Injuries continue to trouble the Matildas ahead of their Paris Olympic Games opener against Germany in less than two weeks, with key forward Caitlin Foord a late withdrawal from Australia’s 2-1 loss in its warm-up clash against Canada.
Having already announced last week that captain Steph Catley and Kaitlyn Torpey would miss the game against the Canadians due to lower leg injuries, the Matildas suffered another blow pre-match when Arsenal star Foord withdrew from Sunday morning’s contest after experiencing tightness in her quad.
Others who weren’t considered for selection for the game played at the Matildas training base in Marbella, Spain were Brisbane Roar’s Tameka Yallop, who suffered what was described as a “minor impact” leg injury at training, and back-up goalkeeper Teagan Micah, who continues to recover from an ankle injury she suffered in May while on duty for her club Liverpool.
“You always want to have all your players fit and in form … (but) sometimes it’s a challenge,” Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said.
“I’ve also been around long enough to know that the only thing that we can focus on is what we can control.
“Caitlin felt something in the warm-up, and I said `let’s play it safe’.”
In the absence of Foord, Yallop’s Roar teammate Sharn Freier, who had originally been named among the substitutes, was called into the starting side, and made the most of her opportunity by scoring in the 24th minute to give the Matildas the lead after being fed by playmaker Mary Fowler.
Sharn Freier (right) scored Australia’s only goal in the Matildas’ 2-1 loss to Canada. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
However, it was a goal that came against the run of play, with the Canadians having been the better team in the first half.
Gustavsson wouldn’t have been happy with the Matildas’ sloppiness in possession particularly when faced with Canada’s pressing tactics.
It was also an error from Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold that gifted the Canadians an equaliser in the 41st minute.
Arnold fumbled a cross from Cloe Lacasse, with Nichelle Prince pouncing on the loose ball to level the scores.
The Matildas made a host of changes at the start of the second-half, with Charlotte Grant, Clare Polkinghorne, Emily van Egmond, Michelle Heyman and Courtney Nevin entering the contest.
The five players replaced were right-back Ellie Carpenter – who had worn the captain’s armband in the absence of Catley – central defender Alanna Kennedy, midfielder Katrina Gorry and attacking weapons Hayley Raso and Cortnee Vine.
Winonah Heatley also came on later in the half for centre-back Clare Hunt.
Despite the changes, the Canadians continued to assert their superiority, leading to the game’s winning goal in the 85th minute from substitute Evelyne Viens.
Gustavsson said his side’s error-ridden display was partly due to a heavy training load in camp.
He was more concerned about Australia’s creativity in attack.
“I don’t think we created enough. We normally create a lot of chances when we play,” Gustavsson said.
“I want to create more. I want to attack.”
The Matildas are set to relocate to France later this week ahead of the opening match of their Olympic Games campaign against Germany in Marseille on July 26 (AEST).
The rapid rise of Kaitlyn Torpey has left Charlotte Grant out in the cold as the Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson revealed his 18-player squad for the Paris Olympics.
Foxsports.com.au breaks down the team headed for Paris in Matildas Winners and Losers!
In the space of a week, Torpey earned a move from Melbourne City to NWSL powerhouse San Diego Wave and was called up to the Matildas squad for the first time.
Torpey, who can play as both a full back and a winger, made her debut on February 24 against Uzbekistan and has not looked back since.
The 24-year-old even scored in just her second international game for the Matildas against Uzbekistan in the Aussies’ 10-0 demolition on February 28.
Torpey also started the first friendly against China and showed promising signs in her link-up play with winger Cortnee Vine on the right flank.
Gustavsson clearly has plenty of faith in Torpey and one imagines her versatility will be vital in a relatively thin squad at the Olympics.
Katrina Gorry
There were serious fears Gorry would miss the Olympics when she was forced off the field just 21 minutes into West Ham’s WSL clash against Chelsea in March.
Gorry left the stadium limping in a moon boot as her season was unfortunately brought to an early end, with the tough-tackling midfielder undergoing surgery in early April.
She was also not named in the Matildas squad for the recent friendlies against China.
However, Gustavsson has plenty of faith she can complete a full recovery in time for the Matildas’ first group game against Germany on July 25.
Gorry has formed a tight bond with Kyra Cooney-Cross in the Matildas’ midfield and if the two are alongside each other on the park in France, it’ll no doubt give a massive boost to the team.
Gorry has not played since March. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Caitlin Foord
After a taxing season for Arsenal and the Matildas, Gustavsson knew Foord was one of several that had to be carefully managed during the friendlies against China.
So when Foord went down just 15 minutes after coming on in the Adelaide fixture clutching her hamstring, some pondered if the Matildas were about to be short of yet another attacking option.
Thankfully Foord was not severely injured and would have been declared fit to keep playing, but Matildas medical staff deemed it wise to bring her off given how close the Olympics were.
Unsurprisingly, Foord played no part in the second friendly against China as the team wrapped her in cotton wool.
LOSERS
Charlotte Grant
Grant can consider herself tremendously unlucky not to have made the final cut.
The South Australian came into the fold as Ellie Carpenter’s replacement due to the latter’s ACL injury and looked at home in the Matildas backline, even scoring in a 2-0 win over England last April.
However, Grant has rarely featured for the Matildas since Carpenter’s return and now finds herself as a reserve player for the Olympics with Torpey taking her place.
Lydia Williams
Gustavsson opted not to call on Williams’ experience at the Olympics as Teagan Micah was preferred as Mackenzie Arnold’s back-up.
Williams recently announced she would retire from international football after the Olympics and was given a fitting farewell in the Matildas’ second friendly against China.
Could Gustavsson have done with a cool head like Williams in Paris had the pressure cranked up after a tough result?
Williams enjoyed a fitting farewell in the Matildas’ second friendly against China. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Sharn Freier
Freier was an unlikely candidate to have made the final 18-player squad but when Foord went down holding her hamstring against China, the Brisbane Roar forward’s inclusion might not have seemed so far fetched.
The 22-year-old could still feature having been named as an alternate player so if Foord or any other forwards have injury issues, she may still feature at the Olympics.
