Women’s World Cup: Six players face cruel cut as Matildas squad revealed
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson has unveiled a provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup — and host of players face a nervous wait to make the final cut.
The Matildas have named a 29-member provisional squad to complete final preparations on the Gold Coast before naming their final World Cup squad next month.
Six players will be culled from the squad before the final World Cup team of 23 is named next month.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson said the provisional squad reflected the significant commitment and hard work from players and staff over the past two-and-a-half years.
“From the first day of our first training session in 2021, we said it would take 23 in 23 for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and everyone would have a role to play in that journey,” Gustavsson said.
“What we have seen is that it has actually taken more than 23 players to bring us to this moment and for that reason I am thrilled to work with the players named in this provisional squad during the final phase of our preparation.
“I have been impressed by their full commitment at every step, and now we have the chance to fine tune and solidify our game plan ahead of a phenomenally exciting couple of weeks.
“I would like to also take this opportunity to thank the Federation, my dedicated national team staff and the clubs for the support given to provide the players the platform to be as best prepared for the tournament of a lifetime.”
The impressive squad includes Matildas captain Sam Kerr, who has 120 international caps, and fellow 100-gamers Clare Polkinghorne (156), Emily van Egmond (127), Tameka Yallop (112), Kyah Simon (111), Caitlin Foord (108), Alanna Kennedy (108) and Lydia Williams (102).
There’s also youth to go along with the experience, with uncapped Sydney FC keeper Jada Whyman, Western Sydney Wanderers defender Clare Hunt (5 caps), Standford University-based midfielder Amy Sayer (6) and Leicester City forward Remy Siemsen (6) in the hunt for a spot in the final team.
The squad will go into a closed camp on the Gold Coast until June 30 before heading to Melbourne where they will host world no.5 France in their final World Cup tune-up at Marvel Stadium on July 14.
The Matildas start their World Cup campaign against the Republic of Ireland on July 20 at Stadium Australia in Sydney before meeting Nigeria (27 July) at Brisbane Stadium, and completing their group play against Canada (31 July) at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
MATILDAS SQUAD: Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Larissa Crummer, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Emily Gielnik, Katrina Gorry, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Chloe Logarzo, Aivi Luik, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen, Kyah Simon, Emily van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Jada Whyman, Lydia Williams, Tameka Yallop
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