Gorry and Cooney-Cross relish Matildas midfield pairing

Anna Harrington | July 24, 2023

Matildas dynamo Katrina Gorry says her midfield partner-in-crime Kyra Cooney-Cross would have had her covered as a youngster.

It’s a fair compliment, Gorry was named 2014 AFC player of the year at just 22.

But that’s how highly Gorry, the undoubted star of Australia’s opening Women’s World Cup win over Ireland, rates her 21-year-old offsider.

“She’s way better than me when I was young. She has the same sort of attitude but apart from that,” Gorry told reporters with a laugh.

“She’s definitely one of the most gifted players. 

“Being so young and having the experiences she does, she’s going to be a weapon, the more she develops and the more experience she gets.”

Gorry, who buzzes around the field, crunching tackles and picking passes, combines beautifully with the explosive, skilful Cooney-Cross.

Sometimes their on-field communication is verbal – and other times the pair only need to make eye contact to know what the other wants.

Gorry told AAP earlier this year Cooney-Cross “can be one of the best players in the world”.

“I knew Kyra was going to always be an awesome player,” Gorry said on Monday.

“From when I came into the national team, I made sure took her under my wing and we created a partnership and we have good friendship off the field and I think that helps us on the field. 

“We can talk about things that we need to work on together, where we can help each other out.

“In such a big tournament, it’s nice to have someone close by you in the middle of the park to help navigate through tough games.”

The admiration is clearly mutual.

“Of course it’s nice hearing nice things but she’s a great player as well,” Cooney-Cross said.

“I love playing with her and I love watching her play

“She’s made me feel confident and she’s taken me under her wing and that’s just enough to help me.

“I learn from her every day and I’m so grateful for her. She’s helped me be more confident playing and training. So I can’t thank her enough.”

For Gorry, throwing an arm around Cooney-Cross has been part of her new journey with the Matildas since returning from giving birth to daughter Harper in August 2021.

The 30-year-old is arguably in the form of her life and was brilliant against Ireland.

Next up, she’ll play in front of her home crowd against Nigeria in Brisbane on Thursday night.

“I’m just enjoying my football,” Gorry said. 

“Since coming back from Harper I’ve just found the love for the game again. 

“I feel like that’s kind of the way I’m playing. I’m just enjoying every moment and enjoying this awesome tournament.”