'All we can do is focus on ourselves' - Milicic says Westfield Matildas not distracted ahead of Chinese Taipei game

Westfield Matildas head coach Ante Milicic has lauded the team’s focus in difficult circumstances and says they are ready to embark on their journey to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The Westfield Matildas have been in the midst of rigorous preparations for their first match of the 2020 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Friday, 7 February, when they tackle Chinese Taipei at Campbelltown Stadium.

The four-team tournament commences on Monday, 3 February between Thailand and Chinese Taipei, with the four match days concluding with the Westfield Matildas clash with China PR on Wednesday, 12 February at Western Sydney Stadium.

Milicic’s side have been in camp in Sydney for the past fortnight and he acknowledged the challenges of preparing his side amidst changes to the tournament host city to Sydney and fixture schedule in recent weeks – brought about by the international response to the coronavirus in original host city Wuhan, China.

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“I’d like to recognise the substantial work and effort undertaken by FIFA, the AFC, FFA and CFA to proceed with this Olympic qualifying footballing tournament with the welfare of all at the forefront,” Milicic said.

“We as a group have worked on training and focusing on our preparation to be as smooth as possible. We are really looking forward to playing three games in Sydney in front of the Australian public.”

With additional lead-in time to their first match of the tournament, Milicic cited the management of player loading and workloads as the most important part of their preparation.

However, he said he feels the combined work of the Westfield Matildas players, technical and medical staff have ensured the team is in good stead ahead of their fixtures, commencing with Friday’s clash against the 40th ranked Chinese Taipei.

Westfield Matildas training
The Westfield Matildas are maintaining their focus ahead of their opening match against Chinese Taipei

“The longer we are together, we really benefit, and, if anything, the time together is really helping us because we know what kind of opponents we are coming against,” Milicic explained.

“It is a difficult style to play against and it is one we will need to be fully focused on to be sure we progress.

He added: “Any games when you play in Asia, particularly qualifying for such a major tournament, it is a huge challenge.

“All we can do is focus on ourselves. We’re really pleased with the work the squad’s done and we believe we will be in a good position to put on three good performances.

Milicic revealed he expects to have a full complement of players to choose from throughout the tournament, with Sam Kerr – the last to arrive at the training camp following her commitments with Chelsea – likely to feature despite bringing a small quad strain into camp.

Sam Kerr
Ante Milicic says Sam Kerr is on track for the 2020 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament

“Sam’s probably not at full training at the moment but she is making good progress every day and the rest of the girls have been completing all the training sessions,” Milicic explained.

He added: “She is delighted to be back here in Sydney with the sun and training and with our medical staff – they know her body better than anyone.

“It’s great to have her in and around the group. As I said, she completed most of the training today and she is in good spirits.

“She also brings a good presence around the group and that is ever so important for us. So we are really pleased in the way she is going.”

Allana Kennedy
Allana Kennedy is amongst the Westfield Matildas in Ante Milicic's squad

Milicic said the team’s focus has not been shaken by the challenges faced by their opponents in preparing for the climactic difference between summer in Sydney and the winter setting in original host city Wuhan.

“Things like climate for the other teams, they’re things that we can’t control. How they will adapt to that we don’t know but we’ve always maintained the focus will be on ourselves,” Milicic said.

He also acknowledged the response of the 15th ranked China PR side, who will be in isolation in Brisbane until 5 February, remains another great unknown of the tournament.

Caitlin Foord Emily van Egmond
The Westfield Matildas are in step as they embark on their journey to Tokyo 2020

“You don’t know how it’s going to end up,” Milicic said.

“Will they be more determined? Will this work for them as a positive? It all depends on the way they approach it but all we can do is focus on ourselves.

“Without being disrespectful to the other teams, if we are to be successful as a team we need to focus on ourselves particularly in these unique circumstances and that’s what we intend to do.

“We know we need to put on three good performances to give ourselves the best chance of getting to the next phase."

However, one external influence that Milicic is welcoming is the recent qualification for the Olympic Games Men’s Football Tournament by Graham Arnold’s Australia U-23 side.

He said those performances can only serve to further inspire his own charges on their own journey to Tokyo.

“How important would it be for the Australian football community to have two teams to cheer on at the Olympic Games?” Milicic asked rhetorically.

“The men have done a fantastic job in difficult circumstances to get there, deservedly so, and now it is up to us to do our end and we intend to do that.”

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Watch Matildas

Match Schedule – Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers – Group B 

Matchday 1 – Monday, 3 February 2020
Thailand v Chinese Taipei - 7.30pm (AEDT)
Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah

Matchday 2 – Friday, 7 February 2020 
China PR v Thailand – 4.30pm (AEDT)
Australia v Chinese Taipei – 7.30pm (AEDT)
Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah

Matchday 3 – Monday, 10 February 2020 
Chinese Taipei v China PR – 4.30pm (AEDT)
Thailand v Australia – 7.30pm (AEDT)
Campbelltown Stadium, Leumeah

Matchday 4 – Wednesday, 12 February 2020
Australia v China PR – 7.30pm (AEDT)
Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta

Matildas matches throughout the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and the My Football Live App; delayed on ABC TV.

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