Matildas sweet spot

THE Matildas’ World Cup campaign has begun with a camp before a two-game series against Chile on Saturday in Penrith and next Tuesday in Newcastle.

The Matildas — No.6 in FIFA’s world rankings behind the US, Germany, England, France and Canada — will find out their group opponents at the December 8 draw.

The World Cup in France kicks off on June 7 and Lydia Williams, arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, said it was a momentous time.

“For us as the Matildas, it’s amazing. Right now is the opportunity to strike — the public and the nation — it’s kind of ours for the taking,’’ Williams said. “A lot of the girls have done really well overseas and at home as well.

“So right now we’re in a really delicate time in that we have to perform. But, if we do well, the sky’s the limit. We’ll have the draw, the World Cup and the new [collective bargaining agreements] will be done following that or during that.

“I’ve been in quite a few discussions with the PFA [players’ union] and it’s exciting what they have in store and what they want to achieve for women’s football.

“We just have to make sure everyone’s fit and healthy and just take it one [step] at a time.”

Williams suffered a scare late in Melbourne City’s 3-1 win against Sydney FC on Friday, crashing into a post while making a save.

But she has declared her fitness as she joined a near full-strength squad in camp in western Sydney. City teammates Kyah Simon and Steph Catley were omitted as they recover from injuries.

Williams’ new club teammates Elise Kellond-Knight and Tameka Butt are also part of the squad. The former starred on her City debut on Friday.

“Everyone pretty much hates City [after a third straight W-League title], everyone wants to beat us. It’s been good to get a few other Matildas making the switch — so we’re not hated by everyone yet,’’ Williams said.

“We’ve got high expectations. We’ve proved we’re a play-off team. We may struggle a bit during the season but, when it comes down to it, we’ll get the job done.”