Marta ready to inspire Brazil against Matildas

AFP, Vancouver :
Superstar forward Marta returns as Brazil bid to maintain their winning momentum at the Women’s World Cup against Australia on Sunday, with France and Canada also in action in the last 16.
Third-ranked France will be up against South Korea in Montreal while hosts Canada play Switzerland over on the west coast in Vancouver.
“Australia are a very competitive team, very intense players,” said Brazil coach Vadao of their 10th-ranked opponents ahead of the game in Moncton.
“We’re going to face a very strong rival. It’s sudden death and we can’t afford any mistakes. We have to fine tune and every detail is going to be very important.”
Marta did not play in the 2007 runners-up final group game against Costa Rica, because of a slight injury, along with stalwarts Cristiane and Formiga.
But Vadao insisted: “Marta will play on Sunday I can tell you that for sure.”
The 29-year-old former five-time world footballer of the year is bidding to add a first world title to her trophy cabinet.