Westfield Matildas star Kennedy: Bring on another Cup of Nations

Westfield Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy told media she would ‘love’ to compete in another Cup of Nations, following the inaugural rendition’s roaring success.

Australia won all three games on their way to claiming silverware, beating New Zealand, Korea Republic and Argentina.

Playing on home turf was a nice change for Kennedy, who has featured in overseas cups including the Algarve Cup in Portugal and the United States’ Tournament of Nations.

“I definitely prefer having a tournament here in Australia as opposed to going overseas,” said Kennedy.

“For us to hold our own tournament is just a really good step forward for us in Australia, I’d love for that to return for us to back it up.”

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The tournament signalled Ante Milicic’s first games in charge and provided the perfect opportunity to test his side just over three months out from the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™.

Kennedy was particularly surprised by Argentina’s physicality, though it was all in a day’s work as the side prepare for all types of challenges they may face in June.

“Those types of games are always the scrappy ones,” said Kennedy.

“I didn’t expect them to be as physical as they were but I expected the game to be similar to that.

“I think a few of the girls copped some knocks but that’s football and that’s the style we need to be able to play against, so it was good preparation.”

Kennedy


Fans were rightly excited with the performances of the Westfield Matildas over the past fortnight.

Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord appear to have picked up from where they left off in the Westfield W-League, while Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne and Elise Kellond-Knight all looked solid as ever in the back.

Yet, Kennedy tempered the excitement surrounding the team’s victory, insisting the squad were focussed solely on getting things right before the World Cup.

“We can’t get complacent, there are still plenty of things to work on,” said Kennedy.

“Last night was pretty scrappy and there are a lot of things we could have done better.

“(There are) still lots of things we want to work on ahead of the World Cup.”

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