By Kieran Yap 10/3/24
Above: Australia’s U20s celebrate making the U20 World Cup and the semi-finals of the Asia Cup. Photo: Football Australia.
After winning against Chinese Taipei, Australia’s Under 20 side took time to celebrate, while keeping an eye on bigger prizes. Captain Jessika Nash, goal scorer Claudia Cicco, and player of the match Shay Hollman spoke to the media from Uzbekistan.
With U20 World Cup qualification secured, the Young Matildas took some time to celebrate, but for them, the job is not done yet. Australia still have a semi-final to play and potentially an Asian Cup to win. That did not stop them savouring the moment. The 3-0 win against Chinese Taipei was the culmination of an 18-month process since the beginning of qualifing.
“It’s honestly a dream come true to be heading to Columbia with such an incredible group and staff,” said captain Jessika Nash.
“I think this campaign has really captured and embodied what this team stands for. What we say is it’s not done yet…we still have a semi-final and hopefully a final to play.”
The Young Matildas finished the group stage with three wins from three games, after scoring seven times and conceding just once. Nash said that the intent from the team did not change through the various conditions and opponents.
“The mindset is the exact same from the first game to the second game, to the third game. we wanted to leave the group stage with all the points possible.”
Nash opened the scoring with a perfect volleyed finish from Daniela Galic’s well-placed pass. It was a first goal for the skipper in green and gold, and reward for her work rate in the tournament so far. Nash switched to fullback after spending much of her Under 20’s career in central defence and has been one of the main attacking outlets for the team in Uzbekistan.
The captain was thrilled to lead her nation to the semi-finals and is excited for the future of Australian football.
“I think it’s incredible to represent not only this nation but also this amazing group of girls. Anytime I get to put on the green and gold I never take it for granted and try and showcase the privilege the privilege and honour that it is to put on the green and gold and wear that name on the back of the jersey as well.
“I think that the way football is heading it is such an honour to be able to not only represent football but just Australia in general for women’s football in general. We’ve seen how the World Cup has ignited the game in Australia and to be able to showcase the youth level that we’re heading towards a world cup and the talent that is coming through, its just something that you really can’t put into words.”
“You don’t actually see the sacrifices that not only these girls but the families go through. We’ve just had international women’s day and to recognize some incredible women was truly incredible but it’s every day, it’s not just one day that we celebrate it.”
Shay Hollman was recognized as the player of the match for the second game coming. In a tactical and positions shift from Leah Blayney, the Young Matildas switched to a 4-3-3 formation. Hollman anchored the midfield and helped set up play while cutting off attacks.
“I’ve been working really hard (in training), so for that to replicate into performances is great. “It’s awesome that I can contribute to a great performance from the girls today.
“I love that position, I really enjoy just being able to play passes through, little combination plays, blocking the other team for the defence. I really enjoy it and I think it’s working really well in this formation we’re playing.”
The new setup has been working for Claudia Cicco too. Normally a defender at club level, the Newcastle Jet has been pushed further afield with The Young Matildas and has scored in every round of qualifying before sealing the win with Australia’s third against Chinese Taipei.
“It’s a privilege, I’m very honoured to have scored especially when I’m obviously not a winger. It’s nice to score some goals and to help out the team with what I can do to make us qualify.
“I feel like that (the 4-3-3 formation) was in our advantage because we got a lot of use with the width in the game and counterattacked with that.”
In some ways, this tournament feels overdue for this generation of Young Matildas. Many missed the opportunity to wear the jersey for the Under 17 side, and are making up for lost time with some excellent performances at the Asian Cup. They know the job is not yet done, but feel overjoyed at what they have achieved so far.
“It’s really exciting,” said Hollman.
“We obviously missed our chance in the U17 cycle because of COVID. So that was really disappointing at the time.. we’re here now and hopefully, we get the job done.
“It’s a dream come true really, we’ve been working towards this as a group over the last 18 months, working really hard, many qualification tournaments. We’re over the moon, it’s surreal and we can’t wait to get there.
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