The Socceroos might’ve finished 5-1 winners against Indonesia in their crucial World Cup qualifier in Sydney and taken a giant step towards automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in North America, but coach Tony Popovic made it clear there’s still plenty of room for his side to improve describing the performance as “solid but it wasn’t great.”
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Goals to Martin Boyle, Nishan Velupillay, Lewis Miller and a double from Jackson Irvine send Australia to China with three vital points in the bag and full of confidence, but all too aware that its job half done when it comes to jumping the hurdles this international window presented.
The mental resilience the side showed to escape unscathed – albeit with some fortune – from a tricky 15-minute opening period is also a sign of growth as is a welcome surge in the way chances were finally converted into goals. This result bloats Australia’s goal difference column too and that could be one less thing to worry about come the final matchday of round three in June.
It wasn’t all good news though with Martin Boyle and Adam Taggart coming off at halftime. Popovic revealing post-game that both have fitness concerns.
OMINOUS SIGN BEFORE A BALL WAS KICKED
A crowd of 35,241 packed into the Sydney Football Stadium and the Indonesian fans not only made their presence felt but had the decibel reader reaching its upper limits.
The Indonesian national anthem was greeted with full voice by those in red and more than one Socceroos player turned to look at the raucous away end. It did not sound,
look or feel like a Socceroos home game until the goals started flying in.
Remarkably, the Team Garuda faithful were still chanting at 5-1 down in the second half.
“It’s part of football and it’s what we love about it, that teams can come away from home and bring that energy and atmosphere,” midfielder Jackson Irvine said.
“I thought our fans were equally brilliant and pushed us in the key moments of the game and gave us that extra leg up probably when we needed it.”
A TALE OF TWO PENALTIES
Perspective is in the eye of what colour jersey you were wearing.
The decision to award Indonesia a penalty in the seventh minute after the Brisbane Roar’s Rafael Struick was ruled to have been fouled by the recalled Kye Rowles was
contentious through an Australians lens, but while it was on the softer side it was the right call.
Kevin Diks dulled the debate by hitting the woodwork. A sprawling Mat Ryan guessed the right way in any case and might’ve saved it.
Indonesia coach Patrick Kluivert, in his first match in charge, believed his side struggled to shrug off that setback.
“If you shoot the penalty in it would be a totally different match of course,” Kluivert said.
“From that moment we changed something in our minds.
“We had a grip of the game. I think that we played better than Australia.
“If you score 1-0, I’m sure it will be a totally different game.”
10-minutes later Australia was sent to the spot after Nathan Tjoe-A-On pulled off a tackle on Lewis Miller in the box that looked more like something James Tedesco would execute on this ground in a Roosters jersey. Boyle did the honours from the spot.
The goal helped calm the nerves after the Socceroos were let off the hook just moments prior. The side looked far more settled from that point and Australia led 3-0 at the break thanks to two more goals from Velupillay and Irvine.
“It’s the hardest I’ve been pressed in a home game in a long time,” Irvine said.
“There was absolutely no time on the ball in the middle of the park.
“Once we broke that pressure it looked like we were going to score every time we went through.”
3-0! Socceroos dominant first half surge | 01:31
POPPA PULLS THE RIGHT SELECTION CALLS
This was not an easy squad to pick.
Six regular starters were missing through injury and Popovic had key calls to make when it came to his starting wingers and striker.
As Velupillay wheeled away to celebrate with the fans in the 20th minute he had fellow winger Martin Boyle and striker Adam Taggart to thank for the opportunity.
Boyle’s pass found Taggart whose lunging effort resulted in Velupillay being able to run onto the ball and calmly slot Australia’s second.
“It’s a special moment for the boy,” Popovic said.
“Starting your first game, pressure, a stadium that’s full. It doesn’t come bigger than that.
“When he looks back, he should be really proud of that.”
This was the first time Boyle had seen minutes under Popovic after failing to get on the pitch in the November window against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. 14-goals and 9
assists in 36 games for Hibernian in Scotland made a compelling case for selection.
Velupillay is working his way back into form after a nasty ankle injury suffered against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne. To start him in a game of this magnitude was bold. Taggart deserved his spot after five goals in his last 11-games for Perth Glory in the A-League but hadn’t even been picked in a squad by Popovic yet before this window.
For a goal that released the pressure valve in this campaign to be created by two players who’d never featured under this manager and scored by one still not quite at
top form domestically must be applauded.
Unfortunately, Taggart and Boyle were both substituted at half time with potential fitness issues. Taggart appeared to feel for his groin multiple times just before the break. Asked if there was anything amiss with both players Popovic said “there could be.”
“They both had a bit of a niggle, maybe Adam a little bit more than Martin Boyle.”
“Adam was definitely coming off and Martin was a bit of a precaution.”
IRVINE GOAL A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
Jackson Irvine is the heartbeat of the Socceroos midfield. His goals in the 34th and 90th minutes were the 12th and 13th of his international career and came on the same
ground where he scored his first ever for Australia in 2017.
“From a personal point of view a special night,” he said.
“I never take it for granted being here and I haven’t played in this stadium since that night.”
THE RETURN OF DANIEL ARZANI
Arzani replaced Velupillay in the 72nd minute and was greeted by warm applause. It was his first appearance for Australia since a 26-minute spell in a World Cup qualifier
against Bangladesh in June last year.
His last minutes prior to that came against Kuwait in a friendly match in 2018. That was just before the anterior cruciate ligament tear on debut at Celtic that would change the trajectory of his then skyrocketing career.
It took just two minutes for Popovic to call Arzani to the sideline for a chat after his introduction, but generally he worked hard in defence and looked lively in attack.
All of this after Popovic told Arzani his effort in camp during the October international window last year “wasn’t good enough” and that his “level was really poor in
training.”
It appears to have been the wake-up call the 26-year-old – once dubbed the next big thing in Australian football – needed.
