Raso's unwavering focus in Tokyo 2020 pursuit

Westfield Matildas winger Hayley Raso says the team’s focus is firmly on their on-field responsibilities ahead of their 2020 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

The four-team tournament commences on Monday, February 3 and sees the Westfield Matildas tackle China PR, Chinese Taipei and Thailand for qualification to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in matches scheduled for Campbelltown Stadium and Western Sydney Stadium.

In response to the coronavirus, the tournament was moved in January from original host city Wuhan, China to Sydney, while earlier this week fixtures it was confirmed fixtures would be rescheduled to accommodate the Chinese Women’s Football Team - currently in isolation in Brisbane and unable to participate until after February 5.

The off-field manoeuvring has come while the Westfield Matildas have been in camp in Sydney preparing for the tournament, and Raso insists that she is not distracted as she looks to embark on her first AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

“I think we are preparing really well. We’ve been here for a little while,” Raso told matildas.com.au

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“We got the news we were staying in Australia, so it has given us more time to stay together on our local grounds and get prepared.

The 40-cap Westfield Matilda added: “We have to let all the outside noise just get handled by the people who do handle that and we just need to focus on what is important to us and that is playing.

“As a group we know that’s what we need to focus on and that’s what we need do and just making sure we are as prepared as we can be.”

No one can doubt the 25-year-old Raso’s tenacity and focus, with the former Brisbane Roar player overcoming a raft of personal challenges in recent years to feature in the Westfield Matilda's journey to Tokyo.

WATCH: Hayley Raso scores on her Westfield Matildas return against New Zealand

In 2018, she suffered a career-threatening broken back while playing for Portland Thorns in the United States’ NWSL but made an inspirational comeback to feature for the Westfield Matildas at the FIFA Women's World Cup in France the following year.

Earlier this month she secured a move to English FA Super League club Everton from the Roar, where scored four goals and made two assists in her eight matches in the Westfield W-League 2019/20 campaign.

Raso said she feels her form over the summer has her in good stead as she seeks to help the Westfield Matildas book their place at Tokyo 2020.

Hayley Raso


“I’m feeling really good. I think that’s important for me to have confidence,” she said.

“Coming off the back of some good games in W-League, I think it was important that I kept that form going and that’s what I’ve been trying to do."

Westfield Matildas matches will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and the My Football Live App; delayed on ABC TV.

Ticketing Information
Ticketing information will be released via www.matildas.com.au and associated social media channels on Monday, 3 February 2020. 

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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
 

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