Freier enjoyed a breakout season for the Roar with three goals and five assists as well as creating the third-most chances in the A-League Womens.
Her impressive form earned a deserved call-up to the Matildas squad for the China friendlies and clearly impressed Gustavsson while in camp.
The recovery task proved too hard for injured Matildas captain Sam Kerr who will miss the Paris Olympics as coach Tony Gustavsson endured a “very, very tough period with injuries” ahead of the Games.
Kerr suffered an ACL injury while on a training camp with her club Chelsea in early January and Football Australia confirmed the superstar striker would continue her rehabilitation program in her home club environment and subsequently will not be available for selection.
The captain’s name was always going to absent from a squad for pre-Olympic clashes with China which includes key defender Clare Hunt who has recovered from a foot injury.
The Paris Saint-Germain centre-back missed the Matildas’ 2-0 win over Mexico last month, but fears she would be in doubt for Australia’s Olympic Games campaign have been eased with her selection for games against China on May 31 (Adelaide) and June 3 (Sydney).
Also returning to the squad after overcoming injuries are Leicester City defender Courtney Nevin and Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lydia Williams, who will retire from international football after the Olympics.
The squad also includes three members of the Arsenal team – Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross – taking on the A-League women’s All-Stars at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
However, star midfielder Katrina Gorry (ankle) and veteran Aivi Luik (hamstring) remain sidelined along with long-term casualties Amy Sayer (knee) and Kerr.
“Unfortunately we have had a very very tough period with injuries,” Gustavsson said.
“I just got the summary sheet here a week ago and 15 out of these 37 players are either injured or just coming back from injury which means some of the players that are selected now is selected to be evaluated where they are with their physical status in the gym window and see where they will potentially become the Olympics.
“I think everyone can do the math here and understand that obviously the Olympic roster will be based mostly out of those that are in camp. “
Clare Hunt is back in the Matildas squad. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Gustavsson knows exactly which players he wants in his squad in terms of positions, but knows he may have to wait to see who is actually available as the Matildas pursue a first ever Olympics medal.
“This window will be a tough one for me and my staff in terms of evaluating players, where they are, and then the final selection process for Paris,” he said.
“I have to make some decisions in June based on players that I think might become available come the Olympics and then closer to the tournament we can see if we have to do an injury replacement or not but that comes into place as well.”
“We want to use this camp to summarise the evolved playing style we have built upon in the last couple of months.
“With the Olympics approaching, selection is about seeing the overall picture over four years of performance and assembling the best team possible.
“We have looked at providing cover in each of the different positions and ensuring the player profile for those positions enhance the squad.
“We are pleased and confident we have those options across the pitch.”
The Matildas will play China in Adelaide and Sydney before the Paris Olympics.
Matildas: Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley (c), Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Sharn Freier, Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Jada Whyman, Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop.
Mary Fowler scored two fine strikes for Manchester City as a 4-0 win relegated struggling Bristol City and moved the Cityzens six points clear atop the Women’s Super League table.
Fowler opened the scoring in the 62nd minute with a sublime left-footed shot that slammed into the net from outside the area, before doubling the lead in the 75th minute with a slick poacher’s finish with her right foot from close range.
Two more goals for City made up for the absence of leading scorer Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, who has 21 goals from just 18 matches but will miss the final two matches after a foot injury.
Matildas centre-back Alanna Kennedy also started for City but was substituted at halftime.
Mary Fowler is in fine form for City.Source: Getty Images
Second-place Chelsea have two games in hand on City, who have just two games to play in the WSL – including next up against Arsenal and their Matildas trio of Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley.
That trio all featured overnight for the Gunners in a 1-1 draw against Aussie Clare Wheeler’s Everton, who snatched a point with a 95th-minute goal against a Arsenal team that wasted far too many chances.
16-year-old academy product Isabella Hobson made history for the Toffees, the late strike making her the youngest-ever WSL scorer.
Clare Wheeler was in the thick of things.Source: Getty Images
Mackenzie Arnold and Katrina Gorry’s West Ham ensured they would avoid relegation this season with a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, with Arnold playing the full 90 while Gorry remains sidelined for the rest of the season following ankle surgery.
Charlotte Grant picked up her first league start since February for Tottenham in a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, with Charlie Rule still ruled out with injury for the Seagulls.
Meanwhile, Matildas fullback Ellie Carpenter booked her spot in the final of the Champions League as her Lyon side beat fellow French giants PSG 2-1 in the second leg of their semi-final.
It ensured a 5-3 aggregate victory over another Australian in Clare Hunt, though the centre-back was absent with injury.
Matildas mentor Tony Gustavsson has turned to super coach Ange Postecoglou for some “inspiration” in his bid to guide Australia to this year’s Olympic Games without the help of star striker Sam Kerr.
Gustavsson has named a 23-player squad – missing the injured Kerr – for this month’s two-legged, home-and-away Paris Olympics qualifier against Uzbekistan in Tashkent and Melbourne.
Kerr (knee) was one of three injured players not considered for selection, along with goalkeeper Lydia Williams (ankle) and defender Charlie Rule (hip).
Recalled to the squad after a six-year absence is veteran Canberra United striker Michelle Heyman, while Western United midfielder Chloe Logarzo also returns after failing in her bid to be picked for World Cup duty last year despite recovering from a serious knee injury.
“Selecting this squad has been a challenge with a lot of moving parts, from injuries to some players and reduction of competitive match minutes for other players due to off-seasons,” Gustavsson said.
“There’s been a lot of players fighting for spots here and a lot of players performing, so we tried to look at a combination of continuity and connections, people that know the way we play, that know each other, that’s been with us for a while.
“We also look at form and playing time.”
Michelle Heyman (left) has earned a recall to the Matildas. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Gustavsson is also taking a look at himself as he bids to not only guide the Matildas over the Uzbekistan hurdle but also inspire the team to a medal in Paris after fourth-placed finishes at the World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics.
It’s one of the reasons he was due to visit former Socceroos coach and current Tottenham manager Postecoglou on Tuesday in London.
“Sometimes as a coach, it’s almost like a personal development trip as well to get some inspiration and insights, and Ange knows everything about the Australian landscape,” Gustavsson said.
