Speaking to the media this week from San Diego - where she plays her club football in the NWSL for the San Diego Wave - Emily van Egmond said that she’s feeling refreshed and can’t wait to get back into camp for the Cup of Nations with her CommBank Matildas teammates.
“I enjoyed my off-season break, the first one I’ve had in – gosh – forever!” she exclaimed.
“It was a big year. We had a lot of games, a lot of travel within the national team and domestically too, within the NWSL.”
Van Egmond was quick to point out that the strains of travel and heavy match schedules are “part and parcel” of being a professional athlete. Nonetheless, she echoed teammates such as Charli Grant by discussing both the physical and mental rejuvenation that the last few months has provided.
It means that she will be in the best possible position heading into 2023, both at club level and for the national team.
“It’s not the easiest at times, but we have so many good support people around us to make sure we’re in good stead,” she said.
Last season brought success at club level for van Egmond, the Wave becoming the first ever expansion team in the NWSL to secure a place in the finals series. Despite ultimately falling in the semi-finals, the team exceeded many people’s expectations.
It was a fantastic season for the midfielder. She played every minute of every game in a team that consisted of players such as United States internationals Abby Dahlkemper and Alex Morgan, and Swedish veteran Sofia Jakobsson.
“We have some world class players on our team and we’re led by an incredible coach in Casey Stoney," she explained.
“She believes in us and backs us every day of the week. That’s enjoyable from a player standpoint.”
“As the season went on, the thing that stood out the most was the camaraderie around the group and how hard everyone was willing to work for each other. It was never going to be easy, but our values as a club shone through and we got to the playoffs, which was pretty incredible.”
In terms of international football, van Egmond believes that 2022 presented challenges involving different styles of opponents that has ultimately benefited the team.
“We have quite a deep roster now, with so many people debuting,” she said.
“It’s created a competitive environment. As a footballer, that’s what you want. Going into the World Cup I have no doubt that it’s going to put us in the best position possible.
“It’s the competitiveness in training – day in, day out – that pushes the team on to make us the best that we can be.”
Van Egmond believes that the opportunity to replicate World Cup conditions during the Cup of Nations is going to be critical to the success of the CommBank Matildas this year.
“It’s going to be super important to us,” she explained.
“We can replicate a lot of what it’s going to be like at the World Cup. We get to go to three different cities, and experience the travel that’s required within our own backyard.”
On the pitch, the different styles of play of the opponents during the Cup of Nations will only benefit the team, according to van Egmond.
“Czechia are more of a structured, disciplined, low block formation. Patience and sticking to our game plan is going to be key against that sort of opposition,” she said.
“We all know what Spain can do, they’re unbelievable technicians on the ball – you look at Barcelona in club world and they’re obviously leading and paving the way for women’s football.
“We played Jamaica in 2019 and even though we scored five, it was a tough game. They’re physical, they’re always up for the challenge.”
Wherever she travels in the world, Emily van Egmond will always be a Newcastle girl at heart. She spoke about the importance of the fans, especially in her hometown.
She was asked about what the CommBank Matildas can expect from the Newcastle fans in game three of the tournament.
“I’m obviously a little bit biased – I think they’re the best in the country!” she laughed.
“Across the dressing room, we all know how special Newcastle is. Every single time we’re there, no matter who the opposition is, they always turn up.”
Playing in front of home fans is an extra layer of motivation for the players on the pitch.
“We have a huge amount of appreciation and respect for the fans that come out every time we have the opportunity to play at home,” she said.
“We know how much our fans support us but equally how much they mean to us as a team – it doesn’t go unheard. It’s like a twelfth man for us sometimes out there on the pitch.”
With so much pressure on players in a World Cup year, van Egmond is focusing on keeping football simple.
“For me personally, the key is just to enjoy it, and to play with a smile on my face,” she said.
“Be competitive, come in the best shape possible, and give myself the best possible chance to be selected for the World Cup.”
2023 CUP OF NATIONS – MATCH SCHEDULE
Match Day One
Date: Thursday, 16 February 2023
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, NSW
Match One: Spain v Jamaica – 4.10 pm kick-off AEDT. Broadcast on Paramount+
Match Two: CommBank Matildas v Czechia – 7.10 pm kick-off AEDT. Broadcast on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Buy tickets!
Match Day Two
Date: Sunday, 19 February 2023
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Match One: Jamaica v Czechia – 2.50 pm AEDT. Broadcast on Paramount+
Match Two: CommBank Matildas v Spain – 6.00 pm AEDT. Broadcast on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Buy tickets!
Match Day Three
Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, NSW
Match One: Czechia v Spain – 2.30 pm kick-off AEDT. Broadcast on Paramount+
Match Two: CommBank Matildas v Jamaica – 7.10 pm kick-off AEDT. Broadcast on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Buy tickets!