Tony Gustavsson is unsure if the upcoming Olympic campaign will be his last as Australia boss as he gambles on the fitness of Katrina Gorry by including the injured midfielder in his squad for Paris.
The background: Three years on from a fourth-placed finish in Tokyo, Gustavsson is desperate to lead the Matildas to a medal after reaching the semi-finals at last year’s Women’s World Cup.
The key quote: “What’s important for me and the team is that we focus on what is in front of us. What I can answer, though, is I think all of you know how much I love working with this team,” Gustavsson said on Tuesday.
What else to know: Retiring goalkeeper Lydia Williams received a rousing reception at Monday night’s send-off match against China in Sydney but missed the main squad.
However, she and three other players — Courtney Nevin, Sharn Frier and Charlotte Grant — will still go to Paris as “travelling reserves” and could be called up in case other players are injured or withdraw.
The Matildas’ group matches are against Germany in Marseille on 25 July, Zambia in Nice on 28 July and the USA in Marseille on 31 July.
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley (capt), Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne, Kaitlyn Torpey
Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop
Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Michelle Heyman, Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine
Source Agencies