Five months on from that camp and Arzani has impressed his mentor this time around. Popovic does not give out easy minutes even with Australia 4-0 up at the time.
It was an impressive response from a player who can only enhance the fortunes of himself and his country with similar application.
Socceroos calm ahead of crucial clashes | 01:56
STATE OF THE PITCH
There’d been concerns about the state of the Sydney Football Stadium pitch in the days prior to kick-off and those fears weren’t alleviated once the game got underway.
Several players lost their footing or looked unsure on the ball. It was not ideal and hampered the fluidity of the game.
“Tough pitch for the players,” Popovic said.
“Very hard underneath and slippery on top. The players were in two minds. Half the players wore studs, and half the players had moulds. It was a difficult one for them tonight. It took a lot out of them.”
MAT RYAN BACK TO HIS BEST ON AN HISTORIC NIGHT
Lost in the euphoria of scoring five goals was the three incredible saves Mat Ryan pulled off between the sticks.
On a night where the goalkeeper became the third most capped player in Socceroos history with 97, moving ahead of another former skipper in Lucas Neill and now only
behind Mark Schwarzer with 109 and Tim Cahill on 108 appearances, Ryan was immense.
He stopped Jay Idzes’ header from a freekick in the 5th minute, made a superb diving save to his left in the 53rd minute and another clutch reflex save down low to his right
in the 84th minute.
“I have to say I’m not surprised after seeing him when he came into camp,” Popovic said.
“Just a different demeanour and that comes from playing.
“You can see he’s full of confidence and he showed that when he came in. He was a real presence around the group and tonight he stood tall.”
The fact the captain was dropped to the bench for the first three games of Popovic’s tenure now seems a distant memory. His move to Lens in France from Roma in Italy
has been a masterstroke.
Davidson hoping to re-ignite Roos career | 02:26
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AT THE BACK
Australia’s backline was hardest hit by the current run of injuries between November and March.
Popovic picked Lewis Miller, Jason Geria, Cameron Burgess, Kye Rowles and Aziz Behich.
Geria, Burgess and Rowles formed the central trio of that combination, and the coach made it clear there was plenty to work on. Indonesia’s goal was well taken, but the lead-up was scrappy.
“The goal they scored probably summarised how we defended,” Popovic said.
“They didn’t create, we gave them chances, we gave them the penalty, we gave them the goal as well.
“Defensively we weren’t great, we were a little bit on edge, a little bit sloppy in our defending.”
WHERE ARE THE SOCCEROOS AT WITH PROJECT POPPA AND WHAT’S NEXT?
Project Poppa is progressing, but it’s far from the finished article. That’s not a bad thing, but just the reality of only being in the job for six-months.
“I aim quite high,” Popovic said with a smile when asked how far along the side is when it comes to implementing his game style.
“They’re not where we want to be, but that’s not a negative that’s a positive. They’ve taken strides forward and it’s not easy to do what they did tonight.”
Popovic pointed to decision making as an area that needs work.
“How do we identify quicker what is happening on the field?” he said.
“That will happen with more games together.
“I felt that this camp or this window of the first game is the first time I’ve felt in training and just around the hotel that this group is now starting to build into something.”
Now, it’s off to China for their next qualifier on Tuesday night.
Australia remains second in group C and in control of its own fate when it comes to securing automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup.
Pep Guardiola slammed the “unacceptable” schedule that put fatigued Manchester City’s health at risk in their 1-0 win against Chelsea in an FA Cup semi-final scheduled just three days after their gruelling Champions League exit.
Guardiola was furious that the Football Association and television broadcasters set City’s semi-final for Saturday instead of giving them an extra day to recover after Wednesday’s penalty shoot-out loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Exhausted City were fortunate to survive a series of Chelsea misses at Wembley before Bernardo Silva’s 84th minute winner atoned for his penalty blunder in the shoot-out against Real.
Guardiola took aim at the authorities for putting his players’ futures in danger when they could have played Manchester United’s semi-final against Coventry on Saturday instead of Sunday because neither club was in European action this week.
“I’m incredibly happy to play the semi-finals of the FA Cup. I love to be in the quarter-final of the Champions League. But it’s unacceptable to let us play today,” Guardiola said.
“It is impossible for the health of the players. People don’t understand the punch in the face after losing in the Champions League and playing here so soon.
“Why they don’t give us one more day? Chelsea, Manchester United and Coventry don’t play in the Champions League. It is for broadcasters? OK don’t ask me to do extra things (for them).”
Bernardo Silva’s goal sealed a 1-0 win for Manchester City in the FA Cup semi final against Chelsea. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)Source: AFP
Guardiola insisted he would not speak to the sport’s governing bodies about his complaint because he is convinced they will not listen.
“I’m right, right? I’m not asking for some special privilege. It is a risk for their health, it is a risk for many things. I know they (the authorities) don’t care, but I care,” he said.
“In this country it is not going to change anything. I know it. They don’t have the sensitivity to the players. Don’t ask me to have meetings with the Premier League and the FA. I don’t go. I’m preparing the players.”
Guardiola’s rant was sparked by the obvious lethargy running through his side as they struggled to impose themselves against Chelsea.
Erling Haaland was sidelined by an injury sustained against Real, while Jack Grealish came off injured at Wembley and Rodri and Kyle Walker played through fitness issues.
City are back in action at Brighton in the Premier League on Thursday as they chase an unprecedented fourth successive title.
“After 120 minutes after Madrid, physically and emotionally, what they have done today is one of the most incredible things I have seen. We didn’t have time to prepare anything,” Guardiola said.
“Mentally it’s so tough to recover. Rodri, the way he played today, Kyle Walker, who was injured for a few weeks. How we survived I don’t know.
Former Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer looks on after losing the FA Cup semi final. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images )Source: Getty Images
“I just want to protect my players. I do this for my players. It is unsustainable.
“We want to play football. We love to play football but it’s too much.”
