It was an incredible night for The Matildas who defeated Olympic champions Canada 4-0 to top Group B. After the match, Caitlin Foord and Clare Hunt spoke to the media in the mixed zone at AAMI Park, Melbourne. Ben Gilby reports (1/8/23).
Above: Caitlin Foord speaking after yesterday’s win for Australia over Canada. Image: CommBank Matildas.
Australia’s Caitlin Foord believes that last night’s superb win over Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne is just the start for The Matildas at this World Cup.
Foord, who put in a superb performance throughout the game at AAMI Park believed that the match showcased everything that is good about her side: “I’m just really proud. We played really well, we were super aggressive and finished off our chances, and even better, we topped the group!”
The pressure release valve of Hayley Raso’s goal after just nine minutes was important for the Matildas, and the Arsenal star emphasised that as the half developed, despite Canada having large amounts of possession, she was always confident that it was Australia’s night.
“It’s always nice to get one early. It felt like it was going to come. We created, we scored, we had one disallowed, we scored straight off the back of it. It just felt like it was our day.
“This team is all it is about. It doesn’t matter who puts them away, just that they go in. Rass put great finishes in – she had to be there to do it. Mary – you just put the ball in the box and she’ll put it away. For Steph to step up there again – that was incredible. That’s what this team are about.”
The support that the Matildas have been getting both in stadiums and around the country further underlines their status as one of the nation’s most loved national sides. Whilst AAMI Park only holds just under 30,000 for this tournament, those inside drove Australia on.
“It was insane…it was so loud!” Foord enthused. “They definitely pushed us through. We’re thankful for them to push us through. We’re thankful for them for putting on that show, and we gave it back to them in return.
“We’re just getting started.”
It was another outstanding performance in defence for Clare Hunt. The Western Sydney Wanderers captain has been on an emotional personal journey from heartbreaking injury during the 2021/22 A-League Women season to returning last season and getting called up to The Matildas just in time for the World Cup.
“I came off that pitch and said ‘That was the best game I’ve ever been part of!’ To have the crowd here a AAMI (Park) – such an intimate crowd. The last time we played here we beat Sweden 4-0. We’re so happy.
“For me, it has been an absolute rollercoaster. I’m just trying to enjoy it and take it every moment that comes. It’s huge. We’re rolling through and aiming for the top.”
Hunt is always about the bigger picture and the achievements of those around her. She spoke with pride about the collective defensive effort, after being under intense fire at times from the Olympic champions.
“For us to keep a clean sheet against Canada is huge, particularly after conceding three against Nigeria. It was a great re-start, it was a great effort from the team, and to get four goals from the players we had on the park, we’re really stoked with that.
“For us, it was always the focus to top the group. We’ve done that so now we move on to the last 16 and getting the job done there. We’re playing with a bit of confidence now.”
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