Nice feel for Foord to play at home

MATILDAS forward Caitlin Foord says it’s a “crazy feeling” being back on home soil after more than 18 months away.

The Australians – who meet Brazil in a two-match series in Sydney starting on Saturday – last played at home in March 2020.

“It feels nice to be back on Australian soil,” Foord said.

“For me personally it has been almost 19 months since my last game here. I can’t even explain how nice it was to see Australia flying in. It was just a crazy feeling after being (away for) so long.”

A crowd of up to 22,500 will be permitted at CommBank Stadium for the games on Saturday and Tuesday after the NSW government increased the venue capacity to 75 per cent.

“It’s huge to play here in front of home fans,” Foord (pictured) said.

“It’s a little bit more exciting this time than the others to have everyone back, and I think it will be just as exciting for fans as well.

“There is going to be a big buzz around the game.”

Foord is back to full fitness after missing the Matildas’ last-start 3-2 loss to Ireland last month.

“I would have loved to be there with the girls in Ireland but … I was just looking forward to being back on the pitch with the girls and to play in front of a home crowd again,” she said.

Despite placing fourth at this year’s Olympic Games, the Matildas have only won two out of 12 matches under the guidance of Swedish coach Tony Gustavsson.

It’s a record that could get worse against the highly competitive Brazilians.

“Brazil is always a very tough game for us … we have a lot of history with Brazil,” said Foord.