Van Egmond has full faith in Westfield Matildas to bounce back

Emily van Egmond believes the Westfield Matildas can bounce back from their surprise 3-2 loss to Chile on Saturday, and put their FIFA Women’s World Cup preparations on track.

Alen Stajcic’s side enjoyed most of the chances in the first half, and yet found themselves behind midway through the second half. 

STAJCIC: 'I'll back our players all the time'
HIGHLIGHTS: Westfield Matildas v Chile
READ: Kerr explains where Westfield Matildas must improve after Chile upset


Van Egmond, 25, showed full faith in Westfield Matildas' system, urging her teammates to push on ahead of the second clash on Tuesday night in Newcastle.

“[Mistakes] are going to happen in football, especially with the way we play,” she said.

“Staj [Westfield Matildas coach Alen Stajcic] backs us to play a specific style which has been successful for us in the past.

“A few defensive lapses aren’t going to stop us, how we play or what we want to do. We’ll be looking to go out on Tuesday evening to rectify those things and obviously look for a better result.

“I think there were a lot of positives to take away. We created a lot of goal-scoring opportunities, it was just our final decision-making in the front third that somewhat let us down. 

“Now we know what Chile’s all about — we can go out on Tuesday and play accordingly.”

van Egmond
Emily van Egmond goes in for a challenge.

Putting the Westfield Matildas on the map

It’s no secret the Westfield Matildas have been a growing profile in the past 18 months. 

With a bigger profile, however, comes bigger responsibilities. Van Egmond relishes the team’s growing status, and welcomes the challenge. 

“I think off the back of our 2017 success, that’s what has made it possible,” she said.

“We’ve built somewhat of a profile for ourselves now and with that comes a bit of pressure.

“To be able to play in front of these crowds is what we want because when you go into the big tournaments, that’s what you’re up against. It’s the atmosphere, and there’s no better occasion. 

Emily van Egmond
Emily van Egmond celebrates with the Westfield Matildas after scoring her first goal against Chile.

Not looking at rankings

The Westfield Matildas, ranked sixth in the world, went into Saturday afternoon’s fixture 33 places above Chile in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.

Despite Australia dominating large parts of the game, Chile held their own and perhaps surprised many considering their ranking.

“The rankings are neither here or there for me,” she said. “I think every team now is extremely competitive and every team’s a challenge. 

“So to be able to get an opposition like Chile come out and play on our home soil is, again, another challenge for us, and they obviously pose a completely different threat, one we’re not usually exposed to from the likes of Asia or the United States or Europe.”

Tameka Butt
Tameka Butt wears a challenge from Chile's Saez.