FIFA World Cup 2023: Former Matilda Amy Chapman reveals Australia’s best XI, key player
Australia has every right to be bullish leading into the World Cup – they’ve proven they can beat every top-ranked team on the planet, writes former Matilda Amy Chapman.
A dash of speed, a handful of belief and a robust home crowd is the perfect recipe for success and it’s the reason the Matildas could lift the World Cup trophy next month.
The Matildas have one of the quickest all round attacks in the world and they aren’t afraid to use it.
We saw how a 50,000 strong crowd at Marvel Stadium spurred the Tillies on against France – imagine the impact 80,000 people cheering them on will have.
But the most important ingredient is belief – and the Matildas rightly have plenty of it.
They know and have proven they can beat every other top 10 ranked team.
Of course in sport there is no such thing as a done deal – you can’t just mix all the ingredients together and dust your hands off.
Squad depth could prove the Matildas undoing this World Cup – as it has in the past.
Powerhouse nations like the USA can field three world-class teams – Australia just doesn’t have the population size to match that.
Goal difference also plays an important role in long form tournaments – with goals for and against often deciding which team progresses out of the group stage.
The Matildas have struggled to keep clean sheets against many opponents, especially European teams.
Caitlin Foord will be the danger player for the Matildas this campaign, while Mary Fowler is set to have a breakout tournament.
Fowler, the youngest member of the team, would have slotted into my starting eleven, but her recent injuries and lack of club minutes at Manchester City elevates Cortnee Vine into the run on side.
Clare Polkinghorne has a wealth of experience and would have been my choice for centre back had her lead up been untainted.
Friday night’s clash against France revealed Polkinghorne has not recovered from her foot injury as well as Kennedy has – meaning Polks will instead have to play an important role off the bench.
Alex Chidac and Emily van Egmond can play equally as important roles off the bench – all three are proven game changers.
Here is how I would line the Matildas up for the first game against Ireland.
Goalkeeper
Mackenzie Arnold
The West Ham goalkeeper has performed exceptionally well for club and country and has started the last six games for the Matildas. Gold Coast local Arnold is renowned for her pinpoint distribution and commanding presence on set pieces as well as forming a great partnership with the back four.
Defenders
Right back
Ellie Carpenter
One of the most valuable players to the Matildas, the youngster from Cowra is one of the best fullbacks in the world. Exceptionally powerful and quick – Carpenter returning from injury is a game changer leading into the World Cup. Speaks fluent French – not relevant, but impressive.
Centre back
Clare Hunt
One of three ‘Clares’ in the team – Clare Hunt is the newest member of the Matildas and will slot straight into one of the most senior positions of the park. Great composure, positioning and duel winning ability has meant Hunt has had one of the most seamless transitions to top flight football in Matildas history. Her run straight into the starting eleven could not have come at a better time for the 24-year-old.
Alanna Kennedy
Kennedy returns from a long stint on the sidelines, however she showed in the friendly against France that she is ready and raring to go – but perhaps not for the full 90 minutes. The Manchester City defender has great aerial presence, immaculate distribution on both feet and is a danger on set pieces.
Left back
Steph Catley
A fan favourite at Arsenal, the 29-year old has been the standout left back for the Matildas for almost a decade. Catley is one of the only natural left footers in the team and has mastered the perfect in swinging cross – making her a key part of set pieces as well as a frequent assist provider for star striker Sam Kerr. A lover of Corgi’s and partner to successful footballer Dean Bouzanis, Catley is a sure starter on the left of defence.
Midfield
Holding midfielders
Katrina Gorry
After returning from having her first child, Gorry has grown in confidence (not stature – still 154cm). Traditionally a more attacking midfielder, Gorry has slotted into a more defensive holding midfield role under coach Tony Gustavsson and is key to the Matildas intensity and style. Very skilful, balanced and deceivingly powerful- Gorry is a certainty to be the first midfielder on the team sheet.
Kyra Cooney Cross
Cooney-Cross and Gorry have formed a formidable partnership in the engine room for the Matildas. The agile, quick and skilful young gun burst on to the Matildas scene two years ago and hasn’t looked back, an exciting young player.
Right wing
Hayley Raso
Could be an outsider for the Stawell Gift with her pace and has just signed on with football giants Real Madrid. Don’t be mislead by her famous ‘ribbon’ trademark – Raso is ferocious and courageous and is crucial to the Matildas’ pacy counter attacks and high intensity press.
Left wing
Cortnee Vine
Vine could start or be one of the first subs off the bench for Gustavsson. Boasting electric speed, Vine can cause immense problems this World Cup. As a relatively ‘unknown quantity’ compared to some of the other big names in the Matildas attack, Vine is one to watch as she continues to gain confidence at the top level. The adorably humble Vine, once publicly called out Matildas’ scouts for overlooking ‘her generation’. Vine only needed one shot to show she belonged among the most competitive Matildas attack in history.
Forwards
Caitlin Foord
My player to watch this tournament, will be a certain starter for Gustavsson, alongside Sam Kerr, Caitlin can also comfortably play on either wing.
Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr needs no introduction. The charismatic global superstar and best finisher in the women’s game will lead the line for the Matildas. No doubt she will be marked heavily, but Aussies can be assured that Kerr thrives under pressure, is an expert at finding space and can outjump any defenders – all she needs is the right delivery.
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