by Monica Clarke (6/10/26)
Above: The Matildas will be looking to put out a strong performance against some tough opposition this international window. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus
Hayley Raso and Holly McNamara spoke to media today ahead of the Matildas’ two friendly matches against Germany and Haiti this international window. During that media call, both Raso and McNamara spoke on the significance of these matches in the lead up to the World Cup in Brazil 2027.
Raso told media that “we actually looked into it last night and there’s not that many camps or matches before the World Cup so every one is so important.”
She further discussed the importance of facing a strong team like Germany in World Cup preparations: “Having a game against a top side like Germany is really important.”
McNamara further explained “You always want to play against the best and try and win against the best, Germany are one of the best. It’s a good test for us.”
“Moving into a World Cup year, this is going to happen at the World Cup if we want to win so I think it’s good for us.”
The team is expecting a tough match against Germany. Raso, being familiar with the team through previous national team matches as well as at her German club Eintracht Frankfurt, discussed expectations of the German side.
“We know how tough and physical they’re going to be, we’ve played against them a few times before” Raso said.
“The Germans are strong, they’re fit, they can run, they play good football here in Europe.”
Raso also shared that the team’s mentality going into the international camp is “every game we go into we have confidence. We trust ourselves and we trust our abilities. We do what we know how to do. We also respect the opponent, we know they’re going to be a tough game.”
“We’re looking at it as preparation. It’s a building block for us and one we’re looking to go in and win.”
McNamara talked about the changing nature of the national team setup, the additions to the team as well as the missing names in the squad.
“We’ve had people coming in and out for the last little while. You kind of get used to it, especially in a national team setup where you don’t have much time” McNamara said.
“You have to adapt pretty quickly to new players, whether you start, whether you’re on the bench because you actually don’t have time to sit around and wait like you do at clubland.”
McNamara said that regardless of the squad, head coach Joe Montemurro’s plans for the team remain the same, noting that “I think no matter who’s in the squad, Joe’s got his ideas.”
Addressing internal competition within the squad in the lead up to a tournament like the World Cup, McNamara noted “it’s a competitive sport even within your team. You’ve got to find the right balance that we’re all actually working towards the same goal here. We’re all competing to win the World Cup at the end of the day.”
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