Postecoglou urges Matildas to seize WWC opportunity

Anna Harrington | July 12, 2023

Tottenham manager and former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou has urged the Matildas to seize their “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” of a Women’s World Cup and “create history” on home soil.

Postecoglou famously led the Socceroos to their only Asian Cup triumph, in Australia in 2015.

The Melburnian threw his support behind the Matildas and coach Tony Gustavsson ahead of their opening game against Ireland next Thursday.

“To Tony and all the girls, I just want to wish you all the very best in the World Cup,” Postecoglou said in a video on Optus Sport.

“Go hard, girls.

“This is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tournament on home soil, reminiscent of us winning the Asian Cup with the Socceroos.

“You can create history and I’ve got no doubt you will.

“Do your best – I know you will and you’ve got everyone’s support, whether that’s back home or over here in London. Go well.”

The Matildas take on world No.5 France in their final tune-up game at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

Australia, ranked 10th, open their campaign at Stadium Australia in Sydney on July 20 against the Irish, then play Nigeria in Brisbane on July 27 and Canada in Melbourne four days later.

Postecoglou became the first Australian to take over a Premier League club when he was appointed Spurs boss in June, after trophy-laden stints at Celtic in Scotland and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.