“He’s had a phenomenal journey, and what he’s done with Spurs in terms of playing style, an identity and confidence from being a club and a team lacking confidence … is just tremendously impressive.
“We have been invited to watch training and then have a lunch with him, so I hope to get some experience from him and learn, interact and get inspired, and hopefully also watch a couple of things in training that they do that I can pick up.
“Sometimes it’s just going out there and getting some inspiration, and whether it’s about leadership or training content or hearing Ange’s experience about the journey in Australian football – I’m really looking forward to that.”
Gustavsson said he had no qualms about selecting 35-year-old Heyman in the absence of Chelsea star Kerr.
“With the way Michelle has played (for Canberra), she deserves to be selected – it’s purely on performance,” he said.
“For me, it’s not about age in a Matilda, it’s about the quality you have as a footballer.
“Whether you’re 17 or 35, it doesn’t matter. If you have the quality, you deserve to be selected and Heyman has played herself into this team.”
Matildas squad: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyon), Steph Catley (c) (Arsenal), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Arsenal), Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City), Katrina Gorry (West Ham), Charlotte Grant (Tottenham), Michelle Heyman (Canberra United), Clare Hunt (Paris Saint-Germain), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Chloe Logarzo (Western United), Aivi Luik (BK Häcken), Teagan Micah (Liverpool), Clare Polkinghorne (Kristianstads DFF), Hayley Raso (Real Madrid), Amy Sayer (Kristianstads DFF), Kaitlyn Torpey (San Diego Wave), Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Jada Whyman (Sydney FC), Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar).
The Matildas have copped a triple injury blow ahead of their year-ending friendlies against world number 10 Canada, but a young gun put her name up in lights with a sublime performance for Arsenal.
On the back of a sensational World Cup performance, goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was unfortunately ruled out due to an arm injury.
“Arnold sustained the injury in training on Saturday,” West Ham said.
[She] will work with our medical team throughout the international break on her rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, defender Charlotte Grant was diagnosed with a hamstring injury in a standard pre-camp evaluation and will also miss the pair of matches on Saturday Dec. 2 (2.30pm AEDT) and Wednesday Dec 6. (2pm AEDT).
Grant has been strongly linked with a move to the WSL in England after leaving Swedish side Vittsjo GIK recently.
Coach Tony Gustavsson was forced into a third change to his 23-player squad for the matches when rising star Holly McNamara of Melbourne City ruptured her right knee ACL last week.
It is the third time the 20-year-old has torn an ACL, while she also endured a foot stress fracture aged 17.
“This one is really hard to put into words,” McNamara posted on Instagram.
“So grateful for all the support and love, I’ll be back soon!”
McNamara had only just recovered from an ACL tear on her left knee and had started the season in red-hot form, scoring six times in five games for Melbourne City.
But she’ll now spend another season on the sidelines.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson named Sydney goalkeeper Jada Whyman, Leicester City forward Remy Siemsen, and fan favourite midfielder Alex Chidiac as the trio’s replacements.
The first two were part of the extended Matildas squad before the World Cup but missed the cut for the final 23-player side, while Chidiac featured in that tournament but has struggled for game time at Mexican club Tigres UANL recently which saw her initially miss out on this Matildas’ side.
Canada are the reigning Olympic gold medallists and have become regular opponents of the Matildas in recent years, including Australia’s 4-0 win in their final group stage match of the Women’s World Cup this year.
The matches will double as the farewell of Canada captain and all-time great Christine Sinclair, who will retire from international football at the age of 40.
Her record includes three Olympic medals and the all-time record for international goals – men’s or women’s – with 190 strikes in 327 games blowing away Cristiano Ronaldo’s men’s record of 128 goals.
But Australia will enter the fixtures on the back of some incredible individual performances at club level, including young midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross delivering two assists for Arsenal in a 3-0 win over West Ham overnight.
Coach Jonas Eidevall told the club website: “Yes, Kyra has so many qualities of course. We know it’s a big step coming from the league in Sweden to the league here in England, of course but I think she’s shown here in this block how well she’s adapted here early on and how important she is already for us on the pitch.
“It’s been really delightful to see.”
Matildas captain Sam Kerr scored another goal for Chelsea in a 5-2 win over Siemsen and Courtney Nevin’s Leicester City.
Darwin restrained in tense confrontation | 00:42
FIXTURES
December 2: Canada v Australia, 2.30pm (AEDT), Starlight Stadium, Langford
December 6: Canada v Australia, 2pm (AEDT), BC Place, Vancouver
It’s been an incredibly memorable World Cup for the Matildas.
Tony Gustavsson’s side went on to secure a fourth-place finish, the nation’s best performance at a men’s or women’s World Cup.
There were several standout performers across the seven games played in the month-long festival of football as the nation was introduced to a number of new sporting heroes.
Foxsports.com.au takes a look at how every player performed across the tournament in the final World Cup Player Ratings!
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SPAIN CROWNED 2023 WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS | 00:52
Mackenzie Arnold – 8.5, 5, 7, 7, 10, 6, 7 (ratings from each game; average rating 7.2)
Arnold has come so far in the space of 12 months that it’s almost hard to fathom.
A year ago she was the Matildas’ third-choice keeper, behind Lydia Williams and Teagan Micah.
But she was given another chance and this time grabbed it with both hands – like she grabbed shot after shot out of the air!
The highlight was her penalty heroics against France, which capped off one of the finest Australian goalkeeping performances of all time.
Consistent from the first minute to the last, Arnold rescued the Matildas more times than we’d like to recount and played a crucial role in racking up the clean sheets.
OUR RATING: 8
Mackenzie Arnold had a brilliant tournament.Source: Getty Images
The vice-captain has always been well-regarded for her leadership qualities.
But with Sam Kerr missing, she donned the armband for the first three group games and led the Aussies with fire and ice in equal measure.
Kerr labelled her a ‘born leader’ and said the pair ‘share’ the captaincy – and while Kerr might take most of the attention, Catley was an unsung hero of the tournament.
