Falcons World Cup Opponent Admits Nigeria Will Be Tough

Two-time Olympic gold-winner and Coach of Sweden, Pia Sundhage has said that Group D remains the toughest in the FIFA World Cup in Canada.

The former FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women's Football disclosed that the Super Falcons of Nigeria would be the team to beat because they are a great side coming into this competition.

“It's a very tough group. If you look at
each team you will know what I mean. USA is probably the best team in the world and then you have Nigeria who are a very tough team; playing them in the first game will be tough because they are good in the air.”

"I followed them at the U-20 and the fact that they reached the finals absolutely buttresses that they have good players so it's going to be real tough and you add Australia to that who are well organised, it's going to be a real tough and exciting group”

"I hope Sweden is among the two teams that make it out of the group because US are at the top right now so it's them and any other team which I am hoping its Sweden” Sundhage said.

Canada 2015 will be Sweden's seventh appearance at the Women's World Cup, maintaining their perfect record during the qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Australia Coach, Alen Stajcic has said he is excited at the prospect of playing the best teams in the world.

Stajcic, who only assumed the reins on a permanent basis last September, having taken over on an interim basis for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, said that though the group is tough, he was optimistic his side will scale through.

"This is probably the toughest group at the World Cup, at the same time I am excited that we are going to be playing the toughest teams in the world, Europe and Africa.

"I think Australia can come out of this group because we are a young team who are improving and progressing

"We will not underestimate or give too much respect to any team as we will take them as they come.”

"I think Nigeria has the chance to come out of the group because I watched U-20 World Cup and I saw the young girl Oshoala and I thought she was electrifying. I have really followed Nigerian girls and I hope we can make it out of the group because they are going to be a tough side to face” said Stajcic.