While City eye the double, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino had to come to terms with a second loss at Wembley in a troubled first season in charge.
Beaten 1-0 by an inexperienced Liverpool line-up in the League Cup final in February, Chelsea once again paid for key misses, with Nicolas Jackson guilty of three woeful finishes.
“The most important thing is to be clinical and not concede. Even if we competed well, I cannot say we were the better side,” Pochettino said.
“We need to assess after nearly 10 months then take the decisions to improve in different areas and reduce the gap to teams like Manchester City.
“We are disappointed because the team is not matching the history of the club but we need to assess it in a different way.
“The evolution is good with all the circumstances but we need to be better next season.”
This World Cup could be shaping as a mass swan song for a stack of Australian one-day greats, but not Josh Hazlewood.
The 32-year-old fast bowling veteran has declared he has no intention of retiring from 50-over cricket at the end of the ODI showpiece and is adamant he wants to continue playing all three formats.
There has been speculation that David Warner, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Hazlewood might all be playing 50-over cricket for the last time at the tournament starting in India on Thursday night, representing the end of an era for a group that famously led Australia to 2015 World Cup glory on home soil.
Part of the thinking has been that Australia’s big three quicks might look to shed a format to prolong their Test careers.
Also, Australia has often looked at its ODI selection in cycles with a view to picking players who will be there for the next World Cup.
However, Hazlewood, at least, isn’t seeing this World Cup as the end and has indicated that continuing in all three formats actually helps him maintain his equilibrium as one of the world’s greatest wicket-takers.
“I still feel like I want to play all three formats,” Hazlewood told this masthead.
“It’s easy to say now, I guess. But after the World Cup, I think I’ll still feel the same.
“And after the T20 World Cup (next year), (I think I’ll) still feel the same.
“Sometimes it’s easier just to keep going along and playing all the formats and keeping in rhythm and getting your bowling up to scratch and learning new tricks in different formats to then (transfer) to other formats.”
Hazlewood has had his fair share of injury problems over the past two years which has limited his Test cricket, but the big right-armer doesn’t believe cutting back on the amount of cricket he’s playing is the solution.
“Obviously if you just play one format there’s big breaks. There’s building up again and getting ready and I always like being bowling and maintaining that level of fitness through playing,” Hazlewood said.
“It’s obviously a lot of time on the road and there are times when you need to recover and rest and maybe miss a three-match series here or there in different countries, but overall I think I still have that appetite to play all three.”
Hazlewood is the world’s No.2 ranked ODI bowler and Australia’s No.1 and the good news is he feels as though confidence in his body has been restored by powering through the Ashes tour without any fitness issues, having missed the Indian Test series earlier this year with an Achilles problem.
“Yeah I have. First game was hard work. I still didn’t have those miles in the legs. But as the (Ashes) series went on I felt a lot more confidence out there and getting that confidence of bowling back-to-back spells, back-to-back days and back-to-back games,” Hazlewood said.
“It’s just building that workload up again and everything feels in a really good place.”
This will almost certainly be Warner’s swan song in one-day cricket given he intends to retire from Test cricket after the Sydney Test.
Although he would still be a key part of Australia’s tilt at next year’s T20 World Cup.
Starc is 33 years of age and has always said longevity playing Test cricket will be his No.1 motivation when it comes to deciding on whether or not to shed formats.
However, Starc is one of the greatest white ball bowlers of the modern era and it’s not certain he will hang up the boots in 50-over cricket after this World Cup.
Starc has already revealed he’s signing up for next year’s Indian Premier League competition for the first time in nearly a decade.
The feeling is Cummins will at the very least step down from the ODI captaincy after this World Cup.
Cummins is only 30, but has scarcely played much ODI cricket over the past couple of years anyway, and given his importance to Australia’s Test future might feel he’s better served focusing on Tests and T20s.
Captain Pat Cummins and Steve Smith made solid returns from injury but the skipper revealed the other two key pillars in the side Maxwell and Starc aren’t due to come back until the third ODI against India next Wednesday, leaving precious little time for continuity to build ahead of Australia’s blockbuster World Cup opener facing the formidable hosts once again on October 8.
If anything, the five-wicket loss in Mohali may further strengthen Australia’s resolve to carry Travis Head through the first half of the World Cup despite his fractured hand, in the hope he can win them the tournament at the back end.
India’s openers Shubman Gill (74 off 63) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (71 off 77) showed the vital importance of getting off to a flying start in Indian conditions, and Australia believe Head can provide that injection when he ultimately returns to partner the in-form David Warner (52), the only Aussie to pass 50.
Josh Inglis’ (45 off 45 balls) in the middle order was also timely as Australia contemplate how they plug a hole without Head for the first half of the tournament, especially if they are to decide against calling Marnus Labuschagne (39 off 49) into the final 15-man World Cup squad.
It might be too late in the piece for selectors to consider another switcheroo, but Cameron Green looks out of rhythm as a middle order batsman in India after a stodgy 31 off 52 balls.
In his first ever Indian Premier League appearance earlier this year, Green lit it up as an opening batsman for the Mumbai Indians, as he did late last year when Australia shifted him to the top of the order for a series of T20s in India on the eve of the T20 World Cup.
Green struggles starting his innings against spin and Australia might ponder whether – in Head’s absence – they might get the best out of him by promoting him to open with Warner and giving him a licence to play his shots.
That would allow Australia to return to its original plan and bat Mitchell Marsh at No. 3 and Smith at No.4.
It would enable Australia to go hard with its top three and push for a big start to the innings, and then have the option of pulling the handbrake with Smith at 4 and possibly Inglis at 5 should early wickets fall.
Green told this masthead before the start of Australia’s ODI campaign that the IPL experience opening the batting had changed him as a cricketer.
“100 per cent, I took a lot of confidence out of that,” Green said.
