The Matildas have been talked up relentlessly in the lead-up to the Olympics after their undefeated run in the Qualifiers.

With the bravado and confidence shown by the playing group, Stajcic believed it was time to put it all into action.

“The fact people are even talking about us as a medal contender shows we’re close, but that’s a lot of talk, but we have to walk the walk,” Stajcic said.

“We need to show we’re really one of the top nations in the world which I think we can be with the talent in the team.

“My ambitions for the team and our collective goals have been the same for the last couple of years, to be a world class team.

"I think we’re on the verge of becoming one, for me I define that as being a top three team and a team that contend for medals at every major tournament.”

Stajcic gave some insight to Canada before they lock horns in Sao Paulo and also stated star Christine Sinclair was one of the players to look out for.

“They’re the reigning Bronze medallists from the last Olympics and didn’t win the medal by fluke, they played France last week and lost 1-0,” he said.

“I watched the game and they were probably the better team, we’re certainly not underestimating them.”

Stajcic was indicated getting past the Group Stage was ultimately the bare minimum and wanted to get off to the best possible start.

“Every match is important, it gives you a bit of momentum, at the end of the day we just have to get to the Quarter-Finals and from there it’s life and death,” Stajcic conceded.

“This team has the capacity to beat any team in the world on our day. Our job is to be as consistent as we can throughout the tournament, get to those finals series and be in our best possible shape.”