by Ben Gilby (28/11/23).
Above: Clare Polkinghorne speaking today as the Matildas began to gather in Canada for two matches this international window. Image: Football Australia.
Australia’s legendary defender Clare Polkinghorne told the media today that whilst she has “pretty good memories” of the nations’ most recent meeting with forthcoming opponents Canada at the World Cup, it’s now all about going out and making “some more”.
Reflecting on their 4-0 win over the Canadians in the group stage of the tournament, Polkinghorne said: “I have pretty good memories! It’s probably one of the most fun games I’ve been involved in. It was a pretty good all-round performance from us. Everything seemed to work in our favour. Hopefully, we can continue from that and add some more memories.”
Whilst the Matildas produced a sparkling display that July night in Melbourne, the defender recognises that this time is likely to be a different matter entirely. A desire for redemption for that defeat that sent the Olympic champions crashing out of the World Cup is just one of the motivating forces for Australia’s opponents in this international window.
“It’s also ‘Sinc’s’ (Christine Sinclair) last games for Canada,” recognised Polkinghorne, “so they will be wanting to send her off in the right fashion, and the last outing against us, they’ll be wanting to rectify.”
Polkinghorne and Sinclair are legends of their respective nations, and have a shared history that goes back to the 2007 World Cup in China when the two countries played out a 2-2 draw that ensured Australia’s first-ever progress to the Quarter-Finals.
“She’s (Sinclair) definitely earned her legendary status. Just look at the numbers and stats of her career – most capped Canadian and most international goals as well. She’s definitely a player that I’ve always looked up to and I was lucky enough to play with her at Portland Thorns, and she is an even better person as well. Credit to her for all she has achieved.”
Added into the mix of this encounter is the withdrawal from the Matildas squad of the likes of Sam Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold, and Charli Grant through injury. “It’s not ideal to have injuries leading into camp,” reflected Polkinghorne. “It is a challenge for us. Hopefully, the players (ruled out) have a chance to get things right but it also gives other players the chance to come in and get national team experience and some minutes, so it’s a double-edged sword.”
Those who are likely to get minutes over the two games include the hugely promising young trio of Charlize Rule, Amy Sayer, and Sarah Hunter. The experienced Australian defender believes they will thrive.
“They’ve been working really hard and they deserve the chance to step up. It’s against good opposition as well so gives them a chance to experience top-level international football.”
In terms of the threat posed by Canada in this two-match series, Polkinghorne observed: “They’ve got quality all over the park, everywhere you look. They are going to be very tough, very physical, and very well organised defensively. Very difficult to break down.”
In terms of countering this, the experienced defender asserts the key is developing head coach Tony Gustavsson’s adapted tactical approach after analysing the Matildas’ World Cup performances.
“We can hurt teams more playing through the line, and it’s a good challenge to test that against Canada, seeing how we can improve on it.”
Polkinghorne also touched on the endless speculation on the future of head coach Gustavsson – first in relation to the USWNT head coach position – and now with the position as head coach with the Sweden men’s national team.
“I don’t think it impacts us as a group. International football – you get that whether you are a player or a coach, especially if you have had success there will always be someone who wants to take you elsewhere. As a group, we are focussed on first getting to the Olympics and then doing well there.”
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