied space and opportunity by Swedens pressure and commitment. Australia can expect another tough contest and must convert better than they did in the opener.
What Australia does have is one of the world’s best strikers. Kerr is not necessarily the most clinical finisher but she took her chance against New Zealand and has the ability to trouble Sweden with her pace and physicality.
They will need to defend with discipline and attack with precision.
Sweden
The group leaders will be buoyant after their opening game and will be confident that they can get another three points.
They were flawless against the five time world champions and were unlucky not to win by a bigger margin.
In a complete performance they denied the U.S chances and created their own. Only the introduction of Megan Rapinoe at half time momentarily threatened to change the result.
If they play to the same level against Australia, Matildas fans could be in for a night of tough watching.
Player to Watch
Magda Eriksson
An athletic, tactically efficient and technically excellent, Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson missed the first game through injury.
If she takes the field against Australia it will further strengthen a side that needs no help.
Eriksson was instrumental in Chelsea’s run to the title and run to the Champions League final and is regarded as one of the WSL’s best players.
If Kerr is The Matildas biggest weapon, Eriksson is the answer. They have trained together and played together for over a year. There is nobody better equipped at these Olympics to handle the star forward.
Match Information
Sweden vs Australia Group G
Date: Saturday 24th July
Kickoff : 6:30 pm
Venue: Saitama Stadium Toyko.