She scored Australia’s first goal of the Cup from the penalty spot to get past Ireland and added another from the 12-yard dot against Canada.
Catley’s almost telepathic connection with Gunners teammate Caitlin Foord was a joy to watch down the left flank.
OUR RATING: 7
Clare Hunt was a rock in the heart of defence.Source: AFP
Hunt only debuted in February – yep, seriously – but has cemented herself at the heart of the Australian defence with a string of calm, composed performances.
At just 24, she’s the captain of the Western Sydney Wanderers and has twice won their player of the year medal.
Now she’s destined for a move overseas after a World Cup where she was one of the standout defenders of the tournament.
Only a sensational fingertip save denied Hunt from striking the winning penalty against France (not that it mattered in the end), but she didn’t need that moment to shine in a brilliant maiden World Cup campaign.
There were plenty of highlights as she stifled attack after attack, but her standout performance came against France when she completely shut down striker Kadidiatou Diani, who boasts four goals and three assists – the most goal involvements this tournament.
She capped it off against England by making the tackle that sparked the attack for Sam Kerr’s stunner – a little-noticed involvement in an iconic moment in Australian history.
The only lowlight on a very consistent run of performances was when she gave away penalty in the third-place playoff.
Kennedy has had her fair share of central defensive partners in her century of Matildas appearances, but her stellar combination with Hunt laid the foundation for an impenetrable Australian defence that was key to the team’s record-breaking performance.
Kennedy’s passing range, vision in defence, and aerial prowess was exceptional.
There was one lowlight – a sloppy back-pass against Nigeria that handed them a goal – but she scored one of her own in that game, and her other performances more than made up for it.
Missed the England and Sweden games with delayed concussion symptoms, and her absence was sorely felt.
After an injury-riddled couple of years she’s described with expletives, it was wonderful to see Kennedy back to her best.
One stat sums it up: no player made more clearances this tournament.
OUR RATING: 7
Ellie Carpenter gives away her shoes after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 3rd place playoff between Australia and Sweden at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pics Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia
Simply making the World Cup squad was a big moment in itself for Carpenter given she tore her ACL in the 2022 Champions League final playing for club side Lyon.
It is a valid reason as to why Carpenter wasn’t exactly at her brilliant best at the World Cup.
Part of it was tactical, given she and Hayley Raso both like to hug the touchline on the right flank, meaning Carpenter’s barnstorming runs didn’t quite have the same impact.
Carpenter’s performance against Canada was by far her best of the tournament and reminded the nation why she has been a mainstay in the Matildas set up since she was a teenager.
But her costly error against England in the semi final sadly took some shine off her overall display.
One of only two Australian-based players in the squad (Hunt being the other), Vine had flashes of brilliance but was unable to show her dazzling best consistently enough.
That was due in large part to playing on the left flank instead of her preferred right side.
She started the first two games – both very tough affairs, particularly Nigeria where their low defensive block meant she didn’t get much room to run behind the defence.
When she came off the bench in the later games, she had a bigger impact and caused plenty of headaches.
Fast and skilful on the counter-attack, if Australia continues to play with that approach then Vine looms as a valuable contributor and a natural long-term successor to Raso and Foord.
OUR RATING: 5.5
Kyra Cooney-Cross had her coming of age with a mature and composed tournament.Source: Getty Images
Any time you’re singled out for praise from a Premier League legend like Ian Wright, you’re clearly doing something correctly.
Cooney-Cross enjoyed a tremendous World Cup debut alongside Gorry in the midfield and although she took a bit of time to find her feet, she was one of the unsung heroes in the Matildas campaign.
She defied her 21 years of age with mature and composed performances that have no doubt sparked a frenzy of overseas clubs clamouring to sign her.
Whether it was her quick bursts to evade a marker, twisting out of danger before delivering a delightful switch of play or making a key tackle, Cooney-Cross did it all.
She also finished with a pass completion rate of 76.5 per cent from 302 attempted which places her as one of the highest in the team, an impressive accomplishment given how much she played.
Much like a number of her teammates, the lengthy minutes eventually caught up to her in the end.
Her nickname might be ‘Mini’, but Gorry was a giant of this World Cup run.
In the Australian team, no one made more tackles, interceptions, or ball recoveries, while she ranked second in chances created (behind van Egmond) and successful passes (Hunt).
She seemed to be everywhere in the midfield, constantly harrying the opposition into making mistakes.
Gorry assisted Sam Kerr’s wonder-goal against England, and her exceptional passing and control in tight spaces was a highlight throughout the tournament.
None stood taller.
OUR RATING: 8
One lucky fan was given Hayley Raso’s ribbons after the final game.Source: News Corp Australia
It’s no surprise that replicas of her iconic ribbon sold out during the tournament (and if you didn’t know, her grandmother first bought them for her as a way to keep track of her in junior games!)
From the first game, Raso proved she would never back away from a battle and would run tirelessly up and down the right flank.
Her double in the 4-0 win against Canada was by far her best display and she was crucial in the Matildas’ wins over Denmark and France.
Perhaps the only negative spot in Raso’s tournament was her lack of an effective link-up with right back Ellie Carpenter and at times her final ball could have been a little better.
But the winger can take pride in the fact she was one of the Matildas’ best and scored the most goals for the team at the tournament with three.
Expect to see thousands of young girls running around with ribbons in their hair for years to come!
With Kerr ruled out of the first two games, Foord had to play as a lone striker in what was a departure from her usual role for club and country.
Although she battled hard to win the ball and score, it just never quite clicked.
But a tactical masterstroke from Gustavsson to put Foord on the left against Canada sparked a dazzling run of form for the Arsenal forward as she reprised her link-up with club teammate Catley.
She bagged two assists but scored one of the best goals of the Matildas’ campaign against Denmark, latching onto a perfect pass from Fowler before she did the rest.
Once Kerr returned, Foord’s impact seemingly diminished despite being reunited with her regular national team strike partner.
OUR RATING: 7
Mary Fowler put her name up in lights.Source: News Corp Australia
The future of the Matildas are in very, very safe hands with Mary Fowler.
She was thrown into the starting line-up against Ireland after Kerr was ruled out but never quite found her feet before being ruled out of the Nigeria game due to concussion.
