Matildas starting lineup

Australia's greatest will take centre-stage in her first World Cup start, replacing Emily van Egmond at the focal point of the Matildas' attack.

For the Matildas and the 31 other teams competing, it is the culmination of a four-year journey filled with plenty of trials and tribulations. This Australian squad has undergone a major revamp from its last appearance at a World Cup when they exited in the Round of 16 in Thankfully, Gustavsson has rectified that issue not just on the defensive front but all over the park, with seven players set to make their World Cup debuts. Talismanic skipper Sam Kerr will lead the line with the weight of a nation on her shoulders, but who else could play a starring role alongside her? Look out, world: No.

Matildas starting lineup

These are the 23 players Australia will be counting on at the tournament. A provisional player squad was named in mid-June with six players cut from the final squad submitted to FIFA on July 3. There are a lot of variables when deciding on a starting line-up at a World Cup: who the opposition is, tournament tactics, fatigue considerations, must-win fixtures, injuries and more. Australia are not alone in dealing with one of the hardest areas to navigate - injuries and fitness - heading into the tournament. Given the uncertainty surrounding a number of players' fitness - Fowler, Yallop, Polkinghorne, Kennedy and Simon - it could make the stars game-changers off the bench or earn them a starting stint against No. Eight months post-up. She's selected on where we're thinking she can be in a month from now when we're going into those hopefully playoff rounds," he said. If that happens, that Kyah is not ready by that time, obviously we can do a replacement change. Goalkeeper : Gustavsson's goalkeeping staff identified Arnold as the team's No. With that in mind, and limited minutes in clubland for William and Micah, the Hammers goalkeeper should hold that spot for most of the tournament. Defence : Kennedy and Polkinghorne's fitness questions, paired with an in-form Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Clare Hunt, Charlotte Grant and Courtney Nevin means the duo may be overlooked for a starting spot against the Republic of Ireland in defence.

Eight months post-up. Massage Therapist Hayley Weston.

Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold are injured. This gives us the tools to be able to do that more often. Build-up play proved a difficult task in a loss on Saturday as Canada swept aside an experimental starting line-up, with the Matildas conceding three goals by being dispossessed in their own half. If someone should be criticised, it should be me, I can take those hits. We struggled to get out of our own half a lot. But we chose not to just push up and go long and play a second-ball game. We chose to go all in in that game and it cost us three goals.

Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. Jersey Number. Born Gold Coast. Height cm. View Profile. Goalkeeper Teagan Micah. Goalkeeper Jada Whyman. Born Wagga Wagga. Defender Ellie Carpenter.

Matildas starting lineup

For the Matildas and the 31 other teams competing, it is the culmination of a four-year journey filled with plenty of trials and tribulations. This Australian squad has undergone a major revamp from its last appearance at a World Cup when they exited in the Round of 16 in Thankfully, Gustavsson has rectified that issue not just on the defensive front but all over the park, with seven players set to make their World Cup debuts. Talismanic skipper Sam Kerr will lead the line with the weight of a nation on her shoulders, but who else could play a starring role alongside her?

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Look out, world: No. She is a defensive midfielder by nature and relishes doing the dirty work of breaking up opposition attacks and, if games become stretched, Wheeler could be a vitally important option off the bench. Caitlin Foord and Hayley Rasso will flank them left and right respectively, with Mary Fowler expected to provide a spark just behind Kerr. It has not been a straightforward journey to this point given she underwent seven different operations from to for a variety of injuries. Goalkeeping Coach Tony Franken. Although she may have over appearances for the Matildas under her belt, Kennedy has battled for game time at club level in recent seasons with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. However, the year-old has been battling form and fitness issues in recent times and only recently returned to action for NWSL side San Diego Wave after a back injury. Eight months post-up. Born Sydney. But Gustavsson will stick to his guns style-wise. Team Manager Gina Rees. USWNT star 'will go to her grave' claiming she saved that penalty.

It came down to a penalty shootout — the same way that Australia exited at the Round of 16 stage at the World Cup. Matildas star becomes instant national hero as 20yo dazzles yet again : Player Ratings. But outstanding Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold made a number of crucial saves before youngster Cortnee Vine buried the winning penalty for Australia to emerge victors.

Coach opts for more familiar line-up in second Canada friendly Focus on improving possession game ahead of Olympic qualifiers. Assistant Performance Analyst Sharna Naidu. Height cm. Although she was seen as the No. Born Newcastle. They want to learn. Williams has made her fifth World Cup squad, the most for any Australian player alongside a fellow Matilda, but more on the later. Hermoso files legal complaint against RFEF president. Goalkeeping Coach Tony Franken. Need further help? Australia's greatest will take centre-stage in her first World Cup start, replacing Emily van Egmond at the focal point of the Matildas' attack. Since her debut in , Van Egmond has failed to play 10 games or more in a calendar year just three times, highlighting her longevity and importance to the side. Simon has a knack of goals in big games - the winning penalty at the Asian Cup, two goals against Norway at the World Cup to reach the knockouts, or her goal against Brazil in the tournament to hand Australia a first-ever knockout win. Clare Hunt retains her role at centre-back, while Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry, who have forged an effective partnership in midfield, will once again seek control of the middle.