Matildas’ fate waits

IT’S the date that could decide the Matildas’ World Cup fate, but will six-time FIFA women’s player of the year Marta even make it to the party?

The best player to have graced the women’s game has been battling a hamstring injury that forced her to sit out Brazil’s 3-0 opening win over Jamaica.

Things were looking rosier yesterday when she managed light training, a sign she could yet make an appearance tomorrow morning (AEST).

But while Cristiane’s hat-trick on Sunday may suggest it’s a case of no Marta, no worries against an Australian side that’s beaten them four times running, there remains no question as to who’s the real star of the Canarinhas.

Nicknamed “Pele in a skirt” by the great man himself, the No.10 has redefined women’s football. With 15 goals from her four previous Women’s World Cups, she’s the tournament’s all-time record scorer and could yet add to that tally in her unlikely bid to obtain the one trophy that’s eluded her otherwise illustrious career.

Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy said she “couldn't care less whether Marta plays or not”, yet in the same breath spoke of her Orlando Pride teammate’s capacity for the technically improbable. “She’s got that winning mentality and that nous, particularly in front of goal,” Kennedy said.