They may only need a draw to progress to the knockout stages but Westfield Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy insists the side won’t change their proactive approach when they meet Sweden on Wednesday (AEST).
The Matildas are currently sitting second in Group D on three points, one ahead of the Swedes who have started the tournament with two draws.
“We’re just looking to stick to the plan that we usually have which doesn’t focus just on the defence,” Kennedy told reporters in Edmonton.
“We’re a possession-based team and we’ll still be looking to go forward and score lots of goals….or as many as we can.
“It’s two high quality teams. Sweden have a lot of good attacking flair so if our defence can hold that out, down the other end will take care of itself.
“We’ve got a great attacking team so I think it will be a really good game to watch.”
The Matildas and Sweden have been getting up close and personal even before Wednesday’s massive World Cup clash, with the two sides taking the same flight from Winnipeg and are also staying at the same hotel.
With so much at stake in their final group clash, Kennedy admits there’s unlikely to be too many pleasantries exchanged if they cross each other in the hotel lobby.
Matildas eyeing revenge against Sweden
“We didn’t speak to them on the plane,” the 20-year-old said.
“It can be a little bit awkward sharing a hotel with them.
“But our focus is on the game and those little things we try to block out and focus on the game. I haven’t really seen many of the Swedish girls, we just arrived last night so haven’t had any encounters with them yet.”
Matildas coach Alen Stajcic put the team through a light session on their arrival into a chilly Edmonton, with a number of players sitting out after two physical encounters in Winnipeg.
Co-captain Lisa De Vanna was one of the players given a watching brief but everyone is expected to be available for the clash with the world’s fifth-ranked side.
“We’ve just come off a tough game, it’s a long tournament so you just have to look after all the players,” Kennedy said of girls who sat out training.
“Don’t read into it too much, there’s not much behind that, it’s just looking after the girls.
“We’re just really happy with our game against Nigeria and got a lot of confidence from that so going into Sweden we’re looking to carry that onto the next game again.
“They have a few key players we’ll be looking to nullify. Hopefully we’ll get on top early and come away with a win.”
