Matildas mark six months to the World Cup, with spots up for grabs in Tony Gustavsson’s squad

The official Women’s World Cup ball has landed and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is turning the heat on the players who are yet to seal their spots in the squad, writes TILLY WERNER.

Spots are up for grabs in the Matildas’ World Cup squad set to be named in May. Picture: Steven Markham/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The official FIFA World Cup 2023 football was unveiled in spectacular fashion in Sydney six months out from the tournament‘s kick off in Auckland.

The ‘Oceaunz’ ball flew past the Harbour City’s icons before being delivered to the feet of Matilda Cortnee Vine, who became the first footballer to get a taste for how the ball felt at her feet.

“It’s so cool, and having it at my feet just made 2023 feel real all of a sudden,” the Sydney FC star said.

“Touching the ball definitely made the timeline definitely feel like it’s jumped up a bit, there’s only six months to get everything in order now. I’ve never been obsessed with a football before but this one might come home with me.

“To see people like Jess Fox, Ellie Cole, Ian Thorpe [out] for a women’s football event, it’s incredible and it’s definitely brought the whole thing to life for me.”

Cortnee Vine is hopeful of earning a place in the Matildas’ World Cup squad. Picture: adidas

Following Remy Siemsen’s move to Leicester City, Vine is the sole Matildas player left in Sydney. She’s hopeful some additional time with the ball will help seal her spot in Tony Gustavsson’s 23-man squad, which will likely be announced in May.

“I can‘t imagine the position Tony is in, I feel sorry for him picking 23, given there are so many talented players in the A-League at the moment, let alone all our players in Europe,” Vine said.

“There’s only so much I can do, I just have to focus on my game and work towards a call-up through consistent performances for Sydney.”

Vine has struggled to replicate the eye-catching form this season that first made way for her international debut in 2021, and will hope time on the park through the Cup of Nations tournament next month will provide her with ample opportunity to impress.

A four-metre replica of the Adidas ball to be used at this year’s World Cup was unveiled at a coastal launch in Sydney on Tuesday. Picture: adidas

The Oceaunz ball features the same chip technology that was debuted by Adidas at the Qatar World Cup last November, allowing for more accurate video refereeing and real-time information to be delivered to on-pitch officials.
Adidas has designed the ball with the Indigenous peoples of the two host nations front and centre. It features art panels paying homage to both Maori and Aboriginal Australian culture and blue colouring reflecting the Tasman Sea separating the countries.

The outfitter has provided every World Cup ball since the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991, and in line with tournament ticket sales which have already surpassed planners’ expectations, are forecasting this version to be its best-selling.

The ball was flown in across Bondi beach via helicopter. Picture: adidas

“When you have a tournament that’s co-hosted by two nations who are rivals on the sporting field, it’s difficult to find a design to unite them,” said Simon Millar, the brand director for Adidas.

“The designers realised that as island nations, the role that the ocean plays unites us across the Tasman which is where the Oceaunz ball was born.”

While the rest of the Matildas squad will have to wait a little longer to get a feel for the football, Vine is confident she can work magic with it in front of goal if given the chance.

“Whether it’s at Allianz or Accor, the opportunity to play in front of so many thousands of fans is just going to be incredible and I hope I can score with it,” Vine said.

“I love playing that No.9 role and would be happy with this ball on the wing but I am ready to back myself.”

Originally published as Matildas mark six months to the World Cup, with spots up for grabs in Tony Gustavsson’s squad