“You’re obviously coming up against the best players in the world in pretty foreign conditions. I had a great time. I felt like I was a different cricketer to when I finished that, from where I was before.
“I had a lot more confidence in my own game and what I can bring.
“I think that’s the benefit of our Australian team, everyone has had success in the IPL and had plenty of years there.
“We have a really good idea how to go about it in India and they have great plans for how to succeed there.”
Meanwhile, Green has formally knocked back an approach from the Brisbane Heat to jump the fence to play for them this year, but is still yet to put pen to paper with the Perth Scorchers.
Australia’s other big issue ahead of the World Cup is taking wickets, with leg-spinner Adam Zampa about the only likely option at the moment.
World Cup master Starc (groin) and finger spin all-rounder Maxwell (ankle) will be absolutely vital to Australia’s hopes and selectors will be sweating on how they respond in their comeback from fitness issues.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has finally arrived.
For the Matildas and the 31 other teams competing, it is the culmination of a four-year journey filled with plenty of trials and tribulations.
Tony Gustavsson’s side isn’t the favourite to win the World Cup, but with a nation behind them on home soil, they are expected to go deep into the tournament.
This Australian squad has undergone a major revamp from its last appearance at a World Cup when they exited in the Round of 16 in 2019.
One of the key issues four years ago was the glaring lack of depth, especially in the backline.
Thankfully, Gustavsson has rectified that issue not just on the defensive front but all over the park, with seven players set to make their World Cup debuts.
Talismanic skipper Sam Kerr will lead the line with the weight of a nation on her shoulders, but who else could play a starring role alongside her?
Foxsports.com.au breaks down every member of the 23-player Matildas World Cup squad, forecasts what role they will have throughout the tournament and predicts the starting line-up for the opener against Ireland on July 20!
Oddly enough, the goalkeeper position has long been one with strong stocks over the years for both the Socceroos and Matildas.
Although the men have often had a clear No.1 goalkeeper, the Matildas have often been blessed with riches between the sticks.
That is no more evident than the trio of goalkeepers in the Matildas squad for the World Cup.
Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah and Lydia Williams have all spent time as Gustavsson’s top option in goals throughout his tenure.
It has fluctuated over the four-year journey since the 2019 World Cup, but it appears we now have a clear front-runner for the role.
Regardless, the Matildas would be in safe hands no matter who ends up as the final line of defence.
Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham)
35 caps
Making her third Women’s World Cup squad (but having not yet featured on the pitch), Arnold is one of many veteran Matildas who have travelled around the world to take their game to the next level. From her hometown club Brisbane Roar to Norway, the US, and now England with West Ham, Arnold is in the peak of her powers and her exceptional club form has been repeated in the green and gold. In February, she was Player of the Tournament in the Cup of Nations after some commanding performances between the sticks.
Teagan Micah (FC Rosengard)
14 caps
The 25-year-old is widely viewed as the ‘next generation’ keeper to inherit the No.1 jersey from the veterans in Arnold and Williams, and her standout performances at the Tokyo Olympics saw her surge into genuine contention for the starting role.
But Micah endured a torrid six months after suffering a major concussion in a Champions League match in early December.
She could hardly leave bed for two months and continued to experience ongoing symptoms like severe headaches, nausea and dizziness for months afterwards. Her battle with concussion and the subsequent toll it took on her mental wellbeing was largely hidden from the public, with her club and the Matildas only stating she was injured. But just last month she returned to club action and will run out for the Aussies at her second World Cup.
Teagan Micah is back in action after dealing with the effects of a major concussion. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Lydia Williams (Brighton)
102 caps
Williams has made her fifth World Cup squad, the most for any Australian player (alongside a fellow Matilda, but more on the later).
The veteran goalkeeper made her debut in 2005 and has remained a constant presence for the Tillies ever since.
Although she was seen as the No. 1 option between the sticks in recent years, Williams has since been struggling for game time for her country with the recent rise of Micah and Arnold.
She’s also battled for minutes at club level too with stints at Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain largely spent on the bench, before a switch to Brighton helped her to some much-needed action on the park.
Whether Williams can nudge ahead of Arnold and Micah in the pecking order remains to be seen, but her experience and calming presence will prove critical for the Tillies.
DEFENDERS
At the 2019 World Cup, the Matildas’ worrying lack of depth in defence was brutally exposed.
Fast forward to today and one could argue it’s our deepest area on the park.
There’s strong competition for places with plenty of young faces breaking into the Matildas squad in recent years, but there’s also the reliable veteran faces of Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy and Clare Polkinghorne to name three.
Although Gustavsson is spoilt for choice in several areas across the back, he must make a number of harsh calls going into the World Cup opener against Ireland.
Ellie Carpenter (Lyon)
62 caps
Carpenter burst onto the international scene as a fresh-faced 15-year-old for the Matildas in an Olympic qualifier against Vietnam and has never looked back since.
The Cowra native, who plays as a right-back, is undeniably coach Gustavsson’s first choice in the position as she provides endless amounts of energy up and down the flank.
There were fears she could have missed a home World Cup when she ruptured her ACL during Lyon’s UWCL victory over Barcelona last year, but returned to action in February and is chomping at the bit.
Her overlapping runs and bursts of pace on the right are critical to how Gustavsson wants the Matildas to play, so expect to see Carpenter joining in with plenty of attacks only to see her racing back and putting in a crunching tackle.
Carpenter has battled her way back from a torn ACL. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)Source: AFP
Steph Catley (Arsenal)
110 caps
From featuring on the cover of FIFA16 to proving her credentials overseas, vice-captain Catley is one of the most recognisable faces in the Matildas line-up.
The 29-year-old is able to play anywhere across the back four, but is predominantly used as a left back or a left centre back.
The Arsenal star also has a wicked delivery from set pieces which, in tournament football, can be the difference between winning and losing, such are the fine margins.
