BRUTAL preparation and a playing style that sums up what it means to be Australian.
That's the formula prescribed by Matildas coach Alen Stajcic, who has taken a team battling with internal conflict and turned them into a world force ahead of the Olympics. 
In his two years in charge, the 42-year-old former high school teacher from Western Sydney has lifted the team to No.5 in the world and a medal contender in Rio.
He's blended the attributes of tough physical football they've long been known for with advancing levels of technique. He favours attacking, possession-based football, making the team not just successful but, at its best, thrilling to watch.
"We are a high-tempo team, a high-intensity team," Stajcic said. "It suits our team, it suits our players but, most importantly, it suits our country.
"We're a country that likes to go out and back ourselves, have a positive mentality.
"We're always trying to win the games rather than some countries who would rather sit and wait for opportunities." Stajcic is a fierce believer in his team's credentials.
He's impressed outsiders by the way he's united the Matildas, improved their conditioning and shielded them when needed.
"Staj wears that shirt as much as anyone does," the team's co-captain Lisa De Vanna said.
"He's not just a coach - he's been around a very long time and is someone who invests his time in the team and the players' wellbeing.
"The team went through a rough patch and for him to get us back together shows what kind of coach he is. Australia plays its first game at the Olympics, against Canada on 4am Thursday (AEST),.