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The Matildas are on the path to reach at least the World Cup semi-finals and could go all the way to the final according to Canadian coach Bev Priestman after Monday night’s thrashing of the Olympic champions.
Priestman declared the Australians were a “top, top side” in the wake of the 4-0 victory in the do-or-die battle in Melbourne and with superstar Sam Kerr still to return after being kept on the bench to aid her recovery from a calf injury.
With coach Tony Gustavsson under increasing pressure, and playing without Kerr, the Matildas were unstoppable as they progressed to the knockout stages and it left Priestman in no doubt how far the Australians could go.
“These moments define you. I know that from Tokyo,” Priestman said.
“On that result they‘re going to be riding a massive high. They‘ve turned things around in one game and they were brave and they went for it and changed things.
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“Australia are a top, top side and I‘ve said that from the start.
“There’s nothing stopping them pushing through this because they should be probably in the top four of a World Cup.”
Priestman also singled out Gustavsson, who was criticised for his secrecy around Kerr’s injury and his tactics and lack of substitutions in the opening two matches, especially a 3-2 loss to Nigeria, for praise.
The Swede would most likely have lost his job if the Matildas didn’t progress beyond the group stage at a home World Cup and Priestman said he delivered.
“I know that guy’s has been under a massive amount of criticism and pressure, and he was brave,” Priestman said.
“Good on him. Australia were the better team.”
