By Kieran Yap 5/9/24
Above: Young Matildas vice captain Naomi Chinnama addresses the media through Football Australia.
Following Australia’s second group game against Mexico, Young Matildas defenders Naomi Chinnama and Ella Buchanan spoke to the media about the experience so far.
Australia are still in this tournament was the message from Australia’s Under 20’s Vice Captain. Fresh from the 2-0 defeat against Mexico, Naomi Chinnama said that there was plenty learned from the match.
“They were very well prepared, and they had a plan that they executed extremely well,” she said of their last opponents.
“I feel as though went in fighting right up until the final whistle.
“No doubt there’s a lot of learning that we can take from that game and we just need to use that for Cameroon.
It was another close loss for Australia. A missed penalty was made all the more painful when Mexico scored what could be best described as a lucky goal in the second half before an injury time strike sealed the 2-0 result.
“There were moments where we were successful with our buildup, and we were able to create chances,” said Chinnama. In defence the Aussies were not overwhelmed and kept their shape. It was a harsh result, even though Mexico looked faster and more attacking.
After two losses, Australia can still progress to the knockout rounds with a win. The four best third placed teams in the groups advance in the tournament.
“There’s still a chance,” said Chinnama.
“I’ve been getting around the girls and we’ve been getting around each other. We need to keep our heads up because as long as there’s still a chance, we need to throw everything at it.
“We’re Australians, we need to show our resilience. I believe that’s truly a strength of ours.”
Now at her second youth World Cup after being in the 2022 squad, Chinnama says nothing compares to the experience of an international tournament.
“A World Cup is just amazing. If I was here 10 times it would be the same thing.
“I’m at a loss for words everytime I step on that international stage,
“It’s something I don’t take for granted.
“With each game there’s always learning opportunities. I’m just so grateful to be able to see so many world class opponents.”
The Melbourne City premiership winner captained the side after skipper Jess Nash was substituted. It was something that she considered an honour and focussed on being a role model and in her word she “tried not to mess it up too much.”
Following the tournament, she will take on as new challenge as Perth Glory’s defensive star signing. It will be the first time she has played for another club outside of Melbourne.
“I will miss Melbourne because it’s been my home for the last fouer years. Im blessed for the time that I spent there.
“I’m excited to be embarking on this new chapter in Perth. I can’t wait to get started. I’m going to go in and put my head down and work as hard as I can.”
Ella Buchanan made her World Cup debut in the second half against Mexico. The Western Sydney defender said that the experience was an incredible reward for effort she put into being selected.
“It’s pretty incredible to be able to step onto that pitch wearing the Australian uniform.
“A pretty memorable moment I would say, especially as it has been one of my goals to represent Australia, to be able to do that at an U20 world cup was just incredible.
“I’m super super grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s a very very good learning experience to able to see all these different styles and different players. to be able to come up against that and test yourself is really rewarding and there’s lots to take away from it.”
For Buchanan, the appearance capped off a rapid rise. The 20 year old is in just her second camp, and although she was not part of the Asian Cup squad, she continued to push for selection.
“A year ago this seemed pretty far way and not getting selected is a bit disheartening but I took that upon myself to work harder, to stay dedicated and to just have patience because everyone will get their opportunity eventually if you just stay working hard.”
Australia will need every bit of that self-belief across the entire team to progress in the tournament. A win will see them leapfrog Cameroon into third place in the group. With only two full days between matches, the focus has been on physical and mental recovery.
But there is belief in this team to match the talent, and as Chinnama said, “there is still a chance.”
Australia play Cameroon on Saturday morning AEST at 8am
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