Over the years Catley has been beset by a number of injuries and struck fear into the hearts of Matildas supporters when she was subbed on and then subbed off during Arsenal’s win over Leicester City in May.
She also missed the Matildas’ friendlies against Scotland and England in early April with a foot injury.
However, Catley was at her dependable best against France and will be a lock for the Ireland clash.
Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo GIK)
18 caps
Grant has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence for the Matildas ever since she made her international debut against Ireland in September 2021.
The young fullback, who specialises on the right flank, will enjoy her maiden World Cup appearance which is sure to be one of many throughout her budding career.
The South Australian began her career with Adelaide United before moving to Swedish outfit FC Rosengard and then Vittsjo GIK last year, where she counts fellow Matildas Clare Polkinghorne and Katrina Gorry as teammates.
Although she has been stuck behind Carpenter in the pecking order, her injury opened the door for Grant to earn a number of starting berths against the likes of Sweden, Spain and England.
Her first goal at international level and a player of the match award against the Lionesses proves Grant can more than hold her own and will push Carpenter all the way for the starting role.
Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers)
6 caps
With a dad who played one first grade match for the Canberra Raiders and a brother, Henry, who plays for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL, Clare Hunt comes from a strong sporting background.
She made her debut against the Czech Republic during the Cup of Nations in February earlier this year and coach Gustavsson remarked how absurdly comfortable she seemed on the park for a debutant.
It has not been a straightforward journey to this point given she underwent seven different operations from 2018 to 2022 for a variety of injuries.
Hunt made the PFA A-League Women’s team of the season thanks to an outstanding campaign for the Wanderers and impressed once again against France after a shaky moment early on.
She’s made it extremely difficult for Gustavsson to drop her from the starting line-up, so expect Hunt to start the World Cup opener.
Clare Hunt has displayed a maturity beyond her six Matildas caps. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)Source: AFP
Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City)
109 caps
Kennedy has been a mainstay in the in the Matildas squad ever since she made her debut in June 2012 against New Zealand at age 17.
This World Cup will be the centre back’s third and her eighth major tournament for the national team.
Although she may have over 100 appearances for the Matildas under her belt, Kennedy has battled for game time at club level in recent seasons with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
This past season the 28-year-old dealt with a series of frustrating injuries that kept her to only four games across all competitions for City and hasn’t played since March.
Yet she slotted in at the back alongside Hunt in the France friendly and looked as if she’d missed no time at all, earning her a highly likely starting berth against Ireland.
Aivi Luik (BK Hacken)
49 caps
What a remarkable journey for Aivi Luik.
After retiring from international duty in August 2021, the 38-year-old was convinced to backflip on the decision by Gustavsson and is now headed to her second World Cup.
Luik’s versatility will be crucial to the Matildas, as she can play at left back, centre back and even in centre midfield very comfortably.
She may not have as many caps as one might expect, but having played in 10 countries throughout her career, Luik has plenty of experience in the bank that the youngsters of the squad can call on.
It’s highly unlikely Luik will be a starter, but she could certainly feature at some stage should Gustavsson need someone to help see out a game in the latter stages.
Courtney Nevin (Leicester City)
23 caps
Nevin is at her first World Cup having been handed her debut by Gustavsson as an 18-year-old against Denmark in 2021 before making the Tokyo Olympics squad.
The young full back then earned a move to Swedish side Hammarby IF in 2022 but came into her own during a loan spell at WSL side Leicester City.
Thanks to three assists and a clean sheet, Nevin was nominated for the WSL Player of the Month award in April as she played a key role in keeping the Foxes safe from relegation.
She’s since signed a permanent deal with Leicester and will no doubt come on in leaps and bounds over the years.
Nevin is unlikely to be a first choice option at fullback for the World Cup, but her quality will be critical to the Matildas’ depth should something happen to Carpenter or Catley.
Courtney Nevin (right) has proven to be a dependable option at left or right back when needed. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)Source: AFP
Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK)
157 caps
There’s a good reason as to why Sam Kerr described Clare Polkinghorne as the “mum” of the team at the press conference for the squad announcement.
Polkinghorne is headed to her fifth World Cup and holds the record for most caps in Matildas history with a staggering 156 to her name across a 17-year span with the national team.
Evidently the most experienced operator in the team, Polkinghorne is a cool head at centre back and a guaranteed starter provided she is 100 per cent fit, although she missed time in April for Swedish club Vittsjo GIK with a lower-leg injury.
The only worrying aspect of Polkinghorne’s inclusion is her lack of pace which can get exposed in Gustavsson’s high-press style of play, but her tactical nous should be more than enough to not get into such situations often.
She was left out of the starting line-up for the France clash but came on in the second half and did her job to keep a clean sheet.
A fully-fit Polkinghorne starts, but Hunt and Kennedy showed the team is still strong at the back without the veteran’s presence.
MIDFIELDERS
There’s a youthful exuberance about the midfield options but, like in defence, Gustavsson has named a number of experienced stars.
In Gustavsson’s current system, there’s just two central midfield positions up for grabs and we already have a good idea as to who will start in them for the World Cup.
However, the France friendly proved a number of these players can slot seamlessly anywhere else on the park and make an impact.
They also present as serious impact options off the bench and can flip a game on its head, an invaluable quality in tournament football.
Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville)
27 caps
Chidiac has developed a cult following for her bubbly personality and humorous nature, but don’t think for a second she doesn’t flip the switch once it comes time to take the park.
The silky midfielder’s six goals in 13 games while on loan at Melbourne Victory in the 2022/23 A-League Women’s season earned her the Julie Dolan Medal, the league’s most prestigious honour.
She’s since returned to Racing Louisville in the NWSL and continues to impress.
The 24-year-old is not a guaranteed starter and will likely be used by Gustavsson as a fresh injection of guile, creativity and energy off the bench.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF)
28 caps
Cooney-Cross looms as one of the most important players at the World Cup for the Matildas.
