Ante Milicic sasys he and the Matildas have some hard work ahead in the months leading up to the World Cup. Picture: FFA/AAP

New Matildas coach: of course we can win the World Cup

NEW Matildas coach Ante Milicic says Australia can win the World Cup and has claimed sacked coach Alen Stajcic's blessing to take the team forward after their most acrimonious chapter.



Speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment, Milicic was allowing himself to dream of what might be possible in June's World Cup - but only if he and his team put in the work.


"Our best record so far has been the quarter-finals. Let's not look further than the first game (against) Italy, that will be disrespectful to the other teams.



Milicic's primary job will be to restore order to the set-up, which has been rocked by Stajcic's departure.



Milicic and Stajcic have a shared history in the game dating back 30 years to when they played alongside each other in junior NSW sides.

Milicic said they had shared text messages and their relationship would be "very professional".

Pressed as to whether Stajcic gave his support, Milicic said "yeah".


"(In) this industry as a coach these things happen and you've quickly got to move on."

Unlike Stajcic, Milicic comes to the task without experience in women's football, but he believes that will help give the team a fresh start.




Milicic admitted the environment he was about to walk into was challenging, but said he hoped his appointment and the grandness of the biggest prize in women's sport would have a galvanising effect on the team.

