Foord steps in to help Matildas defence repel Brazil

Australia star Caitlin Foord is getting used to being surprised at World Cups.

Caitlin Foord in action against the United States during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 Group D match (Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Four years ago, 16-year-old Foord was stunned to discover she'd be facing up to Brazil and marking women's football icon Marta in just her second international.

On Monday morning (AEST), she'll face the five-time world player of the year once more despite preparing to score goals, not stop them in Canada.

Foord admits she came into the Women's World Cup expecting, like most observers, to feature in the forward line.

But injuries to centre-backs Clare Polkinghorne and Alanna Kennedy put paid to coach Alen Stajcic's plans and returned Foord to defence.

"I was training all year up front but not long before the US game, I was needed at the back," she said.

"It was a surprise but I was fine going in there, I've played a lot of my football at the back."

As it turns out, Foord's shift to defence has proved a success.

The Matildas front three of Lisa De Vanna, Sam Kerr and Kyah Simon has powered their campaign, with Kerr overlapping with Foord to give then another dimension in attack.

Against Brazil in their Round of 16 knock-out match, the Matildas' flexibility, as typified by Foord, could be their biggest asset.

The almost-permanent South American champion has enjoyed a perfect start to its Cup campaign with wins in its three group matches.

With qualification assured, Brazil was able to rest key players in its final group match to prepare for its date with the Matildas.

Australia has plenty of history with the Brazilians beyond their 1-0 group stage loss in 2011.

In 2007, the 'Canarinhas' knocked Australia out at the quarter-final stage in a memorable if painful 3-2 loss.

At each of the Matildas' Olympics appearances, Australia has paired with Brazil and lost each time.

But Foord says qualifying out of the Cup's 'group of death' has given the Matildas the confidence to turn the tables in Moncton.

"The goal was to make it out of the group, and if we did that we knew we could win the thing after playing those teams," she said.

"It's a big achievement in itself, no one really expected it.

"Every game we've gotten better and there's a lot more to come from us.

"If we can play like that, there's no reason we can't beat any team."