Every Matildas World Cup player and their role for Australia in 2023 home tournament
Australia’s squad has been confirmed for a FIFA World Cup on home soil. ADAM PEACOCK looks at every Matildas player and their looming part in the tournament.
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Australia has confirmed the Matildas squad that will contest a home FIFA World Cup.
Here are the players and their looming roles.
Goalkeepers
MACKENZIE ARNOLD
World Cups: 3rd
Caps: 34
Role: Frontrunner for the starting goalkeeper spot in a tight call after impressing in the past five games, off the back of strong performances with club West Ham.
LYDIA WILLIAMS
World Cups: 5th
Caps: 102
Role: Fantastic leader who has dropped down the pecking order, with coach Tony Gustavsson preferring Teagan Micah before her injury, and now Arnold.
TEAGAN MICAH
World Cups: 2nd
Caps: 14
Role: Started the most games under Gustavsson of the three keepers but only just returned from a concussion injury that lasted months, opening the door for Arnold.
Defenders
ELLIE CARPENTER
World Cups: 2nd
Caps: 61
Role: Starting right back, having recovered from last year’s ACL rupture suffered in a Champions League final.
CLARE POLKINGHORNE
World Cups: 5th
Caps: 156
Role: Starting centre back, as long as the lower leg injury which has kept her out of club duties since April has cleared up.
CLARE HUNT
World Cups: Debut
Caps: 5
Role: Starting centre back, capping a remarkable rise in the past 12 months. Injury had nearly ruined her career, yet A-League Women’s form with Western Sydney put her in the frame and she’s taken every chance since her debut in February.
CHARLI GRANT
World Cups: Debut
Caps: 18
Role: Back-up in both fullback roles. Really risen in the past 12 months, playing consistently in Sweden, and won’t let anyone down if defensive shuffling is required.
ALANNA KENNEDY
World Cups: 3rd
Caps: 108
Role: Back-up centre back. As crazy as that role would have sounded a year ago, injury concerns coupled with the emergence of Clare Hunt may mean the 28-year-old starts on the bench.
STEPH CATLEY
World Cups: 3rd
Caps: 109
Role: Starting left back. Can cover as left centre back, or on the left side of a back three if Gustavsson makes a significant shift to the way he sets up.
AIVI LUIK
World Cups: 2nd
Caps: 42
Role: Just about anything! Provides great cover across the backline and can also play in midfield.
COURTNEY NEVIN
World Cups: Debut
Caps: 22
Role: Back-up left back who can also play further forward, where she played youth football, in an emergency.
Midfielders
TAMEKA YALLOP
World Cups: 4th
Caps: 112
Role: Like Luik, provides cover across about eight positions, but primarily in midfield.
KATRINA GORRY
World Cups: 3rd
Caps: 93
Role:Starting central midfielder, occupying the deep-lying position to start build-up in possession and break up opposition attacks when required. Vital.
KYRA COONEY-CROSS
World Cups: Debut
Caps: 27
Role: Probably starting midfielder, joining Gorry centrally but a little further forward. Has really grown into the role, starting the past nine Matildas games.
CLARE WHEELER
World Cups: Debut
Caps: 14
Role:Back-up central midfielder. Good second season with Everton in England has seen further maturity develop.
ALEX CHIDIAC
World Cups: Debut
Caps: 27
Role: Back-up attacking midfielder, who would really shine if Gustavsson opts for three midfielders in a 4-3-3 shape, playing just behind the striker.
MARY FOWLER
World Cups: 2nd
Caps: 36
Role: Verging on starting, especially if Gustavsson plays a 4-3-3 shape. But he’s gone with a 4-4-2 lately, which has meant a bench role. A huge part to play regardless.
EMILY VAN EGMOND
World Cups: 4th
Caps: 127
Role: Back-up to Cooney-Cross at this stage. Hasn’t had a lot of football of late but knows the stage so well.
Forwards
CORTNEE VINE
World Cups: Debut
Caps: 16
Role: Starting winger in the 4-4-2 shape. Late bloomer who has a lot of backing from Gustavsson. Would be a contender for fastest player at the World Cup.
HAYLEY RASO
World Cups: 3rd
Caps: 70
Role: Starting winger, either in the 4-4-2 shape or 4-3-3. Her direct running causes havoc for opposition fullbacks, especially those who like to get forward.
SAM KERR
World Cups: 4th
Caps: 120
Role: Captain, starter, goalscorer, with 87 since joining Chelsea in 2020 and 63 for Australia. No matter what the situation in a game, the Matildas are always in it with Kerr up front.
CAITLIN FOORD
World Cups: 4th
Caps: 108
Role: Starter, either as a ‘second’ striker in and around Kerr, or wider. Either way, if the signs of the past six months are any indication, a big month awaits.
KYAH SIMON
World Cups: 4th
Caps: 111
Role: Wildcard off the bench to play up front. Has scored as many World Cup goals as Kerr (five), which is why she’s been trusted despite eight months off with an ACL injury.
Coach
TONY GUSTAVSSON
World Cups: Debut as manager (assistant in 2015 and 2019 with USA)
Key decisions: What formation to play; either the 4-4-2 which links Foord and Kerr through the middle and attacks opposition with the pace of Raso and Vine in wide areas, or going with the 4-3-3 which puts more numbers in the middle of the park.
Also how much trust he puts in the players with a lack of game time due to injuries.
The starting goalkeeper role is also a tight call.
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