Veteran Matilda says a little prayer
The daily predawn Islamic prayer blaring across speakers planted high in the estimated 6000 mosques of Jordan reminds Lisa de Vanna of her soccer holy rites.
De Vanna, who is expected to feature in a third consecutive AFC Asian Cup final when Australia takes on Japan at Amman Stadium early tomorrow morning, says her pre-game routine includes time with her faith, but it has changed over her many years as an international.
“Hearing the prayer at five o’clock is different because I start to reflect,’’ de Vanna said.
“I try to listen to 1980s music – I’m an old soul. I do a little prayer and get on to the team bus and get ready for the game.
“I pray in the sense to give me the strength and for my family to be OK – hope and faith.
“Whatever is in control, let it take control.”
The 33-year-old Matilda is one of only two Aussies left standing from the groundbreaking Australian AFC Asian Cup final in Adelaide 12 years ago.
Goalkeeper Lydia Williams and de Vanna felt the heartbreak as the hosts lost to China in a shootout.
Four years later de Vanna held the Asian Cup trophy aloft in China.
Despite earning 140 caps, de Vanna still has doubts after 14 years as an international.
It’s more about her ability to recover from a gruelling 120 semi-final minutes, after Australia’s 3-1 penalty shootout win over Thailand on Wednesday.
“I’m so conscious of my age,’’ she said.
“I’ll get the proper treatment and the recovery and the assessment but it might have to come down to how I am mentally and we’ll see after that.”
De Vanna is playing in her fifth Asian Cup tournament.