You are witnessing the most extraordinarily talented Matildas team in history. This team has no shortcomings whatsoever. After facing struggles in various positions, we can confidently say that our team, free from foolish injuries, is fully capable of winning the World Cup. While playing on home soil provides a significant boost to performance, this team was already good enough in 2019, but now, in 2023, they are even more experienced and resilient. They have endured disappointments and overcome obstacles to reach this point, standing proudly at the foot of the mountain.
On a global scale, our players are highly sought after for their speed, tenacity, strength, and dominance on the ball. We may not rely on pretty tricks or possess the ball 3000 percent of the time, but it is our smooth transition that brings us victories. We strategically allow the opposition to have possession so that we can exploit their defensive weaknesses. This is where we can truly harm our opponents. Consequently, the do-or-die nature of these games will suit us perfectly.
Playing against higher-ranked teams is advantageous for us. However, we must first overcome the resilient Denmark. The path ahead is achievable. While other teams may be taking their upcoming matches for granted, assuming they have easy opponents, we do not have that false sense of security. To be the best, you have to defeat the best, even if it means winning through penalty shootouts, as demonstrated in the USA versus Sweden game, which could have easily been a final match. The best team doesn’t always emerge victorious.
Our success doesn’t have to come from fancy play. If we can overcome Denmark, we are poised to face two teams we have recently defeated with full strength. If everything goes according to plan, we will come across France and England before the final. Have they learned their lessons from previous encounters with us? Time will reveal the answer.
These two teams possess their own strengths, making it essential for our rock-solid defense to deliver outstanding performances in order to progress deep in the tournament. With Mackenzie Arnold guarding the goal and a fit and formidable center-back duo in Clare Hunt and Allana Kennedy, supported by Clare Polkinghorne, waiting for her chance, this defensive combination is something we have long awaited. Clean sheets win games.
We often focus on our center-backs, but we shouldn’t forget the true reasons our defense is mighty. Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter, with their relentless energy and overlapping runs, make our attack dominant. They provide us the width to stretch opponents and exploit weaknesses in their defensive structure.
Our midfield is in perfect harmony. Kyra Cooney-Cross has shown remarkable growth throughout these games. She understands that in order to break down opponents, she needs to handle the pressure from direct opponents, turn them around, and create forward opportunities. She can no longer hide, and she won’t.
Katrina Gorry is playing with the strength and determination of a mother. She defies the misconceptions about motherhood weakening a woman’s abilities. Just by looking at her, it’s evident that motherhood is a source of growth and strength. The experience of literally creating and nurturing a human being makes a woman a powerhouse. There’s no better feeling.
Although we have been without Sam, it has led to an unexpected benefit. Emily van Egmond has stepped up once again, demonstrating why she has been one of our best attacking midfielders over the past decade. Playing in her rightful position just behind the strikers gives our team additional attacking prowess from deep.
With players like Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr, and Cortnee Vine, we can delve deep into this tournament due to the versatility of these individuals. Their strength, speed, defensive pressure, and willingness to put in both the dirty work and score goals contribute to our success.
Our team boasts incredible depth. For the first time, we can bring players off the bench who can seamlessly continue the work we need to accomplish. This is why we have the potential to go all the way.
Regardless of how far we go in this World Cup, it has already been a resounding success. Just the other day, I overheard two young men in an airport lounge excitedly discussing attending the Matildas game. A little boy even asked for a photo with me after hearing that I would be commentating the match. Girls all over the world are experiencing a new world opening up to them simply because they love the game of football. I have witnessed this firsthand, with eyes lighting up and dreams forming. Yes, we have succeeded tremendously.
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(Photo: Getty Images; CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
