Waldrum braces for Australian challenge

Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, is braced for his side’s clash against co-hosts Australia in their second Group B game at the 52,250 capacity Lang Park stadium in Brisbane on Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

This comes after Waldrum’s team picked a point on his World Cup debut at the tournament last Friday, while the Matildas recorded a nervy 1-0 win over Ireland a day earlier.

The nine-time African champions forced Canada to a goalless draw at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium with stand-in captain, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the heroine making several saves, including stopping Christine Sinclair’s penalty.

Speaking with PUNCH Sports Extra ahead of their clash against the Aussies, Waldrum said playing against the co-hosts and their fans was a challenge he was looking up to.

“I always love a challenge so, I’m looking forward to the game,” Waldrum told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“It won’t get easier with Australia as they have a great team, speed and very good in transition both ways.”

Waldrum admits getting a point off the Canadians Friday wasn’t an easy task.

“It was a difficult match (versus Canada) but the players were good in following the game plan for most of the part.

“We have to try to improve our performance but overall I’m pleased with the way the team played and the way we thought we had to play to get a result. I’m pleased and they did perform well in that regard.

Australia will be without star striker Sam Kerr, who has a calf injury. Her absence will be a major boost to the Falcons’ chances.

“It happens in football, unfortunately,” Waldrum said of Kerr’s injury.

“It’s part of the game but they’re still a really good side.

“I watched their performance against Ireland, they’re dangerous with so many different weapons.

“We can’t go into it thinking the game is already won because they don’t have a star player. Our players understand that.”