Rio loss sparks talk of revenge for Matildas
Teenage sensation Ellie Carpenter says the Matildas will have revenge on their minds when they take on Brazil in the Tournament of Nations in America.
The Aussie women will take on the Brazilians in California tomorrow morning (AEST), just under a year on from their heartbreaking quarter-final defeat at the Rio Olympics.
Carpenter and her teammates were beaten in a penalty shootout in Brazil after the match finished in a goalless draw and the 17-year-old said the players were desperate to turn the tables tomorrow.
“We are definitely going out to win the game,” she said.
“There will be definitely some revenge on our minds from the Olympics.
“We are excited to get out on the field and beat them this time.”
The Matildas have won both of their games at the Tournament of Nations in impressive fashion, defeating the hosts 1-0 before a Sam Kerr hat-trick helped them overcome Japan 4-2.
A win or a draw would be good enough to win the trophy and Carpenter said to take out the tournament would be a great achievement and set the Matildas up for the two friendlies against Brazil on home soil in September.
“That’s what we are aiming for,” she said.
“To win this tournament would be massive for us, especially for our world ranking and leading into those two home games.”
Australia is bidding to host the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and Carpenter said success at this tournament would be a big boost to the country’s chances of hosting the world’s best teams.
“I think if we can get the 2023 World Cup that would be just amazing for women’s football in this country,” she said.