Norway, Australia to battle for Group C lead

Soccer Betting Lines

09/14/2007 - Hangzhou, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The top spot in Group C will be on the line on Saturday when Australia meets Norway in the second game for both teams.

Norway earned a tough 2-1 comeback win against Canada, while Australia recorded its first ever win in the World Cup with a 4-1 triumph against Ghana.

The Matildas entered the Ghana match with a 0-7-2 record in World Cup play, but showed why they can be considered a threat to advance past the group stage for the first time ever.

Striker Sarah Walsh was the most dangerous player on the field for Australia, scoring one goal and setting up another. She was a problem from the opening whistle for Ghana, and she will be counted on once again to lead the Australia attack.

Lisa DeVanna came off the bench to score twice in the second half and Heather Garriock tallied the other Australia goal and played a solid match as well.

The Australia defense was not tested all that much by a weak Ghana attack, so there are still question marks as to how strong this unit is.

Having come through the tough Asian qualifying group, Australia showed its quality, but we will get an idea of just how good the Matildas have become following the Norway game.

The Norwegians are an extremely sound team technically, and will not make the mistakes in defense that allowed Walsh to get into space. They also have a player in striker Ragnhild Gulbrandsen who will give the defense all it can handle.

Gulbrandsen got free inside the box on numerous occasions against Canada, scoring one goal and helping to set up the game winner. She is a dominant player in the air, and also has some skill with her feet as well. Australia captain Cheryl Salisbury will likely draw the assignment of keeping Gulbrandsen in check, which is a big task for any defender.

Norway is known as a team that favors short passes en route to a nice build up. However, against Canada, they showed the ability to use the long ball and prove that they are capable of making adjustments.

The team's second-half effort against Canada was dominant, and they will have no trouble with any team in their group if they can duplicate that performance.

Norway is one of the most complete teams in this tournament, and they should show that against Australia on Saturday and take control of the group.

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