Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has named a star-studded line-up as Australia prepares to host its maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ballon d’Or Féminin nominee Sam Kerr headlines the squad as captain in her fourth World Cup, with defender Steph Catley named as vice-captain.
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And Gustavsson has additionally backed veterans Kyah Simon and Alanna Kennedy for the ultimate 23-player squad regardless of a closely interrupted preparation.
Gustavsson mentioned the workforce had been wanting ahead to house crowds.
“Today is the end of a two-and-a-half-year process and the wonderful start of a thrilling new journey for the team,” Gustavsson mentioned.
“Selecting this World Cup squad has been the toughest challenge so far, but the whole coaching and support staff are all completely overjoyed for the 23 players who will represent the nation during this tournament.
“These 23 players not only exemplify what it means to be a part of the tradition of the CommBank Matildas, but also what it means to represent the 25 million Australians we know are fully behind us.
“They have the heart, desire and the passion for the crest, and I can’t wait to see the next part of their story.”
Matildas squad for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
1. Lydia Williams
2. Courtney Nevin
3. Aivi Luik
4. Clare Polkinghorne
5. Cortnee Vine
6. Clare Wheeler
7. Steph Catley
8. Alex Chidiac
9. Caitlin Foord
10. Emily van Egmond
11. Mary Fowler
12. Teagan Micah
13. Tameka Yallop
14. Alanna Kennedy
15. Clare Hunt
16. Hayley Raso
17. Kyah Simon
18. Mackenzie Arnold
19. Katrina Gorry
20. Sam Kerr
21. Ellie Carpenter
22. Charlotte Grant
23. Kyra Cooney-Cross
However, the Matildas coach has additionally made some robust calls with midfielder Chloe Logarzo amongst six gamers omitted from final week’s provisional 29-player squad after failing to show her health.
Logarzo has battled plantar fasciitis since rupturing her ACL in September 2021 enjoying for the Matildas towards Ireland.
Simon was a giant inclusion, having accomplished a shocking comeback from an ACL harm in October final 12 months to make the squad, with Gustavsson saying her potential to affect video games off the bench had put her forward of sturdy competitors for the ultimate attacking spot within the squad.
“As that last attacking player, she was competing with a lot of other forwards,” Gustavsson mentioned.
“(Simon) is not selected based on where she’s at right now, eight months post-op, she’s selected on where we’re thinking she can be a month from now.
“I don’t expect her to start the game, I don’t think she’s ready for that, but being a game changer off the bench and change the game when you’re needed.”
The dream isn’t over for the omitted gamers. Logarzo, Jada Whyman, Remy Siemsen, Amy Sayer, Larissa Crummer and Emily Gielnik may all be referred to as upon earlier than the event as a number of chosen gamers are nonetheless overcoming harm points.
Australia will play European giants France in a pleasant at Marvel Stadium in entrance of a sold-out crowd on July 14, earlier than kicking off their World Cup marketing campaign in Sydney on July 20 towards Ireland.
They will play Nigeria in Brisbane on July 27 earlier than returning to Melbourne to face reigning Olympic gold medallists Canada for his or her last group stage fixture on July 31.
— with Ed Bourke, NCA Newswire
Originally revealed as Matildas title stacked World Cup squad as fan favourites miss out
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
