Wed Sep 5 22:58:33 2007

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2007 Women's World Cup Preview - Australia

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(Sports Network) - Australia will be making its fourth appearance in the Women's World Cup, but has yet to record a win in the premier event in the women's game so far.

The Matildas record of 0-7-2 in three previous World Cups does not exactly inspire confidence, but a strong qualifying campaign leading up to this year's event is reason for optimism.

Australia joined a strong Asian field for the first time in attempting to grab one of two automatic spots. With strong competition in Japan, North Korea and China, the Aussies did well to win three of their four games before knocking off China in the final on penalty kicks.

Manager Tom Sermanni will lean heavily on captain Cheryl Salisbury, who at age 33 is Australia's all-time leader in goals (29) and caps (113).

With Salisbury leading the way, Sermanni has added a good collection of youth to the side in promising young players Sally Shipard, Collette McCallum and Kylie Ledbrook. That trio all took part in the Australia side that participated in the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship in Russia, giving them an idea of what they will be up against in China.

"I think we certainly have the potential to win a World Cup," Salisbury told FIFA's website. "We have the potential to beat any team out there and our results have certainly indicated that we can do that."

While winning the entire tournament may be a bit of a lofty goal, Australia will have a chance to advance past the group stage for the first time ever.

The Matildas were drawn into Group C with Norway, Ghana and Canada. Norway figures to emerge as group winners, with the other three fighting it out for second place.

Canada would appear to be the favorites to grab the second spot based on their semifinal appearance in the 2003 Cup. Australia is familiar with Ghana, having played the African side in the past two World Cups. The Aussies are 0-1-1 against Ghana, but will need a better result to have any chance at progressing.

The team opens up with Ghana in its first match and needs three points to have a chance at moving on. They then face Norway and Canada to finish things up and will be lucky to take one point away from those two contests.

Australia will have a tough time getting into the knockout round, but its first win and a competitive showing would be a step in the right direction.

PAST ACHIEVEMENTS:

-- Champion Oceania Womens Cup - 1995, 1998, 2003.

-- 2nd Oceania Womens Cup - 1983, 1986, 1991.

-- Champion Asian Cup - 2006

-- Qualifiers FIFA Women's World Cup - 1995, 1999, 2003