Matildas coach set to ‘narrow focus’ ahead Women’s World Cup

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has drawn “a line in the sand” when it comes to settling on his squad for next year’s Women’s World Cup.

The time for experimentation is over for Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson, who has recalled a host of stars, including captain Sam Kerr, for Australia’s two-match series with Canada nest month.

Many of Australia’s best players were rested from the Matildas’ matches in June against Spain and Portugal.

After being thumped 7-0 by the Spaniards, the largely inexperienced Australians fought back to draw 1-1 with Portugal.

However, the better performance in the second match did little to ease the heat on Gustavsson, who was widely panned for allowing the majority of his top-liners to miss the European camp.

With next year’s Women’s World Cup fast approaching, Gustavsson said it was time to “draw a line in the sand” and “narrow down the focus on the core group of players”.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has recalled a host of stars. Picture: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images

“It doesn’t mean the door is closed to players, but it is going to be much more difficult to actually get selected for the national team now,” Gustavsson said.

“We are thrilled to welcome back a number of fantastic players for this window, adding to returning members from our last camp in Europe, as we prepare to take on a team of undeniable quality in Canada.”

The 23-strong squad also includes Chloe Logarzo, who has been absent since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament last September.

“I want her to see the playbook, see the training, and meet the team again,” Gustavsson said. “She is ready for training at a national level but might not be prepared for too many game minutes as of now.

“We need to be a little bit mindful that she is still less than 12 months (since) the injury.

The Matildas meet Canada at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on September 3 and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on September 6.

Matildas: Mackenzie Arnold, Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Larissa Crummer, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Emily Gielnik, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Chloe Logarzo, Aivi Luik, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Emily van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop.

Originally published as Matildas coach set to ‘narrow focus’ ahead Women’s World Cup