by Ben Gilby (4/12/23)
Above: Caitlin Foord speaking today from the Matildas camp in Vancouver. Image: Football Australia.
Ahead of Australia’s final game of a historic 2023, attacker Caitlin Foord reflected on both the challenges of this particular international window, and her year for both club and country.
Foord was one of a number of key Matildas who were not involved in the first of the two games against Canada. She highlighted the particular challenges that were involved in getting to the camp venue.
“With the travel, not only coming into Canada, but then coming into Victoria was an hour bus ride, two hours on a ferry, and then another hour on a bus, that was all before matchday one. To hit the ground running was hard. I give all credit to all the girls that played. We’re building to a bigger picture and he (head coach Tony Gustavsson) wanted to see different players. It was a good test.”
As well as the hurdles faced in getting to the camp, the Matildas also had to reacclimatise to playing on synthetic turf for the game at Starlight Stadium on Friday night. For Foord it was a return to a surface she was once familiar with during her time at the NWSL – but that was a long while back, and now the green, green grass of England is what she knows.
“It’s different. I used to just get on with it, and it was what it was. Now having been in England with world-class pitches where the grass is absolutely perfect to then come and play on (synthetic) turf, it just changes the whole dynamic of how the game is played. It’s a lot quicker, the whole detail of your pass has to be different, there is a different spin on the ball. It does take a little bit to get used to again.”
Also added into the mix to make the first game a challenge was the continuation of the Matildas new style of play which came about as a result of Tony Gustavsson and his coaching staff reviewing the World Cup performances.
Whilst the Arsenal attacker recognises it was a tough watch at times, the longer-term goal needs to be taken into account.
“It’s a new playing style, and we haven’t had many trainings…(with) it, let alone matches. It’s just another style that we’re able to play come the tournament (Olympics). It’s important to be flexible (about) what game plan you have. To have another one in your toolbox is important.
“With all the analysis and footage…you spend a lot more hours on opponents and what they do. For us it’s about no matter how an (opposition) team plays, finding a solution for it, and finding the space against top teams when you have very little space and time. it’s about us getting on the same page and getting in and out of different formations and different styles.”
Things are likely to be different in terms of the squad selected for tomorrow night’s second game (local time) which will take place at the 54,500-capacity BC Place Stadium as the Canadian public bids a fond and emotional farewell to the legendary Christine Sinclair.
Foord feels a sense of honour in being able to take part in the encounter. “It’s a big game to look forward to. The World Cup Final in 2015 was here. I’ve been to this stadium before to watch a game and it’s incredible. The importance of it, with ‘Sincy’ (Christine Sinclair) retiring, I’m glad it can be us that her last game is against.”
With this being the last international game of the calendar year, Foord was in reflective mood about 2023. A historic fourth place at the World Cup, plus a string of excellent performances for Arsenal in both the WSL and Champions League were achieved by the 29-year-old. However, she is hungry to achieve far more and recognises that 2023 could easily have been even better.
“I think it’s been successful, but also not. We’ve been good both club and country but fell short both times. There’s been a lot to learn from and lots to gain, but I don’t have much to show for it in my trophy cabinet. I have a Conti Cup, but that’s about it.
“It makes me hungry to win more – the league and FA Cup at Arsenal, and, again keep the Conti Cup, qualify for the Champions League. I hope this year is a stepping stone for next year.
“I love it over there (with Arsenal). With the facility and my team, it’s an environment you can only get better at. That’s something I was lacking – just that bit of consistency (in club football). At a top club, you have to have that to keep playing. I needed that pressure on me to keep performing to play every week. I’ve seen my game improve since I’ve been there. Hopefully, it can only get better and better.”
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