Matildas’ World Cup preparations to be documented in six-part series
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is adamant a docu-series about his team will aid Australia’s World Cup hopes.
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Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is confident a tell-all series documenting his team’s preparations for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup will help, rather than hinder, Australia’s chances of winning the tournament.
Football Australia and the Walt Disney Company on Friday announced the production of a six-part docu-series that will “tell the story” of the Matildas’ build-up to the 2023 World Cup being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The series will include the Matildas’ experiences at last year’s Tokyo Olympics and January’s Asian Cup in India, where Australia suffered a shock quarter-final exit.
“The Matildas represent Australia on the world stage as global ambassadors and are an inspiration to many, both young and old,” FA chief executive James Johnson said.
“This docu-series is an incredible opportunity to share their story not just locally, but globally, and at a time of rapid evolution in women’s football.”
Gustavsson, who is in Townsville preparing the Matildas for Friday night’s first game of a two-match series against New Zealand, said the yet-to-be titled docu-series “could have been a disturbance” if handled wrongly.
“But it’s been handled perfectly from everyone,” Gustavsson said.
“This (series) is not just about football, it’s so much more than that … It can actually be an advantage when handled professionally and (about) how to handle a camera crew in a high-performance environment, having good dialogue about that, and communication and work as a team.
“If you look at the game today it’s heading more and more to that. Look at all the documentaries you can see in different sports out there and all the storytelling – that’s amazing.
“This documentary can also make sure that this team gets all the attention and connection that it deserves.
“If we handle this right, which we have so far, it can be actually an add-on to the motivation (of succeeding) in 2023.”
Gustavsson said to expect plenty of squad rotation during the two-game series, which ends in Canberra next week, due to the late arrivals into camp of a host of overseas-based players.
It means captain and star Chelsea striker Sam Kerr will have to settle for limited minutes on Friday night.
“The line-up is going to be based on player availability because it’s also about player wellbeing and welfare. We need to protect the players,” Gustavsson said.
“We’re going to see a lot of rotations because I don’t have that many players ready for 90 minutes.
“(Kerr) trained (on Thursday) and adjusted her load a little bit, and we’ll see where she sits.
“If it Sam’s choice, she’s always playing, and she also wants to give back to the fans. But I need to listen to the experts as well in terms of protecting her health,”
Matildas v New Zealand
Friday, 7.45pm
QCB Stadium, Townsville,
Broadcast: Live on 10 Bold
Originally published as Matildas’ World Cup preparations to be documented in six-part series
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