Sitting pretty at the top of their section, Australia and Norway trade blows on Saturday intent on picking up the three points that could see them through to the last eight - depending on the result of the group's earlier match. The Matildas, for example, will advance if they win and Canada fail to do likewise, while Norway can reach the quarters provided they follow up either a draw or a Canadian win with three points against the Aussies.

The game
Australia-Norway, Hangzhou, Saturday 15 September, 20:00 (local time)

The stakes
The leading duo could hardly be in better spirits after winning their opening games at China 2007. Australia finally registered their first FIFA Women's World Cup win at the tenth time of asking when they disposed of Ghana 4-1, gaining revenge for a 2-1 defeat at the same stage four years ago.

Rivals Norway were up against it after a sloppy first-half performance against Canada. The 1995 winners turned it on after the interval, though, to bag the points with a stirring comeback.

The players
The Matildas will be without Joanne Peters, who went off with knee injury against the Ghanaians. Initial fears of a torn cruciate ligament proved unfounded, and it is hoped Peters will shake off the problem in time for the group finale against Canada. Sally Shipard has also been left relieved after a suspected broken toe proved merely to be severely bruised. Norway, meanwhile, go into the match with a clean bill of health.

The past
Three times the two teams have met in friendlies, and three times Norway have won, the first victory coming in China in 1998 when the Scandinavians triumphed 3-0.

The birthday girl
Madeleine Giske turned 20 on Friday and the Norway midfielder will be hoping for a belated birthday present in the shape of a tournament debut against the Australians.

The words
The mood in the camp is pretty upbeat as you can imagine. There were a lot of positives to take from the Ghana match and while I don't think it's too significant that we're at the top of the group at this stage, finally getting a World Cup win was important - particularly against a team we lost quite convincingly to in 2003. We didn't play brilliantly, we can play a lot better, but we created a load of chances and that's very encouraging. Tom Sermanni, Australia coach.

Australia are a very strong team who have improved immensely over the past few years, so we know we are in for a tough game. It will be as difficult, if not more difficult, than the match against Canada. We need to make sure we start off playing the same way we did in the second half of our first match. Bjarne Berntsen, Norway coach.