Ahead of Friday’s final friendly with France, Australia’s Hayley Raso spoke about the exciting times ahead for The Matildas. Ben Gilby reports (10/7/23)
Above: Hayley Raso speaking earlier today. Image: Football Australia.
Big life-defining moments have a habit of creeping up on you. For Real Madrid’s latest signing Hayley Raso, the realisation that we are just 10 days out from the World Cup was a reminder that things are getting real – and hugely exciting.
“We’re 10 days out from the tournament now and there’s such a buzz around the camp. When I saw that it’s 10 days, I was like, ‘no way!’ but it is, and once the France game is out of the way we’re all focused on the World Cup.”
The Matildas are gathered ahead of Friday’s game with France with their UK and France-based stars fresh from much-needed R and R after a long season domestically. Raso certainly feels the benefit.
“It was nice to have a bit of a break to refresh mentally and physically, but being here is what I play for, so I’m excited to be back. It’s so good to be back with the girls again.”
The game with France, in front of a 50,000+ crowd in Melbourne, will see The Matildas complete their series of matches against all of the world’s top ten sides. It’s the sort of test that the winger believes is vital to stand them in good stead for the challenges to come over the next six weeks or so.
“France will be a really good test for us, we’re feeling ready for the World Cup, but it’s important to get a game in to make sure we’re ready to go. We’ve been training hard; getting fit, getting firing. Everything’s about preparing for that first game (against the Republic of Ireland) that’s coming up.
Tiff Williams’ photo gallery from Matildas training supplied to Impetus by Football Australia
impetusfootball.org 