Olympic pain for several Matildas

Not all will make Paris cut

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson admits “some very good players” will be overlooked for Australia’s Olympic Games squad.

Gustavsson has named a 23strong contingent for the April 10 friendly international against Mexico in Texas, with Leicester City defender Courtney Nevin and Sydney FC star Cortnee Vine – who withdrew from the squad for last month’s Paris Games qualifiers against Uzbekistan for personal reasons – recalled at the expense of Sophie Harding and the injured Chloe Logarzo.

However, with the Olympics squad only totalling 18, Gustavsson faces further selection headaches before the start of the Games in July.

“Unfortunately, due to limited roster spots for the Olympics, that results in some very good players in strong form missing out on selection for this window and for the Olympics,” he said.

“That those (selection) decisions will be difficult speaks to the genuine depth and competition for places that we have created over the past three years. We have been consistent on the keys for squad selection which incorporates individual performances for club and in previous camps, combined with connection and chemistry.

“The upcoming international against Mexico will see one eye on preparation mode against a quality opponent who recently defeated the United States while also continuing to implement our evolving playing style ahead of what will be a very competitive Olympic tournament.”

“Our attention turns fully to ensuring the best preparation in terms of matches and training activity for the Olympics.”

The Matildas’ Paris Olympics group stage opponents will be revealed on Thursday night when the draw takes place.

“With our opponents revealed at the Olympic draw this Thursday, our extremely challenging assignment over the coming months, and next two FIFA international windows, is to narrow down on the final 18 players that will provide the best chance for success when taking on those rivals in France,” Gustavsson said.