Having made her A-League Women’s debut for Melbourne Victory at age 15, Cooney-Cross has continued to impress with each passing year.
She’s also become a massive hit with fans of her Swedish club Hammarby after playing a starring role en route to the side winning the Swedish Cup and thus ending a 28-year trophy drought.
Cooney-Cross has developed a formidable partnership with Katrina Gorry in the heart of the Matildas midfield and looks set to reprise that role at what will be her first World Cup.
Cooney-Cross has made the centre midfield position her own. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)Source: AFP
Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GIK)
94 caps
Gorry has been a mainstay of the Matildas over the course of 11 years and has become a vital player in Gustavsson’s high-octane style of play.
The pint-sized midfielder, affectionately known as ‘Mini’, is back in the Tillies set-up after giving birth to her daughter Harper.
She wasted no time in finding her feet on the park when she was named Player of the Match in her comeback game against New Zealand where the Matildas came from behind to win.
Gorry is expected to line up alongside Cooney-Cross in the midfield with the duo having played alongside one another in Australia’s five games played in 2023.
Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave)
128 caps
It’s hard to picture the Matildas in the modern era without Van Egmond running around in the No. 10 jersey.
She made her debut aged 16 in 2010 and scored her first Matildas goal the following year at the Women’s World Cup against Equatorial Guinea.
Since her debut in 2010, Van Egmond has failed to play 10 games or more in a calendar year just three times, highlighting her longevity and importance to the side.
However, the 29-year-old has been battling form and fitness issues in recent times and only recently returned to action for NWSL side San Diego Wave after a back injury.
If Gustavsson opts for a two-player central midfield, which looks likely, Van Egmond may be squeezed out of the starting line-up.
Van Egmond has been a mainstay in the Matildas team since debuting in 2010. Photo by Michael Klein.Source: News Corp Australia
Clare Wheeler (Everton)
13 caps
Another one of the several World Cup debutants in the Matildas’ ranks.
Wheeler logged plenty of minutes for Everton in the WSL this season so she will not be short of match fitness.
However, she isn’t exactly a guarantee to start in the midfield, especially if Gustavsson is to go with two centre mids instead of two holding midfielders and a No. 10.
She is a defensive midfielder by nature and relishes doing the dirty work of breaking up opposition attacks and, if games become stretched, Wheeler could be a vitally important option off the bench.
Tameka Yallop (SK Brann)
113 caps
This is Yallop’s fourth World Cup having made her tournament debut in 2011.
The 32-year-old is one of the most versatile members of this Matildas squad, an invaluable quality given how quickly a game can turn.
Yallop underwent ankle surgery late last year but returned to the Matildas fold for the 2023 Cup of Nations.
Yet she hurt her ankle again during Australia’s thrilling win over England, which leaves her under somewhat of an injury cloud going into the tournament.
An injury to her left knee against France will have everyone sweating nervously as they await the verdict of how severe it is.
She’s likely to feature in cameos off the bench throughout the World Cup.
FORWARDS
This is where the magic happens and the area with the most recognisable names.
Sam Kerr, our superstar striker, is the first name on the team sheet and will lead the Matildas’ attacking line for the tournament.
Gustavsson has toyed with different formations in the final third but looks to have settled on having two up top, one of which is Kerr.
But the versatility of all the forward options gives the Swede plenty of choices in which to slightly tweak things during a game if need be.
There’s also a clear theme when it comes to the key attributes of the wingers selected and it’s one that aligns perfectly with how Gustavsson wants his side to play.
Caitlin Foord (Arsenal)
109 caps
Although Sam Kerr may be the headline act in the Matildas’ attack, Caitlin Foord has become a superstar in her own right at the top end of the field.
Her World Cup debut in 2011 earned her the Best Young Player of the Tournament award and Foord has never looked back since, scoring 29 goals in her 108 games since.
But a run of 12 goals in her last 30 appearances proves she’s in outstanding goalscoring form for the Matildas in recent times.
Not only that, she’s been a phenom for Arsenal in the WSL this season.
Gustavsson has recently deployed Foord in a two-striker formation alongside Kerr, but don’t be surprised to see her out on the wing either.
Regardless, Foord is a nailed-on starter for the World Cup.
Foord has linked up well when paired with Kerr in a front two. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Mary Fowler (Manchester City)
37 caps
At just 16 years of age, Mary Fowler was a member of the 2019 World Cup squad but didn’t see any game time.
Four years on, she’s grown to be an integral part of this Matildas line-up under Gustavsson and will undoubtedly see more minutes.
An attacking midfielder who can also play along the front line with ease, Fowler can pick out a pass, drift past a player as if they’re a training cone or fire in a strike from range.
Her arsenal of weapons is sure to be critical to the Matildas’ hopes, although she fractured her back while playing for club side Manchester City in April and has been unable to play since.
Came on at half time against France and was quiet in the early stages, but once she moved into a more central role she thrived and scored the only goal.
More than good enough to start, but will likely have an impact role off the bench going into the World Cup opener against Ireland.
Sam Kerr (Chelsea)
121 caps
What more is there to say about Sam Kerr?
Captain fantastic. Australia’s record goal scorer. The first Australian to score a hat-trick at a World Cup.
Kerr scores goals for club and country like there’s no tomorrow and has been unlucky not to pick up the Ballon d’Or Feminin in recent years.
The Chelsea sharpshooter has also picked up two Golden Boots, four league titles and three Women’s FA Cup trophies along the way since moving to London from the Chicago Red Stars.
She’s the first name on the team sheet and her goals will be critical to the Matildas’ success.
As for the danger she poses to the opposition, Kerr put it best when she said rival defenders may pocket her for 89 minutes, she just needs that one chance to seal the deal.
Enough said.
Hayley Raso (Real Madrid)
71 caps
The rapid Hayley Raso is one of the most important outlets for the Matildas.
