Ellie Carpenter (front) of Australia competes in a group B match against Ireland at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 in Sydney, Australia, July 20, 2023. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)
With the return of superstar striker Sam Kerr, Australian defender Ellie Carpenter has confidence in the team.
CANBERRA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Star Australian defender Ellie Carpenter on Sunday expressed her confidence that the Matildas will perform at their best under pressure when they take on Canada in Group B on Monday.
The Matildas must beat the reigning Olympic champion in Melbourne to guarantee group survival at the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the do-or-die match, Carpenter, a UEFA Champions League winner with French side Lyon, said the team was well-prepared to deal with the pressure.
"Obviously, it's a unique situation, but it's not unique for us," she told reporters.
"Honestly, I feel like we're best when we have our backs to the wall.
"It's a do-or-die game and, with our spirit, we all know we have to leave everything out there on Monday."
Elimination from the World Cup - the first ever held in Australia - in the group stage would be catastrophic for the Matildas, who were ranked among the pre-tournament favorites.
Australia will be bolstered by the return of superstar striker Sam Kerr, who declared herself fit to feature against Canada after missing the victory over Ireland and the loss to Nigeria due to a calf injury.
In order to beat Canada, the highest-ranked team in Group B, the Matildas must remedy the defensive mistakes that Nigeria capitalized on in their shock 3-2 win in Brisbane on Thursday night.
Carpenter said the team was confident they would find solutions.
"At the World Cup, anyone can win on any given day. So it's about what team wants it the most and who performs," she said.
"Mentally we need to remind ourselves not to exert so much energy and focus before the game. And just wait until that whistle goes."
The 2023 Women's World Cup, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20, will see only the top two teams from each of the eight groups progress to the round of 16. ■