Defender Laura Alleway insists the Westfield Matildas are more than capable of upsetting South American giants Brazil in Monday’s (AEST) do-or-die round of 16 clash.
The Samba Queens cruised through the group stage with wins over Korea Republic, Spain and Costa Rica, and are yet to concede a goal.
Australia had a more testing run to the knockout stages after suffering a first up loss to the USA before securing a hard-fought win over Nigeria and a draw with Sweden to book a spot in the last 16.
25-year-old Alleway said the Matildas have grown in confidence throughout the tournament and insists the side won't be intimidated by the South American outfit on Monday (AEST).
“We have grown in confidence from game to game. Any team can win in this tournament. It really just depends on those 90 minutes. We’ve got an impressive attacking force, we’re going to take it to them on Sunday,” Alleway said.
"It’s a tournament where its so tight, on the day it’s going to take one moment to win it. No one’s an out and out powerhouse these days."
Brazilian star Marta returns for the Samba Queens after sitting out the side's final group game against Costa Rica with a slight niggle.
The five-time FIFA World Player of the Year looms as the biggest threat for Alen Stajcic's side and Alleway admits she is relishing the challenge.
"It’s really exciting and I like to rise to the challenge. In order to be one of the best teams, you need to compete with the best players," she said.
Every player you come up against is someone new, someone exciting. If I can help the team keep her quiet, that’s my job done.”
The winner of Monday's clash will set up a quarter final clash with either Japan or the Netherlands.
