BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 03: Australia team photo during the National anthem during the … [+]
The 2023 Women’s World Cup, the ninth edition of the tournament, will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20. The Matildas will be bidding to go beyond the quarter-finals, their best finish on three occasions.
Here are five Australia players to watch out for:
Sam Kerr
NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Sam Kerr of the Matildas celebrates a goal during the Women’s … [+]
The talismanic forward will lead the Matildas at the World Cup on home soil after helping her club Chelsea win the Women’s Super League and the FA Cup in the 2022-23 season. With 12 goals, Kerr was fourth in the WSL’s top-scorers list this time.
The 29-year-old, who has 63 goals in 120 appearances for the Matildas, adds firepower to Australia’s attack like no other player.
Her skill, experience and goal-scoring acumen make her one of the most dangerous forwards, and she will be keen to add more goals to her collection in her fourth World Cup appearance.
Kerr, known for her trademark backflip celebrations, holds the record for being the first Australian player to score a hat trick at a World Cup, men’s or women’s – having done so during their 4-1 win over Jamaica in 2019 when she scored all the goals.
Caitlin Foord
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 12: Caitlin Foord of the Matildas celebrates after scoring a goal … [+]
Arsenal forward Foord is yet another experienced player of the Australian squad, having made 108 appearances for the national team.
Foord burst onto the scene at the 2011 World Cup after winning the Best Young Player of the Tournament award, and since then, she has gone on to excel with Arsenal, helping them win the League Cup this season.
Foord had an impressive season with Arsenal, performing consistently at a high level as she ended the campaign with 11 goals and nine assists.
She will likely play as a No. 10 behind Kerr in Australia’s attack.
Steph Catley
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 08: Steph Catley of Australia looks on during the International … [+]
Vice-captain Catley will be playing at her third World Cup, having made nine appearances for the team during their last two campaigns.
She is an ever-present face in the Matildas, playing on the left side of defense, and has 109 caps for the team.
Catley enjoyed a great season with Arsenal, mainly playing as a left-back but also slotting in central defense when needed – proving her versatility.
Mary Fowler
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 23: Mary Fowler of the Matildas celebrates with Sam Kerr after scoring a … [+]
Fowler was part of the squad at the last World Cup, but the then-teenager did not get a chance to play. The forward, who is now 20, will be eager to make her World Cup debut, having learnt valuable lessons from the last time.
Fowler has nine goals in 36 appearances for the Matildas, having played up top in the team with Kerr or in central midfield.
Ellie Carpenter
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 23: Ellie Carpenter of the Matildas thanks fans after winning the … [+]
Carpenter joins the Matildas squad for her second World Cup campaign, having made four appearances during their run in 2019. She has 61 caps for the national team.
A standout performance at the last World Cup helped her secure a move to giants Olympique Lyonnais, with whom she has won two Champions League titles.
After making a comeback from a serious knee injury, Carpenter will fight for her spot in the starting line-up.
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