BLOW FOR MATILDAS AHEAD OF DUTCH MISSION
THE Matildas’ preparation for next month’s World Cup kicks up another notch this weekend as they face the Netherlands in their last hitout before their French campaign.
And worryingly, Australia will have to go without Gold Coast-raised midfield stalwart Elise KellondKnight and defender Laura Alleway for the clash.
Both missed training yesterday (AEST) after emerging from their training camp in Turkey with minor issues, and won’t be risked in Eindhoven. It’s unclear whether the issues will threaten their participation in Australia’s World Cup opener with Italy on June 9.
“I didn’t train today but I will be right,” KellondKnight, who is joined in the Matildas squad by fellow Coast products Mackenzie Arnold, Tameka Yallop (nee Butt) and Hayley Raso, said.
Aivi Luik and Yallop are being considered as midfield replacements for KellondKnight in the clash against the European champions tomorrow morning (AEST).
Coach Ante Milicic is likely to field a strong side as he firms up his thoughts for the title assault.
The meeting with the Netherlands, ranked by FIFA as the eighth-best team in the world, is an ideal match-up for Milicic’s side.
In Vivianne Miedema and Lieke Mertens, they have a superb strike force likely to test the Matildas defence.
Miedema, just 22 but with 57 international goals, won the English Super League’s golden boot as part of a titlewinning season with Arsenal.
The Matildas last met the Netherlands in 2017, winning 3-2. The outing is important for Australia to build match fitness and regain any lost momentum from their laststart 5-3 loss to world champions USA.
Kellond-Knight said the Matildas would face stiff opposition in Miedema. “She’s quality. They’ve got a lot of threat up front,” she said. “In terms of women’s football they’re a great nation and they’ve got superb support, there will probably be 30,000 there.” Kick-off is at 2.15am tomorrow (AEST).