Carson, CA (My Sportsbook) - Unlike some of the other weekend matches, strong defense should be on display when Australia and Russia tangle in their first match of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup just outside of Los Angeles on Sunday. Australia relies heavily on defender and all-time leading scorer Cheryl Salisbury. She ended the Aussie's scoring drought that lasted nearly 500 minutes, in a 1-0 exhibition victory over Scotland. At 6-feet, Salisbury's presence can be seen anywhere on the pitch and is the team's most versatile player. Russia counters with veteran goalkeeper Svetlana Petko. She has earned more than 130 caps and has been in net for the country since they began international play in 1990. Petko, 33, helped Russia reach the quarterfinals at USA 1999, before bowing out to China. Maria Bourakova joins her in the back as the team's oldest player at 37-years-old. Russia appears to have more viable scoring options than their down-under counterparts. Alexandra Svetslikaia, Irina Gregorieva and Natalia Barbashina lead the attack. Other than Salisbury, Joanne Peters and Kelly Golebiowski are midfielders who could find the net, though they haven't done too much of it lately. Peters and Golebiowski scored twice for their respective WUSA clubs -- New York Power and Washington Freedom -- this season. Australia's defense is wounded as Dianne Alagich is bothered by a slight hamstring injury. Many believe the winner of this Group D match-up will move on to the quarterfinals. |
