To be best, Matildas play best
THERE are many factors at play turning the Matildas into a world superpower, and foreign experience is up there.
Before two friendlies with Brazil this weekend, there’s a decidedly international feel within the team camp.
For the first time, Matildas coach Alen Stajcic could field an entirely foreign-based side.
The Matildas have flown into the side’s Sydney-based camp from the US, Norway, Germany and Japan.
“Everyone has shown a bit more interest in going overseas this year without a major tournament like the World Cup or Olympics,” Japan-based mid- fielder Katrina Gorry said.
“It’s to get the experience and better different parts of our games. I think that’s really shown in our performances.”
At the Tournament of Nations last month, which Australia won, Stajcic came close to his first foreign-based XI.
The 14 players used to defeat world champion US contained two Australia- based players.
One, emerging defender Elise Carpenter, is 17 and has plenty of time to forge an overseas-based career.
The other is striker Lisa De Vanna — who has played in England, Sweden and US — but played her club football with state league club South Melbourne this season as part of a management plan to extend her career.
Elise Kellond-Knight, playing with table-topping German club Turbine Potsdam, has enjoyed a pre-season playing against Arsenal and Paris St Germain.
“To get a bit of exposure against elite European clubs, I’ve really enjoyed that,” Kellond-Knight said.
“In the two years I’ve been there it’s been a roller-coaster . . . but I feel like I’m developing.”
Club commitments are likely to rule her out of the W- League season, but Gorry says she will be back with Brisbane Roar. Steph Catley will also return to captain Melbourne City after her season with Orlando Pride.
Catley is one of five USbased Matildas, led by goalscoring wonder Sam Kerr. Her stint at the Pride has allowed her to get the low-down on this week’s opponents.
Three of Brazil’s squad, including five-time world player of the year Marta, are part of the title-chasing Pride.
“Marta is an incredible player and hard to mark. Training with her, I know what’s coming,” Catley said.