Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on today’s Matildas pubic shirt presentation ceremony and presents the views of Australia stars Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, and head coach Tony Gustavsson (11/7/23)
Above: The Matildas are presented with their World Cup jerseys at a public ceremony in Melbourne today. Photo: Tiff Williams/Football Australia.
The Matildas received their World Cup shirts today at a public ceremony at Melbourne’s Federation Square.
The event, attended by a large group of fans also saw speeches made by the likes of Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, and head coach Tony Gustavsson.
Australia captain Kerr highlighted that this tournament offers the Matildas’ golden generation a unique opportunity to reap rewards as hosts.
“Its a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent your country on home soil. I’ve been to four (World Cups) but this will be the most special. This is an amazing group, you’ve seen through the last few years, we’ve been through a lot and stuck together.
“Playing for the Matildas is the proudest thing of our career. Pulling on that shirt, it’s representing our country, city, and state. It’s amazing to play in this team, and this group of girls.”
Australia’s all-time record scorer emphasised the sense of connection between players and fans that will be key to The Matildas’ chances of success this August saying: “I’m excited to…show what Aussie spirit is all about.
“Having the home crowd – it’s a real thing. Coming here, doing things like this with the fans is amazing. We see every one of you, we see the signs, the shirts, and the messages. We’ll do everything we can to make you proud.”
Matildas defender Steph Catley spoke of how this World Cup will be the greatest so far on so many different levels.
“I’ve been to two World Cups, but this one feels a lot different. Having it on home soil – you don’t even expect that to happen, so everyone is so excited.
“There are so many teams. The European leagues, teams, and players are at a level they have ever been at. It will be the most competitive World Cup that there has ever been.”
Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson underlined the inspirational qualities that his group of players have that he believes can inspire both his team and Australian fans to a memorable five or six weeks.
“This is an amazing group of players and an amazing group of people. They’ve paved the way for the younger players that stand up here now.
“With the support from the fans, we will be an ‘in your face’ sort of team for of Aussie spirit. It might cost us a goal or two, but then we’ll score more.”
Speaking earlier in the day from the Matildas’ training base Arsenal star Caitlin Foord highlighted the importance of ending their World Cup preparations with a game against a nation of the calibre of France.
“France are a world-class team so that’s great prep for us. We know we could face them (later in the World Cup) as well. It’s ticking off a box.
“A good result, a good performance will help us going into the tournament with confidence. If we’re good individually and as a team, there is no doubt we can beat anyone on any given day.”
Foord revealed that the younger members of the squad are not feeling any potential pressure from being part of the host nation’s team at a major tournament. It seems they’re all taking it in their stride.
“They are very mature for their age. When I look at myself, how I was at that age, I wasn’t like that. They are very prepared. They can lean on us (experienced players). We believe in them, and that gives them confidence as well.”
With the World Cup within touching distance now Foord believes the time has come for embracing the opportunity and enjoying it.
“It’s been a long time coming round. The last few weeks have been tough with training, now it’s going into the exciting part and we all just want to enjoy it.”
“It’s our last game before we head into a tournament – we haven’t played together for a while, it’s one to look forward to, we’ve worked hard, now we are ready…I feel prepared, I just want to be there now!”
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