Lydia Williams says Matildas can capture the public
THE Matildas’ World Cup campaign has officially begun, with superstars Lydia Williams declaring it was their time to shine.
Women's sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Women's sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Matildas’ World Cup campaign has officially begun, with superstar Lydia Williams declaring it was their time to shine.
Australia’s golden girls started their camp yesterday ahead of a two-game series with Chile (Saturday in Penrith and Tuesday week in Newcastle), as jostling for spots heats up two rounds into the W-League season.
The Matildas, currently no.6 on the FIFA world rankings behind USA, Germany, England, France and Canada, find out their group opponents at the December 8 draw.
France 2019 kicks off on June 7 and Williams, who has amassed 70 caps en route to becoming arguably the best keeper in the world, said it was a momentous time ahead of some political changes which should give women’s soccer a shot in the arm.
“For us as the Matildas it’s amazing. Right now is the opportunity to strike — the public and the nation — it’s kind of ours for the taking,’’ Williams said.
“A lot of the girls have done really well overseas and at home as well. So right now we’re in a really delicate time in that we have to perform. But if we do well, the sky’s the limit.
“We’ll have the draw, the World Cup and the new CBA’s will be done following that or during that.
“I’ve been in quite a few discussions with the PFA (players’ union) and it’s exciting what they have in store and what they want to achieve for women’s football.
“We just have to make sure everyone’s fit and healthy and just take it one (step) at a time.”
Williams suffered a scare in the dying moments of Melbourne City’s 3-1 win over Sydney FC on Friday colliding with the post while making a crucial stop.
But she has declared fit as she joined a near full-strength Matildas in camp yesterday (Monday) in western Sydney.
City teammates Kyah Simon and Steph Catley were omitted from the squad as they recover from injury, although interstate stars Sam Kerr (Perth Glory), Caitlin Foord (Sydney FC) and Emily van Egmond (Newcastle Jets) headline the impressive squad.
Williams’ new club teammates Elise Kellond-Knight and Tameka Butt are also part of the squad, with the former starring in her City debut, with the keeper admitting they again had a target on their backs after a third W-League crown.
“Everyone pretty much hates City, everyone wants to beat us. It’s been good to get a few other Matildas making the switch — so we’re not hated by everyone yet,’’ she said.
“We’ve got high expectations, we’ve proven we’re a playoff team. We may struggle a bit during the season but when it comes down to it, we’ll get the job done.”
Originally published as Lydia Williams says Matildas can capture the public