Matildas can go all the way: Ley

Federal Sports Minister Sussan Ley is confident the Matildas can win the Women's World Cup after an upset final 16 win against Brazil.

"Without a doubt," she told ABC TV, hours after the Australians sealed a quarter-final berth in Canada early on Monday.

"It's great for women, great for soccer and great for Australia."

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the win is great news.

"It's great news for Australian football and obviously it is exciting for all fans," he told reporters in Canberra.