While they managed to avoid the brutal top half of the World Cup bracket and got a top seed despite not being ranked in the world’s top five, Brazil aren’t exactly getting preferential treatment. They have arguably the toughest Round of 16 match of any group winner -- a showdown with Australia.
Brazil vs. Australia, 2015 World Cup: Time, TV schedule and live stream
It looked like Brazil got a few gifts from FIFA during the draw, but this is no reward.
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
The Matildas finished second in the tournament’s “group of death” with the United States, Sweden and Nigeria, performing well in all three of their matches. However, their lack of fitness relative to the Americans looked to be their downfall in their opener, so coach Alen Stajcic will hope his team is a little more prepared in this game. They’ll have a lot of running to do to beat Brazil.
That’s especially true since the Brazilians are rested. They won their first two group stage games and clinched the top spot, so all of Marta, Christiane, Formica, Fabina, Thiasa and Alves rested for the Costa Rica match.
Key player: Marta
Could it be anyone else? Marta might not be the undisputed greatest player on Earth anymore, but she's still clearly one of the top five and Brazil's most dangerous attacking star. Vadão has a tough decision on his hands -- does he re-arrange his team to get her closer to goal, or does he stick with playing her on the left?
Key matchup: Lisa De Vanna vs. Tamires and Rafaelle
The Matildas’ most experienced attacker has terrorized defenses with her pace cutting in from the right wing during this tournament. Brazil’s left back and left center back will have to be on the same page to contain her.
Match date/time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Venue: Moncton Stadium, Moncton, Canada
TV: FOX Sports 1 (U.S. - English), Telemundo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN4, RDS (Canada), Eurosport, BBC red button (U.K.), SBS One (Australia), SporTV, TV Brazil (Brazil)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S. - English), NBC deportes en vivo extra (U.S. - Spanish), Eurosport player, BBC player (U.K.), SBS (Australia)
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