Westfield Young Matildas Head Coach Leah Blayney says her squad of 23 don’t fear anyone as they embark on their AFC U-19 Women’s Championship campaign in Chonburi, Thailand this weekend.
DPR Korea, Thailand and Vietnam join the Young Matildas in Group A with the top two teams of the group progressing to the semi-finals of the competition, which begins on Sunday, 27 October.
There’s plenty at stake for each nation heading into the tournament with three qualification spots on offer for the 2020 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ in Nigeria, and Blayney says the Young Matildas are relishing the challenge.
“We certainly don’t fear anybody within this tournament,” Blayney said.
“We will go into each and every game placing the same value on our opposition in terms of us being here to qualify for a youth World Cup.
“That takes success in every single game you play, and good performances against every single team.”
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The Young Matildas kick-off their AFC U-19 Women’s Championship against DPR Korea on Sunday, 27 October at 8pm AEDT, before games against Thailand (October 30) and Vietnam (November 2) round out the group stage.
Australia will be confident of their chances to perform in the competition but Blayney admits it will depend on much more than the talent of individuals to take her side on a deep cup run.
“Within the Australian camp, it’s team before I, very much so,” Blayney said.
“So any individuals we have in our squad add to the value of the team, from number one to number 23.
“We’re certainly extremely united and prepared to come to this tournament and put on a team performance.”
As proven at any level of international football, Australian players revel in the chance to wear the iconic green and gold adorned by all of our nation’s greatest ever stars. For Blayney, and her squad of emerging female footballers, that notion is no different.
“The Australian way is that every time you pull on an Australian national team jersey, it’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate the passion and pride we have in playing for our country,” Blayney said.
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