Matildas believe they can beat France, so do we – SMH editorial

When Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson was asked a year ago whether the Australian team, after seven failed attempts, could be victorious at this year’s FIFA World Cup, his answer was typically enigmatic. Rather than highlighting the team’s athletic prowess, the Swedish coach wanted to dwell on the players’ state of mind: “When you believe, it means you can achieve something that is more than expected of a team … If we can believe, then it’s going to be a very, very interesting…