But once Fowler returned, she was one of the Matildas’ best.
The silky midfielder was deployed as a false nine against Canada and Denmark but it was a role she seemed to thrive in.
Fowler’s effortless ability to glide past defenders had fans up on their feet and will be a star of this team for years to come. She picked up pockets of space between the midfield and defensive lines and exposed defences with her exceptional skill on the ball.
Her performance against France was incredible, delivering everything but a deserved goal – though she was only denied by one of the best goal-saving blocks of the tournament.
She did find it harder to get into games when Kerr returned, but it was a highly impressive World Cup debut from the 20-year-old nonetheless.
As she grows and becomes more experienced and battle-hardened at the elite level – she is currently playing for Manchester City – expect her to reach even greater heights.
When van Egmond is on the ball, the game looks like it takes place in slow motion. She even runs like that, gliding her towering frame across the park so smoothly. On the ball, her composure and calm head is remarkable. Normally a midfielder, she was thrown into a false-nine role in Sam Kerr absence and following Mary Fowler’s concussion, playing as a target for long balls. She held the ball up brilliantly to get her teammates involved in counterattacking play, while the way she led the defensive press from the top of the field was also commendable.
She may have gone under the radar due to playing out of position and doing a lot of her best work off the ball, but it was the kind of selfless and hardworking performance we’ve come to expect from a veteran cog of the team.
Sam Kerr at the celebration in Brisbane on the weekend.Source: News Corp Australia
Sam Kerr – 6, 8, 6.5, 5 (Average rating 6.4)
OUR RATING: 7
This tournament might feel like a great what if for Kerr, the Aussie captain and talisman of the team. After years without a major injury, this tournament must have been heartbreaking for her to be stuck on the sidelines in the opening stages. How big a tournament Kerr would’ve had, and if it would’ve taken the Matildas even further into this World Cup, is sadly a mystery that will never be solved. Nonetheless, Kerr was a fantastic leader and supporter of her teammates while stricken down by the troublesome calf – doing anything and everything for her team, even carrying water bottles during games.
When she returned to the field, she was clearly far from full fitness but still delivered moments of magic, especially her iconic long-range strike against England.
She pushed herself to the limit physically and mentally, and it showed when she missed a couple of chances late in the game against England that you would expect her to take.
But on and off the field, from her interviews to the way she lifted her teammates when she got on the field, Kerr was the true leader that we know and love.
Clare Polkinghorne was a fearsome warrior.Source: AFP
A veteran of five World Cups, Polkinghorne brought plenty of experience and physicality to the Matildas at their home World Cup.
She was used predominantly from the bench for her first three appearances, helping to see out games and ensure the result wouldn’t change.
But Polkinghorne was catapulted into the starting line-up for the final two games due to Kennedy dropping out with concussion – and given her injury history over the last year or so, it was a stern test.
She wasn’t quite at her best and struggled at times with the speed of fleet-footed opponents, but the 34-year-old was a steady presence at the back and did everything she could.
But if this is to be her last World Cup, which is likely to be the case, ‘Polks’ can feel proud to have played a key role for the team both on and off the field.
OUR RATING: 5.5
Alex Chidiac didn’t get enough of an opportunity to show her full talent.Source: Getty Images
Alex Chidiac – 6.5, 5 (Average rating 5.75)
Fan favourite Chidiac didn’t log as many minutes as she would have hoped in this tournament, but she gave a timely reminder of her qualities in a cameo against Nigeria.
Chidiac’s brief spell left many fans wondering why Gustavsson didn’t bring her on earlier against Nigeria, although the Swedish coach described her as the “game-changer” he wanted.
She also had a spell of the bench against Sweden but never seemed to have a proper role in the third place playoff.
At 24, she’ll be hoping for a greater role in the future after her opportunities were severely limited.
OUR RATING: 5
Tameka Yallop – N/A, 6 (Average rating 6)
Yallop was on the field twice during the World Cup, coming on as a late sub against Denmark and against France.
Although she had little impact against the Danes, Yallop played a crucial role in the lengthy penalty shootout against France when she slotted home from the spot in the sudden death stage.
OUR RATING: 5.5
Charlotte Grant – N/A (Average rating N/A)
Grant’s only appearance came towards the end of the Matildas’ 4-0 win over Canada when she came on at right midfield deep in stoppage time. The youngster is an exceptional talent at fullback and played a key role in the last two years when first Ellie Carpenter then Steph Catley were injured, and she was unlucky to not have a bigger role in this tournament.
At 21, year future is bright.
OUR RATING: 5
Courtney Nevin – 5 (Average rating 5)
Nevin logged just 17 minutes of action after coming on as a sub in Australia’s final game against Sweden.
Ultimately didn’t make much of an impact in the contest, but is another 21-year-old who looks set to be a major part of the team in the future.
The biggest match in Australian football history: the Matildas against England for the right to face Spain in the World Cup final.
Australia have reached the semi-finals for the first time in history, while England lost in the semi-final stage at the last two Women’s World Cups.
But the Matildas have recent history against England, ending a 30-game unbeaten run for the Lionesses with an impressive 2-0 win in a friendly in April.
The match begins at 8pm AEST at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Follow all the build-up to the action right here, before our a live blog kicks off at 8pm!
The Matildas claimed a stunning win over France in the quarter-final. Now they’re looking to go one better.Source: Getty Images
‘THEY’RE THE FAVOURITES’ … BUT AUSSIES HAVE ‘MASSIVE’ ADVANTAGE
England are the European champions, the world’s fourth-ranked team – six higher than the Matildas – and even with a number of their finest players missing the tournament through injury they come into the match as strong favourites.
And there’s one staggering statistic that shows the gap between the teams.
Tony Gustavsson said yesterday: “I think someone told me that the women’s program in the English Football Association has the same budget as all national teams in our Football Association (combined).”
But Gustavsson isn’t afraid of being the underdogs.
“If you look at rankings, they’re the favourites,” he said.
“If you look at where their players play, they have starters playing in top clubs in top leagues all over the world. Not just the starting 11 – they have 15 or 16.
