Matildas defender Clare Hunt received’t let sentiment jeopardise her job of nullifying the specter of French star Wendie Renard in Saturday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final at Suncop Stadium.
Hunt on Thursday declared “this is the time” within the Matildas’ bid to show potential into glory by turning into world champions.
To take the following step on the highway to event success, the Australians should overcome a Les Bleues crew fantastically led by 32-year-old centre-back Renard, who has been named in FIFPro’s World XI seven instances.
Renard isn’t solely a tower of power defensively, she is a additionally a hazard on the different finish of the park at set items.
“For me, Wendie Renard was a role model,” Hunt, 24, stated.
“I saw her composure at a young age and wanted to emulate that in some way.
“I feel like I know the way that Wendie plays because I used to watch her as a kid.
“She’s exceptionally good on the ball. She’s a very good defender in terms of her positioning.
“In terms of how to deal with that, we’ve just got to play to our strengths and we recognise that she is going to be difficult to get around.”
Hunt additionally put up her hand to mark Renard when the French skipper ventured into Australia’s penalty-area to take advantage of corners and free-kicks,’
“It’s going to have to be someone’s job, isn’t it?” Hunt stated.
“Her height is such an advantage on set pieces, but … we’ve defended set pieces exceptionally well in three of the four games that we’ve played.”
Hunt additionally idolises fellow Matilda Clare Polkinghorne, who she is maintaining out of Australia’s beginning crew as a consequence of her spectacular partnership within the coronary heart of the facet’s defence with Alanna Kennedy.
“`Polks’ is one of the most beautiful people you’ll ever meet,” Hunt stated of the record-holder for Matildas’ appearances.
“I remember when I was younger I wanted to emulate Polks, and to be here playing alongside her for the start of my international career has been nothing but special.
“She has supported me as a centre-back and as a friend. I definitely appreciate her support on this journey.”
Polkinghorne, who has been capped a exceptional 161 instances, is a part of a core group of the squad who’ve been teammates at nationwide stage for a number of years and who need to win a significant event collectively earlier than retiring.
“I can only tell you how driven this group is. A lot of the girls have been in this team for 10 to 15 years and I think they’ve come to the realisation now that this is the time,” Hunt stated.
“It’s amazing to be a part of this group when everyone as a collective believes that this is the time.
“To have that belief and the knowledge that we have the capacity to win this tournament is absolutely amazing.
“I see the passion, the intensity and the tenacity of all the girls in this team, and it’s not hard to feel the same and play the same as them.
“I feel like we are in a position where we are fighting for a World Cup final and lifting that trophy.”
Originally revealed as Emerging Matildas star Clare Hunt to face powerful take a look at in opposition to French idol
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
