Stajcic: Matildas' best yet to come

The Matildas are 90 minutes away from a FIFA World Cup semi-final but coach Alen Stajcic insists his young side isn’t getting carried with the hype surrounding their incredible run at the tournament.

Australia knocked off South American powerhouse Brazil in the round of 16 to book a clash with reigning world champions Japan in the last eight on Sunday morning (AEST).

The 1-0 win was the first by an Australian senior team – men’s or women’s – in a knockout match at the FIFA World Cup.

Preview: Matildas v Japan

Stajcic feels his side has yet to reach their potential but is adamant the Matildas are more than capable of progressing further in the competition.

“It’s not really a time to reflect on history or what we’ve done, how far we’ve progressed or what we want to do. It’s really just 100% focus on the match,” Stajcic told the World Game.

“Everyone within the squad, the staff and the players are just focused on what we have to do to win this match.  That’s all we can focus on and all we want to focus on.

“There’s still a lot of improvement in each player… They’re all playing well but I know they can play even better. If everyone plays to their peak we’re going to be unbeatable.”

Steph Catley celebrates a goal with her Matildas teammates.

Japan have had a relatively straightforward run to the quarter finals, winning all three of their group matches before easing past the Netherlands in the round of 16.

Stajcic admitted Japan were a dangerous proposition but suggested their Asian counterparts wouldn’t receive the same freedom in possession as they have throughout the tournament.

VIDEO: Abbott's message to the Matildas

“There’s only one difference, we’re not the Netherlands. We played Japan twice last year and the games we played against Japan didn’t look like any of the games they’ve played at this World Cup,” Stajcic said at the pre-game press conference.   

“They’ve played four opponents who dropped off and gave them a lot of respect, as they deserve, but that’s not the kind of game they’re going to see against us.

“Japan are going to have to deal with us as well.  We’ve got a lot of attacking threat, a lot of mobility and a lot of speed.”

Kyah Simon and Lisa De Vanna celebrate giving the Matildas the lead against Brazil.

Hot temperatures are expected for the clash in Edmonton but Stajcic says his youthful side will have no issues dealing with the conditions.

"We’ve played in this hot weather before and even hotter. The last time we played Japan it was 37 °C and a lot more humid than what it is here at the moment,” he said.

“We’ve got a good level of fitness, we’ve got a good young team. We’re probably the fittest team at the tournament at the moment and Japan are going to have to deal with a fit and fast Australia tomorrow.”  

Matildas in article banner.