“And you compare that to us where we have bench players in those teams, we have players in the A-League and we have players playing in mid-table teams in Sweden, so if you look at all that and you look at resources financially, then they are a massive favourite going into this game.”
But there’s two key reasons the coach believes his Matildas side is perfectly positioned to deliver another upset.
He added: “But if you then add the belief we have and the one thing they don’t have, which is the support and the belief from the fans.
Matildas Head Coach Tony Gustavsson and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold speaking during a press conference on Tuesday. Picture: Jonathan Ng.Source: News Corp Australia
As for England, they’re not buying into the favouritism tag despite being the highest-ranked team left in the tournament (fourth, with Spain sixth and Australia tenth).
“I don’t think Australia are the underdog, they are playing at home and the stadium will be very full,” coach Sarina Wiegman said.
“There’s two teams that are very strong and have grown into the tournament, it’s going to be very tight and competitive.
“We approach the game as any other game, we prepare how we want to play and analyse our opponent really well so we can hopefully expose some weaknesses.”
HOW AUSSIES WILL USE THE FRIENDLY WIN TO ‘TARGET’ POMS
In yesterday’s pre-match press conference, Tony Gustavsson said the match would be a fascinating tactical battle.
He openly mused whether the Lionesses would stick to their possession style or change their approach to try and nullify Australia’s extreme danger on the counter-attack.
“When we played them last time we got a good transition game going, but I know that England learned a lot from that game,” Gustavsson said.
“If you saw England playing Nigeria – that is also a very good transition team – England played much more direct than what they normally do so I think they’ve evolved and adjusted their game plan a bit so they’re not just possession based, especially if they choose to play with a back three and two nines that [are] willing to run in behind.
“It will be an interesting tactical game in that sense, is England going to stay true to their possession game? Or are they going to take away our transition game by playing a different style of football than they normally do?”
And he also declared the Matildas had success in the friendly victory this year by “target[ting] specifically” two of England’s players – and would do so again.
He continued: “We’re prepped for both systems, that they can play 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2. We’ve also played three different systems in this World Cup so we might be flexible and do something different as well.
“There are some players that, no matter what system they play, they have the very same tendencies.
“And when we played them last time we managed to target specifically two of those players, and we benefited from that tactically.
“So we looked into those nuances and those individual behaviours a little bit more now, instead of the system, and hope that we can target that tomorrow as well.”
The Matildas were missing Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy for that 2-0 win, but Hayley Raso gave England fullback Jess Carter a torrid time on the flank – a player that Gustavsson could have been referring to.
Carter, a Chelsea player, has played every minute in four of England’s five games, but was left out of their 1-0 group-stage win over Denmark.
Charlotte Grant scored her first Matildas goal in the win over England in April.Source: Supplied
KERR’S RIDICULOUS FORM AGAINST ENGLAND RIVAL
If there’s one match-up that Australian fans will be looking forward to, it’s Sam Kerr against England’s superstar goalkeeper Mary Earps.
That’s not just because Kerr is Australia’s all-time top scorer at the international level and watching her battle elite keepers is a joy to behold.
It goes beyond that.
Kerr has a particularly brilliant record against Earps, the world’s best keeper (according to FIFA anyway, as she picked up the Best Women’s Goalkeeper 2022 award in February)
Earps currently plays for Manchester United in the Women’s Super League, where Kerr laces up her boots for Chelsea.
The pair have done battle eight times – Australia’s 2-0 win over the Lionesses in a friendly this year, as well as seven club matches.
Sam Kerr celebrates scoring against Earps (right, background) in April.Source: Getty Images
Kerr has scored nine goals in those eight games – including the winner in the most recent FA Cup final, where Chelsea made it three in a row.
The Aussie has claimed seven straight wins after a draw in their first meeting.
Earps has picked up three clean sheets in five games this tournament – Haiti and Denmark in the group stage, and Nigeria in their first knockout game.
But she’ll be having nightmares about the Aussie skipper who just can’t stop scoring against her.
Anticipation is already at fever pitch for the Matildas’ World Cup semi final against England on Wednesday night at Stadium Australia.
Tony Gustavsson’s side made the final four for the first time via a thrilling penalty shootout victory over France, while England beat Colombia 2-1 inside 90 minutes to progress.
Although there’s so much to be excited about, there are a number of big question marks surrounding this Matildas side going into Wednesday’s clash.
Foxsports.com.au breaks them all down in Matildas Burning Questions!
Every single Aussie match, the biggest question on everyone’s lips has been along the same lines. Is Sam Kerr fit? Will she play? How much will she play?
Against Denmark, the answer was about ten minutes, though she said afterwards she felt she was ready to go from the start.
Against France, she entered the fray ten minutes into the second half, meaning she played 40 minutes (including stoppage time), plus thirty minutes of extra time and another seven of stoppage time from that period.
77 minutes in total – with coach Tony Gustavsson revealing afterwards he was informed by the team’s medical unit “that she had limited minutes” she was able to play. “The biggest decision to be honest was when to bring Sam in. It was a massive decision even before the game to leave her on the bench,” he said.
“And then it was the timing. I was informed that she had limited minutes today.
“And then we needed to put extra time into consideration. That was a massive decision to get right.”
Kerr herself said she never expected to start against France, but hinted after the game she would be ready for a full game in the semi-finals.
“When I hurt my calf the plan was always to be ready for semi-final time so I could have (started) but who knows what would have happened,” she said.
“I played 65 minutes and feel better for it and I’ll have more training under my belt and feel ready to go now.”
Sam Kerr buries her spot kick during the FIFA Womens World Cup Quarter final match between against France at Brisbane Stadium. Picture Lachie MillardSource: News Corp Australia
But with just a three-day turnaround before the England match – much of that dedicated to recovery – Kerr might not be fit enough to play a full 120 minutes should the game go to extra time (more, if you include stoppage time).
The question then becomes whether to play the striker from the start and potentially have to take her off in the latter stages of the match (including possible penalties), or if you bring her on off the bench once more.
