Waldrum braces for Australian challenge

<p>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.</p>, <p>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.</p>, <p>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.</p>, <p>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.</p>, <p>“I always love a challenge so, I’m looking forward to the game,” Waldrum told PUNCH Sports Extra.</p>, <p>“It won’t get easier with Australia as they have a great team, speed and very good in transition both ways.”</p>, <p>Waldrum admits getting a point off the Canadians Friday wasn’t an easy task.</p>, <p>“It was a difficult match (versus Canada) but the players were good in following the game plan for most of the part.</p>, <p>“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.</p>, <p>Australia will be without star striker Sam Kerr, who has a calf injury. Her absence will be a major boost to the Falcons’ chances.</p>, <p>“It happens in football, unfortunately,” Waldrum said of Kerr’s injury.</p>, <p>“It’s part of the game but they’re still a really good side.</p>, <p>“I watched their performance against Ireland, they’re dangerous with so many different weapons.</p>, <p>“We can’t go into it thinking the game is already won because they don’t have a star player. Our players understand that.”</p>