The CommBank Matildas hit the training pitch for the first season of 2023 with 13 players in action following the start of arrivals into the Cup of Nations Sydney camp.
Brisbane-based midfielder Katrina Gorry faced the media this morning ahead of Australia’s opening match against Czechia on Thursday, 16 February at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford.
After almost three months away, the longest-ever break since Tony Gustavsson started his tenure, the first arrivals in camp took part in our opening training session of 2023.
Fresh off action over the weekend in clubland with Brisbane Roar, Katrina Gorry talked about being back in camp ahead of a big year on home soil with the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ in July.
"It's been really nice to be back in camp. Obviously, people are still arriving, but we're really excited to see each other. It's been a couple of months, and so excited to get back on the pitch together"
The upcoming Cup of Nations provides the ideal springboard for Australia to host the FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil this year, Tony Gustavsson’s side will get the chance to fine-tune their tournament preparations against three quality opponents.
Getting to play three separate opponents, and travel between games is giving players and staff a chance to mimic the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup tournament.
"We kind of spoke about it last camp, what this camp will mean to us and obviously in a tournament mode, getting us ready for the World Cup. "
"Training schedules based around that obviously good quality opponent similar to who we play in the World Cup."
Czechia, Spain and Jamaica all have different styles of play, with playing against three completely different kinds of opponents in quick succession benefitting the team.
"I think just playing different opponents is good for us to adjust our formation, adjust our press, learn new things before the World Cup, change a few things and just get a better idea of who we might come up against"
A 25-player squad has been selected for this upcoming tournament, with players having their sights set on making the final 23-player squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil.
“We always want to wear the Aussie jersey and wear it with pride, and whenever camp selection comes up it’s all guns blazing, and out on the training pitch nothing really changes,” she said.
“We’re fighting for spots, and we’re just trying to get better as each day passes.”
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!