By Matt Walsh
CANBERRA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Such is the fierceness of the rivalry shared by the Australian women's football team, known as the Matildas, and Brazil, Australia's coach Alen Stajcic might have been planning on how to beat the 'Canarinhas' well before Sunday morning's (Australian time) official draw for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
And as fate would have it, the 6th-ranked Australia drew Brazil as well as up-and-comers Italy and Jamaica in Group C of next year's highly-anticipated tournament, but it's the match-up with the South Americans that already has fans salivating as it's sure to add yet another riveting chapter in the annals of their modern rivalry.
Having squared off against the Brazilians at the last three World Cups, at the 2016 Olympics in one of the more controversial meetings, and in numerous "friendlies" along the journey, Stajcic said it was fitting that Australia would once again meet the 10th-ranked powerhouses in June next year.
"It wouldn't be a major football tournament for the Matildas unless we had to play Brazil - in 2007, 2011, 2015 and now 2019, and the Olympics we've crossed paths with them," Stajcic told the Matildas' official website following Sunday morning's draw in France.
"We've beaten each other so many times over the past few tournaments so it's just exciting to be playing them again."
Australia's coach was also hesitant to write off the 16th-ranked Italy from causing headaches at the tournament, citing the rapid professionalization of the local women's league as a reason not to take the Azzure lightly at the upcoming World Cup.
"We haven't played (Italy) in a major tournament. (They are a) good up-and-coming team, there is a new professional league in Italy, very tough opponents," Stajcic said.
The Matildas coach also tipped his hat to the rapid rise of his side's final World Cup opponents, Jamaica, explaining that the Caribbean nation's development pathways - namely the use of American high school and college systems - were offering young athletes the best opportunity to play competitive football ahead of the tournament.
"Jamaica's got so many young girls playing in the American colleges and, again, (they are) another emerging nation and first time in the World Cup for them," Stajcic said on Sunday.
The overwhelming feeling towards the Matildas' World Cup campaign is one of not-so-quiet optimism despite the team having never progressed beyond the quarterfinals at the tournament.
Considered to be one of the world's best teams featuring some of the world's best players - including Sam Kerr who finished fifth in last week's Women's Ballon d'Or award - Australia appears well placed to go deep into the tournament at France 2019 and perhaps, if things fall their way, secure a maiden World Cup trophy.
Meanwhile tournament hosts and 3rd-ranked France will be hoping for a smooth pathway out of Group A (featuring Norway, South Korea and Nigeria) to give itself the best chance to emulate the success achieved by the men's team at this year's FIFA World Cup, while China will face the No. 2-ranked Germany and the No. 12-ranked Spain in a tough Group B.
Having recorded their best World Cup finish of third in 2015, Phil Neville's England may find it challenging to repeat that feat after being drawn in Group D with Scotland, Argentina and Japan, who knocked the Lionesses out at the semifinal stage in Canada.
That looks to be the toughest group, bringing a wry smile from draw conductor and former England defender Alex Scott, alongside former Manchester United and France striker Louis Saha, in Paris' Seine Musical venue.
"I know Phil Neville is here tonight and I'm sure he'll be telling his players 'bronze medal is good, but it's about turning that bronze medal into a gold one.' You want to make sure you're on the podium," Scott told the packed auditorium including coaches and players from all 24 participating nations.
The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup begins in France on June 7, 2019 and concludes on July 7. Australia play their first match against Italy in Valenciennes on June 9.
