Schwarzer: Westfield Matildas ‘primed’ for big FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019
Australian football legend Mark Schwarzer believes the Westfield Matildas are ready to show the nation what they are capable of when they begin their FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019tm campaign in June.
Speaking to Stephanie Brantz at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour in Sydney on Sunday, Schwarzer said he was excited to see what the team could do, comparing them to the Caltex Socceroos revered ‘golden generation’, a side he was part of.
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“There are similarities to 2005 and the men’s team, that golden era, I think you’ve got that now with the Matildas,” Schwarzer said.
“There is a unique group of players, phenomenal players in that group. We talk about some of the best players in the world, obviously Sam Kerr is the first name that comes to mind and she’s been fantastic for the game.
“I think this team is primed and very, very close to being in the perfect position to vy for the title. As we know at a World Cup anything can happen but I think they have a good blend of experience and young players coming through.”
Schwarzer, who played professionally for over two decades, is part of the FIFA Legends squad, a concept designed to help promote the women’s game.
The former Caltex Socceroos gloveman will be covering the team in France for Optus Sport and said he was keen to see what the tournament can do for Australia.
“It [football] unites various backgrounds, we saw in 2005 how much it united Australia when we qualified for the World Cup,” he said.
“Football has this unique way of uniting people, forgetting about anything else that goes on, whether it’s race, skin colour, whatever it is, it doesn’t matter.
“Football unites people and so to be part of any football project and more importantly the Australian team is always an honour, it’s been brilliant and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“I’m very excited about the Women’s World Cup, World Cups are phenomenal, fortunate enough to have played in two of them...very excited to be working on the Women’s World Cup.”
