Galaxy star gets China call-up
GALAXY United star Annabel Martin has earned selection in the Young Matildas squad for this month’s AFC U19 Women’s Championship in China.
The youngster is part of the 23-player squad on its way to Nanjing for the championships, with the opening clash on October 16 against Korea Republic.
Head Coach Gary van Eg- mond’s team flew out for China yesterday and will play in Group B alongside Japan and Vietnam.
A top two finish in Group B will be required for the team to advance to the semi-final stage of the competition and keep their hopes of glory alive.
Van Egmond said he believes his squad is well prepared for the tournament.
“We’ve had a really good preparation,” he said. “Over the past month we have had numerous four to six day camps in which we have been able to work on all facets of our game.
“This year we have also played friendly matches against the United States and Canada, and this international competition has been fantastic for the girls because it has given them a good idea about what the level is going to be like.
“There are no easy games in Asia, and as we have seen historically the teams that have qualified through Asia have gone on to do quite well in the World Cup.
“Japan and DPR Korea have both had recent success internationally, so we are under no illusions as to how tough the competition will be.”