Matilda’s skip Kewell denial Titles recruit loves support on losing cool another star

MATILDAS skipper Lisa De Vanna is determined to soak in the embrace of five-figure home crowds this week for two matches against China.

The national women’s soccer team plays a two-game series against their Asian rivals, in Melbourne tomorrow night and Geelong on Sunday.

It’s still a massive rush for the Matildas skipper, who remembers tougher times on tour.

“It was crap,” she said. “What has changed is we have proper support to be better athletes.” COACH Harry Kewell denied reports he was held back during a postgame altercation after another Crawley Town loss.

Crawley lost 4-0 to Wycombe Wanderers at home on Sunday, prompting heated scenes at full-time.

“In my 20-plus year professional football career I have never lost control when it comes to fans,’’ Kewell said. “I want to set the record straight. While I did approach a disgruntled fan at full time, it was merely to hear his concerns.” THE Brisbane International will have its most star-packed male field this summer after recruiting a third topfive men’s player, Dominic Thiem.

The 24-year-old Austrian, a quarter-finalist last year in Brisbane, finished the year at No. 5 and confirmed his entry to the ATP for the Queensland Tennis Centre tournament from December 31-January 7.

Already, it is known top-five players Rafael Nadal (ranked No.1) and ATP Finals winner Grigor Dimitrov (3) will play in the tournament.