Analysis: Why we can we win next World Cup

Can the Westfield Matildas win the next FIFA Women’s World Cup? It’s a question that’s being asked more and more regularly given the performances from Alen Stajcic’s side in recent times.

The message from the coach and star players like Lisa De Vanna and Sam Kerr has always followed the same path.

‘We want to be the best in the world and win the World Cup’.

Is that a pipe-dream or reality? Recent events would suggest the latter.

In their last five matches – including Tuesday night’s 3-2 win over the Samba stars in Newcastle - Australia has beaten the world no.1 USA, Asian heavyweights Japan, as well as Brazil a record three times in a row.

And they've done it scoring 16 goals while conceding just six.

It’s also the first time a senior Westfield Matildas team has won five international matches in a row.

The win over the USA at the Tournament of Nations was an especially significant result.

Not only was it Australia’s first win over the US in their history, it proved to the fans – and more importantly, the players – that the best side in the world is not unbeatable.

On a given day, Australia can beat the USA in women's football.

If the two should clash in a knockout match at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, the Westfield Matildas would have a valuable point of reference.

Remember Seattle 2017.

Remember the day when Tameka Butt's goal was enough for a 1-0 win.

It's no longer something which has been dreamed about, but not achieved.

These players now know how to beat the USA.

That's massive.

The Tournament of Nations win also swung the nation behind their new sporting darlings.

A sold-out crowd packed into Pepper Stadium on Saturday, bringing tears to the eyes of even the most-seasoned veterans in the Westfield Matildas side.

The momentum gained from such strong, partisan support cannot be underestimated.

Striker Sam Kerr is now a true star of women's football and is a strong tip to be named FIFA women's player of the year at next month's glitzy awards in London.

But she's by no means the leader of a one-woman band.

Lisa De Vanna's stunning goal on Saturday was just the latest in a long line of eye-catching moments from the veteran striker.

Others like Stephanie Catley, Elise Kellond-Knight, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy continue to consistently produce at the highest level.

And there's a new wave of youngsters like Ellie Carpenter, Chloe Logarzo and Hayley Raso – just to name a few – stepping up to the plate as well.

Everyone wants to be a part of this brave and exciting new world of Australian women's football.

Winning the FIFA World Cup certainly won't be easy.

European powerhouses Germany, England and 2019 hosts France have very solid women's sides.

Canada are improving and the USA will come again.

But if we crystal-ball gaze two years into the future, and allow ourselves to dream a little, is it possible that it'll be Australian hands gleefully thrusting the World Cup into the Paris sky?

Yes. Yes, it is.

The Westfield Matildas celebrate a goal in he 3-2 win over Brazil in Newcastle.