When she came on against France, Kerr’s introduction brought about an immediate momentum shift and inspired the Australians to push forward. She said afterwards: “I tried to bring energy when I came on, I tried to lift the girls and I kind of think the momentum swung a bit in our favour and that’s what you have to do as a sub, to come on and just settle in and do your job.”
Sisters Vienna 11, and Amalia Gergely-Hollai 8, were given boots by Sam Kerr as the Matildas left Brisbane on Sunday.Source: News Corp Australia
If the Matildas are struggling against England as the match wears on, that kind of game-changing impact could be invaluable.
But the last couple of games have exposed a major worry: Australia started very slowly against Denmark and also struggled in the opening exchanges against France, with only a horrible miss from close range saving the Aussies from conceding in the opening 15 minutes.
That first period could prove crucial – after all, fighting back from an early goal down is one hell of a mountain to climb against a world-class side like England.
If Kerr can help to settle the team and assert control from the start, that might be the crucial factor in starting her.
The plan is simple: Win inside 90 minutes – and cross your fingers Kerr’s calf can deal with extra time if it comes to that.
The Matildas have to juggle plenty of competing factors when it comes to Sam Kerr.Source: News Corp Australia
CAN THE TIRED MATILDAS BACK UP?
Every World Cup campaign is long, gruelling, and physically draining.
Games come thick and fast, with teams criss-crossing the country for their matches – the Matildas have played in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Brisbane so far, with just a three-day turnaround before their Sydney semi-final on Wednesday.
But there are a couple of reasons to be concerned about the Matildas’ fitness for the semi-final.
Firstly, Australia has used a conspicuously low number of substitutes this tournament, as well as very few rotations to the starting team in different matches.
Coming into the France game, Australia had used the fewest number of players out of any nation competing in the World Cup (17 of the 23 players), per Opta Stats. And the substitutes had been given an a combined average of 19 minutes per game – also the fewest of any nation.
“One thing this team have shown over the last half a year is that no matter what lineup we start with, or the lineup we finish with, they all know it takes 23 in 23,” coach Tony Gustavsson said before the World Cup.
“Meaning everyone is ready to step on and off if they need to. They have been amazing teammates supporting each other, there have been no complaints whatsoever in terms of who starts and comes off the bench. They know their role and they play their role.”
Hayley Raso has been brilliant this tournament, but looked tired before being substituted during the quarter-final.Source: AFP
But in contrast to that sentiment, the Swedish coach has shown a heavy reliance on his core group, who have performed at an incredibly high level as a group this tournament.
But the refusal to use the substitutions at his disposal has drawn criticism, especially against Nigeria when Gustavsson made no changes until the 82nd minute despite being down 3-1.
Australia made two substitutions against Ireland and Nigeria, three against Canada and France, and four against Denmark.
The limit is five per match, and when games go to extra time an additional substitute is made available. That means Australia has made just 14 of 26 available changes.
Combine that with limited changes to the starting line-up for each game, it means that the core group have played almost every minute of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Australia’s counterattacking style is based on intense pressing on defence before rapid transitions into attack – about as physically onerous as it gets, and the stats show the Matildas have covered more ground than just about any team this Cup.
As the match wore on against France, the Aussies began to look very tired – both towards the end of regular time as well as in the half-hour of extra time.
Will Kyah Simon be fit enough to make any appearances this World Cup … maybe just for a penalty shootout?Source: Getty Images
Two of the players who have been stuck on the bench – back-up keepers Teagan Micah and Lydia Williams – might not expect to get on the field at all, given the exceptional form of Mackenzie Arnold between the sticks.
But for the likes of Kyah Simon (still returning from injury), Clare Wheeler, Courtney Nevin, and Aivi Luik, they could easily be forced to come in cold in the biggest game in Australian history, having played no minutes before the semi-final.
Charlotte Grant and Alex Chidiac have played just once each so far, both off the bench for limited minutes.
Injuries could strike a starter at any moment and force a team reshuffle – like Sam Kerr’s on the eve of the opening game.
But it’s asking a lot of the seemingly fringe players to come in without any minutes before this tournament – just as it’s asking a huge amount of the core group to run their guts out for what could easily end up being another 120-minute effort in the semi-final.
Before the France match, Tony Gustavsson said he wasn’t concerned about the lack of rotation in his team or the metres they had racked up.
“Not at all,” he said. “Reason why is we’re extremely fit. We’ve shown that. There’s no coincidence that we have that running [ability]. Total metres is one thing, but what’s really interesting is the high-speed metres and the sprints – and they are off the charts compared to some other competitors.
Charlotte Grant has had just one appearance off the bench, but is the first fullback in line should Ellie Carpenter or Steph Catley go down.Source: Getty Images
“We’re fit, we’re fast. We know that. If you look at the schedule that the players are playing now, it’s nothing different than what they’re doing in club-land, in terms of the games, amount of weeks.
“And the funny thing with this team is every time we have shortened time between two games, they amp up the high-speed meters the game after. The most intense game we have played so far in terms of sprint and high-speed metres was the game we had less recovery time. They bounced back extremely well.
“That’s also a mindset thing, but I also want to say one more thing: it’s also thanks to the fans. The way the fans support us during the games and how loud they are, it carries us.
“We always play a pressing game and a high-octane game with a lot of sprints, a lot of running. You need that encouragement when you start fatiguing a little bit. A player will always be tired at the end of the game, especially with extra time, no matter how fit you are. But to push through that when you feel tired, you need to fans as well, especially as much as we run.”
There’s no doubt the Matildas have enjoyed a big boost from their fans in every game. But will that be enough to make up for their tired legs and over-reliance on the core group?
Gustavsson might just have to change up his starting side against England – or else be a bit quicker on the draw when it comes to using his bench.
Will Tony Gustavsson turn to his bench against England more than he previously has this tournament? (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
IT’S NOW OR NEVER FOR KYAH SIMON
When the Matildas’ 23-player squad was announced, eyebrows were raised at Kyah Simon’s inclusion given how little football she had played since suffering an ACL injury last year.
Simon was named despite still not fully fit, although Gustavsson expressed his confidence in the veteran forward and revealed she’d have a part to play in the knockout stages.
