Above: Joe Montemurro and Emily Van Egmond speaking to the media. Credit: Football Australia.
By Ella McShane (28/11/25)
With the Asian Cup fast approaching, the upcoming fixtures against New Zealand represent the Matildas final opportunity to impress, both as a team and as a collective, before the 23-player squad is announced for next March’s home soil tournament.
Speaking to the media ahead of tonight’s opener of the two match series, midfielder and vice captain Emily Van Egmond emphasised the stakes, noting “it is important for the team to put on two good performances, to push into good stead for [the Asian Cup]”.
“Anyone who gets the opportunity to come into camp is always looking to compete for a spot”
Recent camps have introduced a fresh wave of talent, that have given a new identity to the squad’s “junior members.”
Van Egmond said the transition is a natural part of sport, adding that “it’s important that we have pathways here in Australia.” She stressed that selection ultimately comes down to quality: “You pick the best players you can to represent your country and get the best result you can.”
Scepticism around head coach Joe Montemurro’s limited time with the Matildas has also been raised when considering what this international window means heading into the tournament.
Van Egmond highlighted the importance of adaptability as a professional athlete in an ever changing landscape, and backed the man in charge’s style of play; “It’s an enjoyable…I think it’s been a good refresh for us and the girls are really buying-in to what we’re trying to do…it’s an exciting brand of football”
Looking to the opposition, Van Egmond stated that the Matildas will be expecting nothing less than a “tough game. We obviously have that rivalry.”
“We are always looking to get the win, but for us I think it’s more of a complete performance. We’ve done some really good things in training this week to build.”
Anticipating the Asian Cup, Montemurro said New Zealand will provide ideal preparation He expects the opposition to challenge their approach noting that New Zealand “will press high and will put us under pressure. We expect a lot of teams in the Asian Cup to come out and try to get us first.”
Montemurro was candid when asked about his plans for the starting XI stating that “I haven’t even thought about [it] if I am honest with you.” Montemurro contextualised his delay in planning as intentional as a way of managing player loading and travel.
Sam Kerr continues to reacclimatise to the national team on a “premised plan” and is “tracking well,” according to Montemurro. Meanwhile, Mary Fowler’s return has been earmarked for the new year, as she continues her recovery from the ACL injury sustained earlier this year.
Australia v New Zealand kicks off at 7:30pm local time tonight at Polytec Stadium in Gosford and will be available to stream on Paramount +.
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