Commonwealth Bank Matildas midfielder Emily Van Egmond has spoken to the media, prior to her side's final AFC Women's Asian Cup group game against Thailand
Two matches into their Asian Cup campaign in Mumbai, Tony Gustavsson's team sit top of their group with two victories from two matches, having faced Indonesia, and a particularly stubborn Philippines outfit.
Many outside the game would point to the 22 goals scored so far, as being the side's most impressive achievement. But in fact, it's the resolute defensive efforts and consecutive clean sheets that have satisfied the squad and their coach the most.
"Defence has been a massive talking point for us. I'm really proud of the girls so far in that regard and we'll look to do the same against Thailand, to progress nicely through to the quarter finals," van Egmond said.
NEWS: CommBank Matildas AFC Women's Asian Cup camp update
MORE: Emily van Egmond: Our younger players are giving us that competitive edge
HOW TO WATCH: Australia v Thailand
That stalwart attitude in defence, seen against The Philippines in particular, was the key for the Commonwealth Bank Matildas to overwhelm their opponents later in the game after soaking up a wealth of pressure. For a tournament that will propose far tougher challenges in the latter rounds, this early solidity seen within the team is a positive sign going forward.
"Credit to the girls, because it was a difficult first half for us. The Philippines made it hard for us to get balls into the box, but the second half we came out and we had a completely dominant performance,"
That shows the mindset and the path we are on for this tournament. We have full faith.
The 2022 edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup has already seen a number of young Australian starlets make an appearance, including recent debutants Holly McNamara and Cortnee Vine. It's that next generation of internationals that excite van Egmond most about the side's chances of long and short-term silverware.
"It's fantastic that we're budding through some young talent. They bring a competitive edge, everyone's vying for spots as well. It's special for them to be able to get game time,"
We're here to do a job, to win the Asian Cup. And for me, the trophy would be very deserving for anyone who's been selected in the final 23.
"We had young Cortnee make her debut, which is awesome to see. I've been fortunate enough to obviously see her grow as a player, from my Newcastle days, up until now."
Up next for the Australians, is an experienced and desperate Thailand team, that require a victory to secure qualification to the next round.
Van Egmond is vastly experienced when it comes to major tournaments and the complicated group dynamics that come with it. Where some players may see the final group game as an opportunity to relax, Gustavsson's squad will approach Friday's match in a very different manner.
We're looking forward to this Thailand game, but we're also here to do a job, and that's to be just as dominant
"That's the philosophy from the coaching staff, along with a style of play. What we need to do, well, we need a win. Whatever team the coach puts out, we have full faith and we're all buying in."