Striker Sam Kerr has identified the Westfield Matildas' speed up front as the key to overcoming the USA in their World Cup opener in Winnipeg on Tuesday morning (AEST).
Speaking after the Matildas held their first training session in their Canadian host city on Saturday Kerr said the buzz and self-belief around camp was definitely building ahead of the blockbuster clash.
While the 21-year-old admitted it's no secret how the Aussies intend to shut down the world No.2 Americans she indicated the result wouldn't necessarily dictate their tournament fate.
“It's been a long time coming, we've been working for six months on this. Even longer when we found out the group stages. We're just been really, really excited,” Kerr told reporters after training.
“We're confident in our ability and obviously there are some strong teams in there (the Matildas group) but we don't come here to play weak teams and there's no weak team in the World Cup.
“It's important to get a win obviously but if things don't go to plan it's not the end of the world, there's still two games left and we need to win those two.”
Although still just 21 this will be the second World Cup for Kerr, having made her international debut back in 2009.
With many of her teammates having shared the experience of Germany four years ago Kerr said the squad is much more prepared this time around.
“A lot of us were just kids back then including myself. We know what's coming this time. We know how big the occasion is,” she said
“We've had four more year’s experience, a lot of us have played overseas.
“For the ones that haven't been to a World Cup a lot of us girls are walking them through it, explaining what it's like.”
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The Perth Glory star felt the Matildas had great depth across the park and were capable of mixing it with any side at the tournament.
“We've got a lot of speed up front, I think everyone knows that but we've got great midfielders too,” she said.
“If we stick to our game plan we think we have the patience and the ability to break anyone down.”
All matches from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™ will be live on SBS ONE, SBS HD and online, with the only exceptions being the concurrent group stage matches which will be streamed live online at www.sbs.com.au/theworldgame.
