By Kieran Yap (3/7/23)
Above: Alex Chidiac, who has been selected for her first World Cup. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
For 23 players, it is a dream come true. The chance to play for Australia at a World Cup, and on home soil. When Tony Gustavsson unveiled his squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, there were few surprises. This is a good thing. As exciting as bolters can be, it would have been worrying had a player been suddenly thrust into the team at the 11th hour.
That would have meant that faith in the plan was shaky. It would have indicated that although Gustavsson has been resolute that he had a bigger picture in mind as he gave 94 players a chance, he still was unsure and needed to tinker some more.
His coaching history shows that if he had thought this was the case, he would have taken that step. This is not a man afraid of an unpopular decision or media scrutiny.
This 23-player squad was largely a vote of confidence in the plan that seemed impossible, to uncover new national team players, add depth to the squad, and to remain competitive at this tournament above all others.
In hindsight, the bolters of the Tokyo Olympics were not there because of a lack of options, the likes of Kyra Cooney-Cross, Courtney Nevin, and Mary Fowler gained valuable experience at that tournament. As did Charli Grant who was an unused member of the extended squad.
The seeds planted in those early days, have weathered some storms, but grown into strong, sometimes spectacular players. When the squad for the World Cup was named, there was little doubt that they would be included.
The addition of Clare Hunt and the omission of Matilda McNamara speaks to the quality of options Australia has to choose from. One was the best individual centre-back of the last A-League Women season, the other the best in the campaign before.
McNamara is unlucky, but her time will come.
Another notable inclusion was Kyah Simon. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has not played since injuring her ACL in October. Gustavsson indicated to the media that he does not expect her to play every minute, or even start any games, but that her experience and quality could make the difference when it matters.
He also reminded anybody watching that Australia has until 24 hours before the opening game to make late changes to the squad. Simon’s inclusion is a gamble, but it is the only one in the team and in an area of the pitch where Australia boast Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, and Mary Fowler as options.
The omissions of Emily Gielnik and Chloe Logarzo are reason for pause and can only be described as sad. Both have been great contributors to this side in the past, but have had horrible runs with injuries in the last 12 months. Rediscovering their best form was an uphill struggle.
There are heartbreaking stories in every World Cup, and for some players that starts before the tournament even begins. Remy Siemsen must have come close to selection after helping Leicester City survive relegation, and the manager has shown great faith in Larissa Crummer.
Amy Sayer is on track to be an impressive player, but her lack of senior experience at club or international level was a hurdle.
In the end, Gustavsson chose to go another way, although the door remains open should Simon be forced to withdraw late.
One popular inclusion will be that of Alex Chidiac. The Melbourne Victory icon and Racing Louisville FC playmaker was viewed for a long time as a fringe player. She was never an automatic selection under Gustavsson but was able to replicate her impact at club level with the national team.
Gustavsson loves the term “Game Changer” and Chidiac epitomises the concept. If places on The Matildas roster were determined by popular demand, she would have been in the team for every game since 2019. But football does not work that way. Different coaches need specific types of players and Chidiac now seems a perfect fit for Gustavsson’s style of play and team management.
Chidiac’s selection was a relief to many fans, although not a surprise. There are very few in this squad. Instead of bolters we have seen players steadily evolve after being tested and trusted. Players like Charli Grant and Kyra Cooney-Cross are now crucial to the way this team can play and Katrina Gorry is playing the best football of her career.
How far Australia will go in this World Cup will depend on many factors. Luck will play no small part as it did in Toyko when one good deflection meant the ball hit the back of the net against Team GB, and a bad spin saw Australia concede against Sweden.
However, this squad should give confidence to fans. Gustavsson did not spring many big surprises because there was no need to.
“Today is the end of a two-and-a-half-year process and the wonderful start of a thrilling new journey for the team,” Gustavsson told the media.
“Selecting this World Cup squad has been the toughest challenge so far, but the whole coaching and support staff are all completely overjoyed for the 23 players who will represent the nation during this tournament.”
“These 23 players not only exemplify what it means to be a part of the tradition of the CommBank Matildas, but also what it means to represent the 25 million Australians we know are fully behind us. They have the heart, desire and the passion for the crest, and I can’t wait to see the next part of their story
The task ahead is huge, but his team feels ready.
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