The Swede did not have to call on Simon against Denmark in their Round of 16 clash as the Matildas got the job done in normal time.
As the game against France ticked down to penalties, many might have thought it would be an opportunity for Simon to make her first appearance of the tournament.
But Gustavsson opted not to bring on the 32-year-old, with Tameka Yallop the preferred option off the bench.
Yallop did her job in the resulting penalty shootout and slotted home at a time when a miss would have sent the Matildas packing from the World Cup.
The call to bring on Yallop instead of Simon might have left some puzzled, especially since it seemed an opportune time as ever for the latter to be brought on.
Gustavsson has since revealed Simon was “ready to come on” to take a penalty if need be, but simply didn’t get the break in play towards the end he needed to throw her into the fray.
Simon is yet to feature at this World Cup. Pics Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia
“There’s a lot of players sitting on the bench that are ready to come on,” Gustavsson said.
“What do you plan for in a moment like this? And you saw how it went, like the last three or four minutes we weren’t certain about extra time until the very last minute … it was four additional minutes.
“We then wanted to make some key decisions, if they score, what do we do to score? If we score how can I close out the game? Because it can happen in a matter of seconds.
“And because it was so tight and Kyah has limited playing minutes. I wanted to wait for the very last second if I brought her on and I didn’t find that break to bring her on was the right one.”
The victory over France means the Matildas remain alive in the tournament and also gives Simon more time out on the training park with her teammates.
She hasn’t been able to train much with the rest of the team for most of the tournament but, like Kerr, every extra day is of great benefit.
Simon won’t be starting against England and at this stage, it seems unlikely she will come on as a second-half substitute.
Her role will almost certainly be limited to taking a penalty in the shootout should the game against England reach that stage, but could come on late in extra time to make an impact.
But if the game goes to penalties and Gustavsson opts to leave Simon on the sideline again, questions will be asked as to why she was included.
Simon could be called upon if the Matildas’ semi final against England goes to penalties. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
FRANCE COACH ADDS VOICE TO CHORUS OF MATILDAS BELIEVERS
The Matildas are a minimum of 90 minutes away from making the World Cup final.
It is a little crazy to think that the team has got to this stage largely without superstar striker Sam Kerr, who has been limited to just over 75 minutes of action due to a calf injury.
Instead, the supporting cast of the Matildas have stepped up to have the team just two wins away from winning it all.
But it might not be the fever dream some may think it is.
Canada coach Bev Priestman was effusive in her praise for the Matildas and Gustavsson in the wake of a 4-0 loss in their final Group B fixture.
“Australia is a top, top side and I’ve said that from the start,” Priestman said at the post-match press conference.
“There’s nothing stopping them from pushing through this because they should be probably in the top four of a World Cup.”
Priestman’s thoughts were echoed by Denmark boss Lars Sondergaard, who believed Australia could “go all the way” but would need a dash of “luck” along the way having been on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline.
Canada coach Bev Priestman believes the Matildas can maintain their deep run at the World Cup. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)Source: AFP
“With the fantastic atmosphere that are at the games here, with the support that they have — you feel it all over — it’s a fantastic support for them, and it gives them extra power, so of course they could go all the way,” Sondergaard said in his post-match press conference.
“Of course, they also need the luck in some situations. I wish Australia all the best for the rest of the tournament.”
Now France’s Herve Renard has added his voice to the chorus of beaten coaches who believe the Matildas could be the last team standing.
“I’m wishing you all the best,” Renard said in the wake of his side’s heartbreaking loss on Saturday.
“I would like to repeat one more time: This competition was fantastic for us. Beautiful cities, beautiful stadiums, the atmosphere was fantastic.
“It’s a shame for us to go home. But, all the best to you now, I’m sure you can win this World Cup.”
That’s three coaches who have had success in their respective careers that believe the Matildas can go all the way.
So, if you still had any doubts as to the Aussies’ World Cup credentials, surely Priestman, Sondergaard and Renard’s comments have won you over.
The Matildas have reached the quarter-finals of the Womens World Cup for the fourth time in their history, and on Saturday night will chase a spot in the final four for the first time ever.
Australia will play world number five France on Saturday afternoon at 5pm AEST at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Captain Sam Kerr will play, after making her return from injury in the 2-0 Round of 16 victory over Denmark. But it is unclear whether she will start or come off the bench again.
And forward Kyah Simon could be in line for her first minutes of the tournament, having not played for club and country since tearing her ACL late last year.
After record-breaking interest in this World Cup in Australia, the MCG, SCG and Optus Stadium in Perth will all turn into World Cup live sites before or after they host AFL games on Saturday.
Arsenal attacker Caitlin Foord celebrates scoring against Denmark in the round of 16.Source: Getty Images
Should Australia overcome France and reach a maiden semi-final, they will face the winner of England and Colombia, who also play on Saturday night (8.30pm AEST, Sydney).
Big screens will also be set up outside Stadium Australia so fans can watch the Matildas before attending that England-Colombia match.
England are the reigning European Champions and ranked fourth in the world as well as the current betting favourites to win the World Cup – though Australia did beat the Lionesses earlier this year in a friendly.
Colombia, meanwhile, are ranked 25th and feature one of the most exciting teenagers in world football in Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo, who has scored two brilliant goals already this tournament.
FIXTURES
Matildas’ Quarter-Final
Saturday 12 August, 5pm: Australia v France, Brisbane Stadium (Brisbane/Meeanjin)
Matildas’ Potential Semi-Final
Wednesday 16 August, 8pm: (Australia or France) v Winner of Game D (England v Colombia), Stadium Australia (Sydney/Gadigal)
World Cup Final
Sunday 20 August, 8pm: (Potentially Australia) v (Spain, Netherlands, Japan or Sweden), Stadium Australia (Sydney/Gadigal)
WHO IS IN THE MATILDAS SQUAD?
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Teagan Micah (FC Rosengard), Lydia Williams (Brighton)
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo GIK), Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Aivi Luik (BK Hacken), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK)
Midfielders: Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GIK), Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Tameka Yallop (SK Brann)
Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City), Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Real Madrid), Kyah Simon (unattached), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC)