Her lightning-quick pace helps her leave opposition defenders in a spin and has a keen eye for goal too, showcasing that with a double in Australia’s Cup of Nations win over the Czech Republic earlier this year.
Raso’s impressive form for Manchester City this season also earned her a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and will look to carry the momentum into the World Cup where she aims to score her first goal in the tournament.
Instantly recognisable with her trademark bow, Raso’s attacking intent will be key and is a guaranteed starter.
Raso’s rapid pace gives defenders nightmares. (Photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Kyah Simon (unattached)
111 caps
One of Australia’s great comeback stories, Simon has battled injuries time and again in her career, from a broken leg aged 15 to a syndemosmis injury in 2019 that ruled her out of the 2019 World Cup.
Always, the resilient star has fought back – making her debut aged 16 in 2007, or fighting back from that 2019 injury to play a key role in the Matildas’ best-ever Olympics result in Tokyo 2021.
In September last year, that injury curse struck again when playing for Tottenham, tearing her ACL, MCL and meniscus. Having already underwent multiple knee reconstructions in the past, as well as hefty shoulder and ankle surgeries, another comeback seemed out of reach.
But she worked tirelessly on physio and rehabilitation and is back in the squad for a third World Cup (after 2011, ‘15).
She said: “When I did my injury, straight away, my first thought was the World Cup. That was my sole motivation and focus every day … I’ve probably worked the hardest that I ever have in my career.”
Simon has a knack of goals in big games – the winning penalty at the 2010 Asian Cup, two goals against Norway at the 2011 World Cup to reach the knockouts, or her goal against Brazil in the 2015 tournament to hand Australia a first-ever knockout win.
The Anaiwan and Biripi woman is also the first Indigenous player to score at a World Cup and the first to reach 100 caps for the Matildas.
Sam Kerr said: “She’s kind of an X factor and she has been her whole career.”
Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC)
17 caps
One of just two A-League Women’s players in the Matildas World Cup squad, Cortnee Vine has more than earned her place.
Her remarkable speed is a major asset whether she starts or comes on as an impact substitution, especially against tired defenders.
Vine made her debut in January last year and has since made 16 caps, highlighting how impressed Gustavsson has been with the Sydney FC flyer.
Was handed a starting berth against France in a big show of faith from Gustavsson and although she couldn’t find her shooting boots, her pace was pivotal to the Matildas’ attacking play.
It’s been an incredible weekend for Socceroos around the globe, with trophies raised, promotions secured, and goals galore.
However, there has been one sad injury update on an out-of-favour superstar, while another veteran copped an injury as well.
Here’s all the latest in our Roo Radar!
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MASSIMO LUONGO
The midfielder’s stratospheric rise in recent months at third-tier English side Ipswich Town has been one of the stories of the season.
And on Sunday, the fairytale had a perfect ending. Luongo played 75 minutes of a 6-0 win for Ipswich over Exeter City, a result that sees the Blues return to the Championship after a four-year absence.
Luongo scored a goal as he continued an unbelievable streak with the club. He has played 14 consecutive league games for Ipswich, and they’ve won 13 of those games with a draw in the other.
The team banked an incredible 43 goals scored and just two conceded during that streak, with Luongo striking twice himself.
In their three prior seasons in the third tier, the team finished 11th twice and ninth, making this year’s stunning rise to second place and automatic promotion even more impressive.
Having failed to play even a minute for Middlesbrough after an ill-fated move there at the start of the season, Luongo’s revival at Ipswich has suddenly put him back in the frame for a first Socceroos cap since 2019.
Making things even more special for Aussie fans, Luongo was joined by Connor Burgess, a 27-year-old Australian centre half who has played the full game in each of their incredible recent run of matches.
Burgess has played 37 games in all competitions this season despite suffering a facial fracture back in September.
TOM ROGIC
Another out-of-favour former Socceroos mainstay, Tom Rogic, is having a much harder time of it.
He played 32 of Celtic’s 38 league matches last season under Ange Postecoglou before a surprise departure that left him club-less until mid-September, when he signed at English second-division club West Bromwich Albion on a one-season deal.
But after promising flashes of brilliance in the first few weeks at the club, the playmaker has barely made an appearance in recent months.
He hasn’t started a match since January, was left out of the squad entirely for a seven-game stretch the following month, and has been given limited minutes off the bench since then.
In his last seven substitute appearances, only two have seen him play more than 20 minutes.
Now manager Carlos Corberan has revealed nerve pain in the player’s back has been a long-term problem robbing the Australian of more opportunities to make his mark.
Tom Rogic was a bright spark in his early games for West Bromwich Albion.Source: Getty Images
Corberan said: “It’s the fact that he’s had an injury. It has stopped him from being more of an alternative because there is no doubt that he was having more minutes before Christmas. It’s true that since then, the number of his minutes have reduced, but it’s more related to how physically he feels.
“He still doesn’t feel 100 per cent. He can train with the group, but he still has some pain in the back, in the nerve which connects the back and the hamstring. It isn’t something we consider to be a problem, but the pain doesn’t allow him to be at 100 per cent condition.
“At the end, if you’re not 100 per cent, you cannot train with the same intensity that you need to get, to play more minutes. That’s why I consider him a player who can still help us with minutes, still he is a player with a lot of quality and skill, but he’s a player who needs to manage because he’s not in a normal condition.”
The club has the option to extend Rogic’s contract by another season – and with the side currently fighting for Premier League promotion, that could even see the 30-year-old back in England’s top flight!
Given his current form and fitness issues, the club seems unlikely to pick up that contract option.
The international future is clouded for the player who missed the World Cup last year and hasn’t represented the Socceroos since February 2022.
AARON MOOY
Aaron Mooy continues to enjoy a dream campaign under Postecoglou at Celtic, with a trophy treble now well within reach.
Having already won the League Cup in February (Mooy started all four of Celtic’s games in that competition, including against Rangers in the final), the Hoops now sit a whopping 13 points clear of bitter rivals Rangers in the league with five games to play.
