My Westfield Matildas Story: Emily Gielnik - 'I wasn’t going to stop until I got to the World Cup'

Emily Gielnik has always dreamed of running out as a Westfield Matilda at a FIFA World Cup. After having her heart broken four years ago, she is determined to make the most of her chance at France 2019. 

In a series of exclusive interviews for www.matildas.com.au, we will be catching up with Ante Milicic's 23-player squad in the build-up to the World Cup. Today we hear from Emily Gielnik as she reflects on the near-misses that have stoked her desire.

The 26-year-old had just seven caps for Australia to her name when she was omitted from the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™ squad. The decision left her devastated. 

By the time the Rio 2016 Olympic Games rolled around she felt she was an established member of the international set-up, and was crushed to again miss the cut. 

But where others may have lost heart, that rock-bottom moment left the Melbourne Victory forward with more hunger than ever as she set her sights on France 2019.

WATCH: My Westfield Matildas Story, with Sam Kerr
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How to watch the FIFA Women's World Cup


“I just narrowly missed out on the World Cup [in 2015]. I think that left a big desire in my heart,” said Gielnik, who reminded Westfield Matildas fans of her quality when she rifled home an unstoppable shot against Korea Republic in the Cup of Nations in March.

WATCH: Emily Gielnik smashes home a stunner against Korea Republic

“I was involved in the Olympic qualifiers [for 2016] and I just missed out by one there. That was the most devastation I’ve felt within my career. I know that feeling was one I didn’t ever want to have again.

“I remember when I wanted to start back in my school days, wanting to make the W-League – and that happened. And then wanting to make the young Australian team – and then that happened. 

WATCH: Gielnik reacts to getting her World Cup call

“Being part of that professional environment, I wanted to go one step further and be at the top. I knew [going to a World Cup] was my dream for a very long time and I wasn’t going to stop until I got there.” 

Watch the full video at the top of this page

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