By Kieran Yap 22/2/24
After completing their training camp in Dubai, The Matildas are on the way to Tashkent to play Uzbekistan in the final stage of Olympic qualifying and Amy Sayer says that preparations have been going well.
“It’s as normal,” she told the media of the buildup.
“We’re not overcome by the occasion.”
“Our principles and our tactics that have been set up by the coaching staff have allowed us to keep that focus on ourselves…I think that we’ll be really prepared for it.”
While no expense has been spared in preparation for these matches, one factor will be out of their control. The weather is expected to me much harsher than Dubai with a strong chance of snow. However, Sayer is confident the team can adapt with many including the Swedish based forward facing similar icy conditions at club level.
“We had quite a bit of snow in the last few weeks in the southern region (of Sweden)” she said.
“It’ll be very cold, in the negative degrees.
“We might be losing feeling in our fingers and our toes but I think that it takes a lot of mental fortitude to push through that.
“There will be some differences to how the ball rolls, and how the field feels to us but I think that the strength of this team is so great that can push through those conditions whether it’s two feet’s of snow or whatever else Uzbekistan can throw at us. “
Sayer is well positioned to make an impact this international window. Since narrowly missing a place on the 2023 World Cup squad, she has become more accustomed to the national team environment and expectations. Her move to Damallsvenkan club Kristianstads DFF has also helped her development as a professional. The arrival of fellow Matilda Clare Polkinghorne has also helped.
“It’s really great to have Polks around.
“Even though we play different positions I’m Always learning from her. Her demeanour as well is amazing.
“We have a really young team so it’s great to have the leadership that Polks brings and her experience. I’m learning from her everyday, the younger players are learning from her everyday. She adds a huge benefit to our team.”
One of the big areas of interest for Matildas fans is how the team will set up in attack in the absence of Sam Ker . We could see a similar setup to the Workd Cup group stage, but the additions of Michelle Heyman, Chloe Logarzo and Sophie Harding mean that the best firepower from the A-League Women are at Tony Gustavsson’s disposal, but Sayer is also ready to step up if called upon. She was impressive in the first stage of Olympic qualification, dominant for Australia’s Under 23 side in 2022 and a showed plenty of attacking potential against Canada. Many observers feel that she is primed to make an impact soon.
She says the team will obviously miss their captain but are as prepared as possible.
“I think that the tactics of the team and the principles that have been laid down since the beginning of Tony’s tenure have really helped us close that gap a little bit.
“I know that I play a similar position and I know that I have been the substitute for her (Sam.
“I’m that 9/10 role in attacking midfield. I’m not trying to fill her shoes exactly because she is that special player.
“But I think I have similar qualities and some different ones as well that can help provide a benefit to the team.”
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