They could clinch the league – a second straight under Postecoglou – as early as this weekend.
Mooy came off the bench in that 1-0 win, the Australian’s 41st appearance of the season. He has racked up seven goals and 10 assists in that time, making it one of the 32-year-old’s finest years in his storied career.
Celtic face second-division Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the final of the Cup, which will be played at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Saturday, June 3 (local time).
That’s one week after the league concludes, meaning Postecoglou and Mooy could already have lifted two domestic trophies by then.
AWER MABIL
Awer Mabil came off the bench at half time before delivering a game-changing performance for AC Sparta Prague in Czechia.
The on-loan winger netted twice from the penalty spot in stoppage time – first the equaliser, then the go-ahead goal – to turn a draw into three points in a 3-1 win over Liberec.
Asked after the match if he had any nerves when he sent both penalties into the same spot, 27-year-old Mabil said: “No, no, we’ve been working so hard that when these moments come, I just know where to put it.
“And they went in today and the most important is the three points.
“We’re just fighting for that championship.”
His side face Slavia Praha in the cup final on Thursday morning (AEST) and currently sit two points above them in the league with five ‘championship round’ matches to go (against the other top-six teams).
AROUND THE GROUNDS
There’s been some fantastic performances from Australians elsewhere this weekend.
In Germany, FC St Pauli captain Jackson Irvine racked up another 90-minute performance to guide his team back into the winner’s circle 2-1 over Arminia. Fellow Aussie Connor Metcalfe came off the bench in the 66th minute. St Pauli is fifth in the second-tier with just four matches to go. The top two teams are automatically promoted, while the third-placed team plays off against the third-bottom team from the top flight to decide which team gets to play in the Bundesliga the following season.
St Pauli sit six points off the third-placed team.
Striker Nick D’Agostino had a goal and an assist for Norwegian club Viking FK in a bonkers 7-3 win over HamKam. He wasn’t the only Aussie to start and play a key role – Olyroos gun Patrick Yazbek picked up an assist in his 76 minutes on the park, while Gianni Stensness played the full 90 minutes.
Viking is third in the league after four rounds.
In France, Denis Genreau’s Toulouse beat Nantes 5-1 in the final of the Coupe de France to seal their first-every trophy and qualification to the Europa League. Genreau was an unused substitute but has featured 16 times in the league – France’s top division – this year.
In Korea’s second division, veteran forward Mitch Duke is back from injury and back making an impact, nabbing an assist in his 74 minutes for Machida Zelvia in a 2-1 win over Roasso Kumamoto.
There was more good news for young gun Alexander Robertson in Manchester City’s U21 team. Robertson started and got 45 minutes for the City U21s – picking up an assist to boot – in a 4-3 win over Wolves U21 on the weekend. It comes after City won the Premier League 2 Division 1 title last week.
But there was a worrying incident for one Socceroos defender, Milos Degenek, who was substituted just 13 minutes into Columbus Crew’s 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami in the MLS.
The centre-back – just days after his 29th birthday – appeared to suffer a leg injury.
Jadon Sancho’s first goal since September denied managerless Leeds a famous win at Old Trafford as Manchester United came from 2-0 down to salvage a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
Sancho has been sidelined for much of the season by fitness issues, but came off the bench to rescue a point and stretch United’s unbeaten run at home to 16 games.
Leeds sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday following a run of seven league games without a win.
Caretaker manager Michael Skubala had just one 20-minute training session to prepare for the trip across The Pennines, but they had been on course for a first victory over United since 2010.
Leeds shock Man Utd in 55 seconds | 00:45
Wilfried Gnonto gave the visitors the perfect start after just a minute and Raphael Varane’s own goal doubled their advantage early in the second half.
Marcus Rashford’s 20th goal of the season sparked the United fightback before Sancho equalised.
A point leaves third-placed United still seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal, having played two games more.
The draw is more valuable to Leeds, who edge one point clear of the relegation zone.
Gnonto has been a consistent bright spark of an otherwise sad season for Leeds and exploded the game into life after just 60 seconds as he found the bottom corner for his fourth goal in seven games.
United badly missed the presence of the suspended Casemiro in midfield, which allowed Leeds to counter-attack at will.
Pascal Struijk could have doubled their lead inside 12 minutes as David De Gea was forced into a save from point-blank range to deny the Dutch defender.
But the losses of Luis Sinisterra to injury and Struijk due to concussion halted Leeds’ momentum and they ended up clinging onto their lead before halftime.
Alejandro Garnacho fired just wide and then saw a shot cleared off the line by Max Woeber after the Argentine had rounded Illan Meslier.
Jadon Sancho of Manchester United celebrates with teammate Lisandro Martinez after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford on February 08, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
However, United were slow out of the blocks after the break and were punished. Gnonto was at the heart of the move again as he released Crysencio Summerville down the left and his cross was turned into his own net by Raphael Varane.
Erik ten Hag turned to his bench for solutions and found them in Sancho and Facundo Pellistri to replace the ineffectual Wout Weghorst and Garnacho.
Weghorst’s withdrawal put Rashford through the middle and within minutes he rose highest to meet Diogo Dalot’s cross for his 12th goal in 14 games since the World Cup.
Leeds were inches away from restoring their two-goal lead almost immediately when Brenden Aaronson’s free-kick came back off the post.
Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds United celebrate after Raphael Varane of Manchester United (not pictured) concedes an own goal.Source: Getty Images
But their advantage was soon wiped out completely 20 minutes from time. Sancho’s return to action has been a timely boost with United still involved in four competitions and short on attacking options.
The England international collected Luke Shaw’s deflected cross and his low strike caught out Meslier low to his left.
United then laid siege to the Leeds goal in search of a winner. Meslier redeemed himself with a fine save to tip over a Varane header and Bruno Fernandes twice fired off target as United failed to complete the comeback.
